The peony is the state flower of Indiana, replacing the zinnia in 1957. It comes in various shades and is widely grown throughout the state. Some criticize it for not being native to the area. Peonies are commonly used in Memorial Day arrangements and are a traditional symbol of wealth and honor in Chinese culture.
The state flower of Indiana is the peony. It was adopted as the state symbol in March 1957, replacing the zinnia. Peonies typically bloom in late spring or early summer and boast various shades of pink, red, yellow, and white. This large, showy flower comes as a single or double bloom. When the General Assembly introduced the peony as the state flower of Indiana, it did not designate any specific variety or color.
Prior to March 1957, the zinnia had been the state flower of Indiana since 1931. When the peony was designated the state flower of Indiana, there was speculation that a commercial peony grower was behind the change. This specific grower, who also held a state representative position, was said to influence a House vote favoring the peony over the Senate’s proposed dogwood flower.
Indiana’s history of state flowers dates back to 1913, when the carnation was adopted as the state symbol by the Concurrent Resolution. Arguments arose as to whether the carnation was not a native flower of Indiana, and the tulip tree flower was designated an Indiana state flower in 1923 through an act of the General Assembly. The flower’s reign was short-lived, however, as the zinnia was introduced as Indiana’s state flower just eight years later. A zinnia seed farmer was said to be behind the change. Oddly enough, the peony has come under the same criticism as the carnation and zinnia.
The peony is widely grown throughout the state, although it is not a native flower of Indiana. It is native to the southern parts of Europe, Asia and the western states of North America. The state flower of Indiana has faced some criticism due to its native origins. Some argue that the flower should not serve as a state symbol because it is not a flower native to the area. Despite opposition, the peony has managed to hold its title as the state flower of Indiana for more than half a century.
Peonies are commonly used in graveside arrangements for Memorial Day and are commonly grown as an ornamental plant. Their large, showy flowers are highly scented and are often prized for their beauty and fragrance. This showy bloom is one of the earliest flowers used in ornamental arrangements and decorations.
The state flower of Indiana also serves as a traditional floral symbol for the country of China. Wealth and honor are symbolized by the peony in Chinese culture, and large, showy flowers are often used in art. The Qing dynasty designated the peony as the national flower of China in 1903.
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