Of all garden plants, peonies are the most aristocratic. Their large flowers, handsome foliage and bold stature makes them stand out in any planting scheme. They have a distinguished history, too.
The name comes from Paeon, physician to the gods of ancient Greece. In those days, peony roots were used as a drug to ease childbirth. Today, we grow them mainly for their magnificent flowers.
Peonies are native to Europe and Asia. One, Paeonia mascula grows wild in Britain, but only on Steep Holm and Flat Holm; islands in the Bristol Channel.
Most are herbaceous, dying back in winter. But Chinese tree peonies are rather gawky shrubs bearing enormous flowers. Despite their drama, flowering is brief. Herbaceous peonies have more to offer.