The 'Elgin' reflects the popular vision of a peony: up to a metre tall and sprouting impressively large, pink blossoms fringed with lavender. The blooms last for two to three weeks and emit a strong, rich scent. William Brown, a peony specialist in Elora, Ontario, introduced the 'Elgin' in 1952.
The 'Coral 'n Gold' hybrid was named for the appealing colour combination of its blossoms. Originally bred by Lyman Cousins in London, Ontario, the 'Coral 'n Gold' features a cup of bright petals surrounding golden stamens.
In 600 BC China, peonies were known as the King of Flowers, and were often portrayed with the phoenix, an icon of life arising from ashes, triumphant.
According to Feng Shui, the red peony is a symbol of good fortune, associated with women and romance. It is believed to keep passion and love alive.