Peony (Paeonia) is a genus in the Paeoniaceae family. The botanical name Paeonia goes back to antiquity. Paieon was a god of ancient Greece (physician of the Olympian gods).

There are over 1000 species of peonies in various colors. The shapes of the flowers are diverse, there are single flowers, semi-double and double flowers. The flowers can be white, pink, red or yellow. Peonies are winter-hardy and most species grow no taller than 1m.

Peonies love good, moist soil, preferably clay and prefer a place with some sunshine. In order to keep the long rod and the large heavy flower afloat, they need support. The best time to plant is autumn, preferably October.

Peonies can stand in the border, but can be held in a pot. In case of the latter be sure that the pot is large, much manure and sufficient moisture in the soil. A great dose of bone meal after flowering in July and dried cow manure in early spring, is rewarded every year with a rich bloom in June