Chinese national flower - Peony

Peonychinese Peony
chinese peony flowerchina peonypeonieschinese national flower

The peony is among the longest-used flowers in ornamental culture and is one of the smallest living creature national emblems in China. it is a traditional floral symbol of China, it is also known as 'fuguihua' 'flower of riches and honour', and is used symbolically in Chinese art. In 1903, the Qing Dynasty declared the peony as the national flower.

Tree peony, Chinese National Flower, native to China, is known as "the King of flowers", whereas herbaceous peony is called as "the Queen of flowers". Tree peony has been the favorite flower from the imperial down to the common for more than 1500 years in Chinese history, whereas the cultivation history of Chinese herbaceous peony can go back to 2500 years ago. The famous ancient Chinese city Luoyang has a reputation as a cultivation centre for the peonies.

Chinese people were enthralled by their beauty, a poet wrote, "Only the tree peony is worthy of being called the Beauty of the Empire. During its blooming time the whole capital city went berserk." "Horses and carriages were coming and going like crazy. Those who didn't go to see the flowers were feeling ashamed of themselves."