In Chinese culture, the peony is known as the “king of flowers.” In Chinese, it is called 花王 (huāwáng), and it is also associated with 富貴花 (fùguìhuā), meaning “flower of riches and honour.” Its large, lavish blossoms helped make it a powerful symbol of wealth, prosperity, rank, beauty, and feminine elegance.
Peonies have been cultivated in China for centuries. Ornamental varieties developed from plants used in Chinese medicine, and the flower became especially fashionable during the Tang dynasty, when it was grown in imperial gardens. Luoyang became a renowned centre of peony cultivation, a reputation it retains through its gardens, exhibitions, and annual festivals.
The peony is sometimes described as China’s national flower, but that wording needs care. The Qing dynasty declared it the national flower in 1903, while the modern People’s Republic of China has not formally ratified a national flower. The plum blossom is the official national flower of Taiwan. In Japan, different peony species also carry prestigious titles, including “King of Flowers.”