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Peonies: The definitive gardening and botanical guide for peony enthusiasts
This is first follow-up to the Garden Writer’s Guild Award-nominated Vintage Roses. This new title in Pavilion’s series of stylish floral gardening guides celebrates the beauty and versatility of the peony flower.
Peonies have always been a favourite with gardeners and cut-flower fans alike, but in 2016 their popularity went beyond bridal bouquets as the blooms took over social media – their gramming power was so huge this year that by May, Elle UK had already crowned the flowers as ‘The New Avocado’.
First outlining the history of the peony, Peonies is then split into chapters Pure, Dramatic, Romantic and Fragrant, and includes over 50 beautiful varieties as well as detailing when they bloom, their size, and, of course, what they'll look like. From Shawnee Chief to Sarah Bernhardt, you’ll discover an eclectic selection of specimens from those that have the best visual appearance to those with the most fragrant perfume. The final section, Growing and Care, outlines those varieties which are easiest to grow and which produce the best flowers for cutting.
With contemporary commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow advice and glorious photography, this book will appeal to everyone who appreciates the beauty of the majestic peony.
Peonies have always been a favourite with gardeners and cut-flower fans alike, but in 2016 their popularity went beyond bridal bouquets as the blooms took over social media – their gramming power was so huge this year that by May, Elle UK had already crowned the flowers as ‘The New Avocado’.
First outlining the history of the peony, Peonies is then split into chapters Pure, Dramatic, Romantic and Fragrant, and includes over 50 beautiful varieties as well as detailing when they bloom, their size, and, of course, what they'll look like. From Shawnee Chief to Sarah Bernhardt, you’ll discover an eclectic selection of specimens from those that have the best visual appearance to those with the most fragrant perfume. The final section, Growing and Care, outlines those varieties which are easiest to grow and which produce the best flowers for cutting.
With contemporary commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow advice and glorious photography, this book will appeal to everyone who appreciates the beauty of the majestic peony.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
5 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 17, 2019
It's just a few days until Christmas, the ground is covered with snow, and my morning walk was done in -25°C weather. It's the perfect time to browse through this peonies book.
I love peonies. Their flowers are so beautiful; it's one of my most favourite blooms. I found the history of peonies interesting (at one time people paid upwards of $1000 for a dividing of a new hybrid). Kind of like the modern day tulip.
And the pictures!! Oh, the pictures. So many many beautiful photographs. That alone would be reason to peruse this book.
This book is broken down into sections: Pure, Dramatic, Romantic, and Fragrant. Each section is then broken down into specific varieties and listed the flowers origins and basic information.
I love peonies. Their flowers are so beautiful; it's one of my most favourite blooms. I found the history of peonies interesting (at one time people paid upwards of $1000 for a dividing of a new hybrid). Kind of like the modern day tulip.
And the pictures!! Oh, the pictures. So many many beautiful photographs. That alone would be reason to peruse this book.
This book is broken down into sections: Pure, Dramatic, Romantic, and Fragrant. Each section is then broken down into specific varieties and listed the flowers origins and basic information.
June 19, 2020
A beautiful book!
September 20, 2025
Read this book so excited to grow a hedge of peonies in the backyard and then realized they only bloom for like three weeks.
Devastated. 10/10. Would recommend.
Devastated. 10/10. Would recommend.
May 12, 2018
This book is a visual feast for the eyes! Pictures upon pics of lovely peonies!
July 11, 2024
Absolutely stunning photos of a huge variety of peonies! I didn't realize how many different kinds of peonies there are. I enjoyed learning about the history of these blooms and how & when each variety came to be. Eastone provides some helpful growing & care tips that I will be using with the one sad peony I have - hopefully I'll see blooms next year!
As I develop my own garden, I will definitely refer back to this book for my favorites and hope to plant some of my own! Great colorful coffee table book.
As I develop my own garden, I will definitely refer back to this book for my favorites and hope to plant some of my own! Great colorful coffee table book.
August 18, 2020
It's a fair cop: the pictures are irresistible.
There's useful information in here too, however. A peony of mine that had become less prolific year on year, with only two blooms in 2019, gave me a tremendous show this year after I followed the advice on clearing every speck of soil or fallen leaves from the "eyes" at ground level. If only all life's difficulties were so easily solved.
There's useful information in here too, however. A peony of mine that had become less prolific year on year, with only two blooms in 2019, gave me a tremendous show this year after I followed the advice on clearing every speck of soil or fallen leaves from the "eyes" at ground level. If only all life's difficulties were so easily solved.
May 9, 2024
This is a GORGEOUS book; the photos are completely stunning, and you can smell the flowers just by looking at these pics! Full page spread on each of several varieties of peony, including herbaceous, itoh, and tree peonies. Definitely a tome to be savored!
June 30, 2018
A practical guide with luscious photographs. A real feast for the eye.
October 24, 2021
Beautiful!
February 20, 2022
Further evidence I should absolutely become a peony farmer.
This book was gorgeous and comprehensive.
This book was gorgeous and comprehensive.
September 7, 2022
Beautiful pictures and good information on the varieties included in the book.
June 24, 2025
Outstanding
January 6, 2025
Absolutely beautiful photography, and so much knowledge can be found in this book! Perfect for anyone who loves flowers, whether they are novices or experts.
May 17, 2018
Gorgeous photography by Georgianna Lane. Clear descriptions and growing tips. Would add so many of these to my home garden ... if I had one. Sadly, my balcony is less than idea. But I can always dream
September 26, 2021
Lovely book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews