It’s Official: This Will Be the ‘It’ Flower of 2024
It’s a beauty, that’s for sure.
Iaroslava Zolotko/Getty Images
Every year 1-800-Flowers.com chooses a flower of the year and they’ve just crowned the peony for 2024. It’s not hard to see why it was chosen—the peony is a gorgeous, lush bloom with the prettiest colors. How many times have we seen a bouquet on social media? It’s Instagram-famous and beloved by many (and for many centuries).
Because they bloom only for a short time in the spring, peonies are rare and that makes them even more special and sought-after. 1-800-Flowers.com describes the flower as “formed by an outer layer of dozens and dozens of interior petals—more than 300 in some cases—and a lush center of pollen-bearing stamens.” The blooms can be big and statement-making, some can even be the size of a small dinner plate. And they can be found in a wide range of colors: white, yellow, pink, red, purple, and coral.
Courtesy of 1-800-Flowers.com
“Peonies are symbolic of love and romance, as well as good fortune and prosperity,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800-Flowers.com. “Each individual flower is like a work of art. Their petals are layered and, when they blossom, form an exquisite bloom of ruffled petals, giving them a full-bodied shape that’s perfect for bouquets and arrangements for someone special in your life.”
More Videos From Sunset
The flowers also have a rich history—they’re believed to have originated in China, where they are associated with wealth, honor, and beauty. The peony also figures into ancient Greek and Roman culture; its name comes from Paeon, a student of Ascelpius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. According to 1-800-Flowers.com, legend has it that Paeon used a peony to treat one of Zeus’s wounds. Asclepius became jealous of his student and Zeus saved him by turning him into a peony flower.
Courtesy of 1-800-Flowers.com
Aside from its rich history and symbolism, to put it plainly, the peony is a real looker. Sunset editor Kristin Guy recommends buying a bouquet when the buds are closed tight so you can maximize its blooming time. When you bring them home, snip the stems at an angle and put them in water, making sure no leaves are touching the water. Keep tabs on the water level as the peony is a thirsty flower—re-trim the stems and change out the water if it’s murky, perhaps every other day or so.
We only recommend things we love. If you buy something through our site, we might earn a commission.
