The white peony is the color requested most often for many special occasions, particularly weddings. Yet, because of its strength and elegance, it is also suited to probably more somber days in our lives, such as funerals. Even at funerals, color in flowers is also appropriate, to acknowledge both our loss and the loved one's return to our Home.

It is possible for a peony flower's color to vary with growing conditions, such as the amount of sun, food and water it receives. In addition, the age of the plant has a bearing on the blossoms. For example, a young plant will almost always put out flowers of unexpected appearance before it eventually settles down to producing mature blooms when it has a few years of experience.

One wonderful white peony is the outstanding Shirley Temple, which makes a terrific background plant in spring, growing to 2 feet tall. As a cut flower, it is unmatched for indoor display. The traditional Festiva Maxima from grandmother's garden produces many sweet-scented blooms sometimes referred to as opulent. Its white peony flowers have scarlet accents.Another traditional white flowering peony is the Duchesse de Nemours, only five years younger than the Festiva Maxima.

A Tree Peony Can Be a White Peony

An outstanding Chinese Tree Peony is the Xue Ta that has 6" crown form flowers that appear midseason. Among Japanese Tree Peonies, many white flowers have a yellowish tinge. But the midseason Koshino Yuki opens as faint pink, and then turns white. The very rare, late-blooming Mikunio Hata has an unusual shape and appearance, while the Hakuo Jishi Tau is a beautiful midseason bloomer.