What a red peony says
In the language of flowers the peony has long carried ideas of bashfulness and good fortune, and in Chinese tradition it stands for honour and prosperity. Red, the strongest shade, is usually read as passion or deep regard. If you searched for the meaning of a red peony, those are the associations most often given. They are traditions rather than rules, so a red bunch can simply say you are fond of someone.
Reds that hold their colour
Reds in peonies are rarely one flat tone. Look at the range before choosing.
- 'Karl Rosenfield' is a well-loved crimson double that has been grown for over a century.
- 'Red Charm' is a deep, dark red with a high, rounded bloom.
- Single reds show off bright yellow stamens at the centre.
Strong sun can bleach dark petals, while cool light keeps the depth. In a bright Irish June the colour tends to hold well, but bunches left on a sunny windowsill will fade faster.
From garden to vase
Cut stems when the buds feel soft and show a hint of colour. Put them straight into cool water and keep them out of direct sun. Red doubles are heavy, so use a vase tall enough to support the necks.
If you grow your own, let a few stems stay on the plant. Each healthy leaf builds energy for next year's flowers, so remove no more than a third of the foliage.
Mind the animals
Red petals on a tiled floor are easy for a curious pet to grab. The ASPCA warns that peony is harmful to dogs, cats and horses, so clear fallen petals promptly and keep stems out of reach.
