You know those lush, fluffy pink cloud peonies that trigger spring flower frenzies annually? Did you ever wonder what gives those fleeting blooms such intense devotion and fame? I recently fell down an Internet rabbit hole unearthing some surprisingly cool legends!

Turns out, generations have kinda imprinted cultural importance onto peonies over centuries. Beyond pretty petals, they silently reference love, honor, new phases and even apologies through color symbolism and lore across civilizations.

Care to join my casual quest digging into the language of flowers? I uncovered some fascinating tales if you nerd out on flower trivia like me! But no pressure – we’ll keep things friendly, I promise!

Peony Meanings Cheat Sheet

If you’re looking for a quick overview of peony symbols before we explore further, here’s a brief list summarizing the main meanings associated with romance, honor, beauty, femininity, and more. Different peony types and colors have represented these themes across cultures throughout history. Think of it as your introductory guide to common themes if you just want the basics!

Meanings By Peony Color

ColorAssociated Meaning
RedPassion, romance
WhiteRemorse, apologies
YellowPositive new beginnings
PinkJoy, prosperity in relationships
CoralGratitude and admiration

What Are Peonies?

Peonies are flowering plants native to Asia, Europe, and North America, known for their large, lush blooms and delightful fragrance. They belong to the genus Paeonia and are available in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and yellow. Peonies are popular in gardens, floral arrangements, and weddings due to their stunning appearance and symbolism of romance, prosperity, and good fortune. These perennial plants come in many different colors and typically bloom in late spring to early summer and are prized for their beauty and longevity as cut flowers.

Overall Peony Flower Meaning & Symbolism

In general, peonies symbolically convey:

  • Beauty, nobility and prosperity
  • Honor and esteem
  • Romance, devotion and bashfulness

Light pink shades in particular have amassed the most varied positive virtues around feminine attractiveness, emotional warmth, and depth across civilizations and eras. Their stunning natural aesthetic certainly assists symbolic links to human grace and style.

So while exact associations depend on regional stories tied to peonies over time, a universal current permeates assigning these flowers to admirable gentle qualities – joyfulness, prosperity, thriving love.


So you’re standing in the grocery store, marveling at the beautiful array of peonies, trying to decide which ones to bring home. Each bloom captivates with its vibrant color, but did you know that the color of a peony holds significant meaning? From saying “I’m sorry” to celebrating new beginnings, the color of the peony can convey a range of emotions and sentiments. In this section, we’ll explore the various colors of peonies and unravel the meanings behind each hue, helping you choose the perfect blooms for special occasions. different colors, peony meaning, ideal gifts, 

White Peonies: Perfect for Apologies If you find yourself needing to apologize, consider offering white peonies. Not only are they a symbol of beauty, but they also convey feelings of bashfulness, shame, and regret, making them an ideal choice for expressing remorse and seeking forgiveness. (Notable white peony varieties include Bride’s Dream, Shirley Temple, Bowl of Cream, and Elsa Sass.)

Large white peonies in a glass vase.

Pink Peonies: Bridal Bouquet Essentials Pink peonies are a classic choice for weddings and bridal bouquets, representing happy marriage, good luck, and prosperity. They are also associated with twelfth anniversaries, symbolizing enduring love and joy. (Notable pink peony varieties include Lady Alexandra Duff, Sorbet, Rozella, and Pink Parfait.)

a pink peony bloom.

Red Peonies: Ideal for Anniversaries Red peonies, like many things red, symbolize love, passion, prosperity, wealth, and honor. Surprise your significant other on date night or an anniversary with these vibrant blooms. (Award-winning red peony varieties include Many Happy Returns, Red Charm, and Scarlett O’Hara.)

A deep red peony in bloom.

Yellow Peonies: Perfect for Celebrating Life’s Fresh Starts Symbolizing new beginnings, a yellow peony bouquet is perfect for housewarming parties and other new beginnings. Whether it’s a sister’s new job, welcoming new neighbors, or congratulating soon-to-be parents, yellow peonies convey a sense of joy and optimism. (Consider varieties like Prairie Charm, Garden Treasure, and Bartzella.)

A bright yellow peony in full bloom.

Coral Peonies: Exquisite Symbols of Admiration Coral peonies hold a special place in the realm of floral symbolism, representing admiration and gratitude. Their stunning coral hue evokes feelings of warmth and appreciation, making them an excellent choice for expressing admiration for someone special. (Popular choice: Coral peonies are Abalone Pearl, Coral Charm, Coral n’ Gold or Coral Sunset.)

A gorgeous coral peony with an orange center.

These peony colors each carry their unique significance, making them ideal gifts and suitable for various occasions and expressions of sentiment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peonies

What is the correct pronunciation of “peony”?

The correct pronunciation of “peony” is PEE-uh-nee or PEE-oh-nee. Both pronunciations are widely accepted and commonly used, depending on regional accents and personal preference.

What is the significance of peonies in different cultures?

Peonies symbolize wealth, honor, and prosperity in Chinese culture and are the state flower of Indiana. They were linked to the god of medicine in ancient Greece and are often used in wedding bouquets for their representation of romance and good fortune.

What symbolic meanings are associated with peonies?

Peonies symbolize prosperity and positive energy in Chinese culture but were sometimes associated with misfortune in medieval Europe. They are popular for romantic occasions due to their lush petals and vibrant hues, representing love and enduring beauty. Each shade carries its own unique symbolism, making peonies a timeless floral choice.

What are the symbolic meanings associated with peonies and their various colors?

Peonies are often regarded as a beautiful flower representing prosperity and good fortune. Peony meaning can vary depending on their color:
Red -Passion, romance
White – Remembrance, purity
Yellow – Positive new beginnings
Pink -Joy, prosperity in relationships
Coral – Special meanings of gratitude and admiration

For my top peony care tips visit:

a pitcher filled with pink peonies in full bloom. also pictured is a pink drink and white open lantern.

5 Simple Steps to Mastering Cut Peony Care: Keeping Your Blooms Fresh and Fabulous:
Learn the secrets to keeping your cut peonies fresh and vibrant with our comprehensive guide to caring for these beloved blooms. Discover expert tips and tricks for extending the vase life of your peonies, ensuring they remain beautiful and fragrant for as long as possible.

Thank you for visiting the blog for Peony Flower Meaning: What Hue Speaks to Your Sentiments? I hope you found this post helpful in understanding the symbolic significance of different peony colors and how they can convey your sentiments on various occasions. If you have any questions or insights to share, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy peony gifting!

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