Indiana State Flower: Peonies
Native Homes to Peonies and Zinnias- Mackenzie Hammer 2020
Indiana State Flower History
As of now, 2020, Indiana's state flower is a peony since 1957. Before that the state flower was a zinnia, from 1931-1957. Peonies come in many different colors such as red, pink, yellow, and white. They are native to Europe, Asia, and Western North America. Zinnias are native to Mexico.
Peonies are separated into 4 different groups. They are suffruticosa, rockii hybrids, species, and the lutea hybrids. Each group has different characteristics, habits, and plant hardiness.
Van Engelen, www.vanengelen.com/flower-bulbs-index/herbaceous-peonies/collection-w-quintessential-fragrant-peony-collection.html.
All About Peonies
Peonies originally came to the United States from Europe in the 1800s. Some descendants of our state's earliest peonies are still growing today.
A popular myth about peonies has come up regarding Greek mythology. People say during medieval times they took ground up peony seeds and others took them to prevent bad dreams. This started because the name, peony, comes from the greek word Paeon, who is said to be the physician to the gods.
Peonies have different meanings in different cultures. In China peonies are a big part of their holidays and traditions like Chinese New Year. The word "most beautiful" also can be translated to peony. In the Eastern culture it is related to royalty and honor. During Victorian ages it was considered bad luck if you were to dig up a peony because they believed a fairy would then curse you.
Jones, Alexandra. “The Meaning Behind Every Flower, Decoded.” Mydomaine, MyDomaine, 23 Aug. 2019, www.mydomaine.com/flower-meanings-list-4767247.
What Makes Them Special?
Peonies are very significant. They have been around for many many years and have collected several meanings. Some of the more common meanings are romance, good mariage, honor, compassion, bashfulness, etc.
There are also 2 common myths about peonies, one was talked about before. The one that was mentioned before was about using peonies during medieval times for medicinal purposes. Another myth about peonies is that they were tied to a nymph named Paeonia. She attracted Apollo's attention and Aphrodite got jealous and turned her into a peony. This is how peonies got the meaning bashfulness.
“Planting Zones Map - Find Your Plant Hardiness Growing Zone.” Gilmour, 3 Feb. 2020, gilmour.com/planting-zones-hardiness-map.
Benefiting the Environment
Peonies may be harming the environment we live in. Peonies usually like cold weather while they are going through their annual rest. They attract ants and some diseases. Gray mold, or botrytis blight, is a common disease that shows up on peonies in rainy seasons. This disease makes the plant rot and covers it with a brown/black mass of fungal spores. Red spot, or peony blotch, affects the ground above the plant. After a few years with this disease on the plant it can cause the plant to become unsightly.
https://aquileana.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/paeon_peony.jpg?w=500&h=245
Why Were Peonies Chosen?
Indiana has gone through 4 different state flowers. First was the carnation, then was the tulip tree blossom, then we had the zinnia, and now its peonies. Originally we were supposed to have the dogwood be our state flower but there was a disagreement with politics and the final decision came to peonies. Many people were angry at the fact zinnias weren't going to be our state flower anymore. There isn't a lot of information about why we decided on peonies or why we changed our state flower so many times.
In Indiana they are commonly found in the Fort Wayne area to Indianapolis. But they are found most places in Indiana.
