Peonies and roses: almost family... but then again, not at all

Ask ten people if a peony is a rose, and at least three will say, ‘Of course, can't you see?’ And that's where the confusion begins: peonies look like roses, but they really belong to their own exclusive plant family. They're a bit like that one friend who always hangs out with the rosé drinkers but actually orders beer.

Why do we think peonies are roses?

Simple:

• They have huge, creamy flower heads (check)
• They smell wonderful (another check)
• They symbolise love, romance and ‘oh-my-gosh-they're-so-beautiful’ (three checks)

But in terms of family ties... nope. Roses belong to the Rosaceae family, peonies to the Paeoniaceae family. So they live in the same city, but in completely different neighbourhoods.

How about their name?

A lot of people think peonies are a kind of rose, because in multiple languages the word rose is literally in the word peony. In English it's: roses - peonies. In Dutch it's: rozen - pioenrozen and in German it's: Rosen - Pfingstrosen. So it is quite understandable for people to think they must be related. But no, this is just a typical piece of linguistic logic. The word “rose” used to be added more often to flowers that had a rose-like shape. Large flower, lots of petals, romantic appearance? Hey presto, add “rose”. But that is just a linguistic optical illusion.

In short: the name of peonies is based on roses in some languages because theypeonies are called peonies because they resemble roses, not because they are roses. A bit like someone who always drinks red wine is automatically called a ‘wine lover’ — even though he never drinks white.

Where do peonies actually come from?

Peonies have travelled the world. They originate from Asia, Europe and parts of North America. In China in particular, they have been the Beyoncé of flowers for centuries: luxurious, beloved and a little dramatic. In Chinese history, they symbolised wealth and honour. They even appeared in palace gardens — because, yes, peonies were the aristocrats among flowers.

How did peonies come into being?

Peonies have been around for a very long time. Scientists estimate that they began to develop millions of years ago. The varieties we know today are the result of a combination of natural evolution and — later — human breeding. Growers realised that people were falling head over heels for these giant, fluffy flower bulbs and enthusiastically continued to cross-breed them. The result: more colours, more shapes, more wow.

So why do peonies look so much like roses?

Chances are that your love for roses will automatically transfer to peonies — and that's not your fault. They share:

• Many petals (sometimes so many that you can hardly count them)
• A romantic appearance
• A sweet scent that makes you spontaneously reach for a wedding dress
• Popularity in bouquets, weddings and Instagram-worthy vases

In short: it's no wonder that the average flower lover thinks peonies are the XXL version of a rose.

Peonies and roses are not related, but they are floral sisters

So no — peonies are not roses.
But yes — they are often mistaken for roses, which is actually a huge compliment for both species.

They are both beautiful, charming and ideal for making someone happy... including yourself.