Why do the Chinese consider the tree peony the “King of Flowers”?
The Chinese tree peony is the “National Flower of China”. This accolade comes from a recognition of the plant’s numerous flowers, and that the color of the flowers defy representation even in photos or watercolors. In bloom they have a luminous quality as well as subtle shades and tone that gives them the appearance of being made of silk. The envelope of fragrance from older plants is an experience that stays with a garden visitor long after they have left the garden. They are also extremely long lived plants, with reports from China of plants living for more that two centuries.
