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Paeonia sp.
(PEE-oh-nee-ah) or (pee-OH-nee-ah)
Common Name: Peony
Family Name: Ranunculaceae

Herbaceous plants with large, 4-5" across, showy flowers in white, pink, rose and rose-red. Primarily Asian in origin. The name derives from the Greek name for the physician to the Gods 'Paeon', who tended their wounds during the Trojan war. The Peony has enjoyed a long medicinal history which extended from the time of the Greeks until almost the 17th century. The Peony was cultivated for centuries by the Chinese. By the 10th century at least 39 varieties were cultivated and considered of great value. Flowers were used as doweries and commanded substantial amounts of gold. The peony in the picture above is approximately five inches across.

Postproduction factors

Development at harvest . If harvested when the calyx is tight with little petal color showing, peonies may not open properly. Flowers cut at this stage have a shorter vase life.. For optimum storage and minimum damage in handling, and sipping, harvest flowers when the calyx is loose and petals are showing true color or else with one petal unfurled. for immediate, local use, harvest flowers in the partially opened stage.

Consumer care. Recut stems and place in clean warm water. Use a floral preservative. peonies in arrangements should be kept away from heat and drafts. Maintain adequate supplies of water in vases and the floral arrangement reservoir. Flowers handled properly should last four or five days.

Retail handling
Preparation . Recut stems and remove lower foliage upon receipt or removal from storage.

Hydration . For best results in opening bud cut flowers and hydrating open flowers, use clean water adjusted to pH 3.5 with citric acid.

Preservative . After hydration, transfer flowers to a floral preservative solution. Hold bud cut flowers at 70 F (21C) until open.
Temperature. Refrigerate open flowers at 35 to 40F (2 to 5C)

Storage . Store freshly harvested bud cut peonies, in the loose calyx stage, in a polyethylene-lined box at 32 F (0C) for up to 4 weeks with satisfactory vase life. Storage may decrease longevity of the cultivar mons Jules Elie. Storage may result in premature wilting of the cultivars Felix Crousse and John C. Lee.

Lasting qualities. If picked at the earliest stages, peonies last 2 to 7 days with or without preservative when held at 70 F (21C), depending upon cultivar.

Preservative . Use a floral preservative to reduce opening time and increase vase life.

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