Rooted in Indiana: The Story Behind the State Flower
Every spring in Indiana, something magical happens. Tiny red shoots emerge from the ground after a long winter, eventually emerging into some of the most breathtaking blooms in the garden: peonies.
These plants are hardy, long-lived, dramatic in the best way, and deeply tied to Midwest gardens and family traditions. For many Hoosiers, peonies bring back memories of grandparents’ gardens, fresh-cut bouquets on the kitchen table, and the unmistakable feeling of Summer. But did you know peonies are not a native flower to Indiana. So how did it become the state flower?
A Flower with History
Peonies first arrived in the United States in the 1800s, after having been cultivated in China, Siberia and Japan for more than 2,000 years. Peonies became Indiana’s state flower in 1957, replacing the zinnia. This was largely due to the legislative power of Rep. Laurence D. Baker of Kendallville, who owned commercial peony farms. The General Assembly rejected proposals for the Tulip Tree Blossom and Dogwood before selecting the peony!
While not native, the peony was widely grown across Indiana and popular for decorating gravesites on Memorial Day.
Peony Care Tips for Beginners
It is no surprise the peony plant is a popular choice for Midwest gardens. They have show stopping blooms, are low maintenance, and live a long time!
Here are a few tips for success!
Give Them Full Sun: Peonies bloom best with at least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day.
See Ants?: This is a good sign! Ants and peonies have a symbiotic relationship. The ants help the flowers bloom!
Be Patient: Peonies can take a couple of years to fully establish, but once they do, they reward you year after year.
Support Heavy Blooms: Some varieties produce giant blooms that flop after heavy rain. Plant supports or cages can help keep flowers upright.
Pruning: After blooming, the leaves continue storing energy for next year’s flowers. In the fall, cut the plant down to the ground. Next year, new sprouts will appear!
The future of the state flower
Although the peony is a beautiful perennial flower, it does not occur naturally in Indiana and has no true natural or historical significance to the state.
Twenty-five years ago, in the 2001 legislative session, a bill was introduced to designate the fire pink as the official state flower, replacing the peony. The bill did not receive a hearing, and the initiative was eventually dropped.
The Indiana Native Plant Society and partner conservation groups believe that it is long overdue for the state to adopt a flower native to Indiana as the state flower, such as the Butterfly Weed plant.
For more information, follow along here.
Sources: www.Indianapeonyfestival.com, Hamilton County Reporter, Indiana Native Plant Society