Peonies have a long and rich history in China. They are known as "mudan" in Chinese and have been cultivated in the country for over 2,000 years. The original use was medicinal and for flavoring food.

Records from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) describe the cultivation of peonies in imperial gardens, and peonies were a popular subject of poets and painters during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), peonies became a symbol of wealth and social status, and the imperial court placed great importance on the cultivation and breeding of new varieties of peonies.

The exact origin of peonies is somewhat unclear, as the flower has been cultivated in various parts of the world for centuries. However, many experts believe that peonies originated in China, they were also cultivated in Japan by the 8th century. It is believed that Marco Polo, the famous Italian explorer, brought peonies from China to Europe during his travels in the 13th century. From there, peonies spread throughout the continent and eventually made their way to North America. Today, peonies are grown all over the world and are beloved garden flowers for their beauty and fragrance.

Today, China is still a major producer of peonies, and they remain a beloved flower in Chinese culture, often associated with beauty, elegance, and romance. The city of Luoyang, in central China, is particularly famous for its peony festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. The city of Heze the peony Capital of China has a Woody (tree) peony Festival each year. China still puts out some of the most beautiful peonies in the world creating multiple new varieties each year.

Peony Breeding is extremely popular in the US. It started in 1856 with M.A. Terry (1826-1909)