The name of the peony
How does a plant get its name? And why does it sometimes have two of them? Join us on the search for traces.
The German name «Pfingstrose» (Pentecost Rose) comes from its flowering period around Pentecost.
The botanical name «Paeonia», on the other hand, goes back to the Greek physician Paeon,
who is said to have healed the wounded god of the dead Hades with the help of peonies.
With this, however, he enraged the god of medicine, Asclepius, who tried to kill Paeon out of jealousy.
But Zeus saved Paeon by transforming him into a beautiful peony.
Peony or Pentecost Rose? European countries are divided on this. Because in Switzerland,
Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Hungary the flower is called Pentecost Rose -
in the respective national language - while in the rest of Europe people tend to
stick to the botanical name and call it - depending on the country - peony, pivoine, peonia, pivoňka etc.
Fancy some more peony stories?
Peonies and their history
Large flowers, fragrant, with spectacular colors: Everyone loves peonies. Find out how old they can get and who used them for decoration as early as 200 BC.
Peony or Pentecost Rose?
How does a plant get its name? And why does it sometimes have two of them? Join us on the search for traces.
Language of peonies
Flowers have meanings. You can say a lot of things with them. Find out how positive the peony is.
Science or superstition?
Do peonies help with diseases caused by the moon? And why are their roots only dug up at night? We provide answers and much more.