Peonies are ornamental flowers that belong to the genus Paeonia in the peony family. They are known for their large, showy flowers, often fragrant, and are popular in gardening. Peonies can be herbaceous or shrubby. Peony flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple, and their petals can be single or double. Peonies typically bloom in late spring and early summer and are a symbol of beauty, love, and good fortune in many cultures. They owe their Latin name to the god of healing, Paean (or Paeon, or Paeanus), who healed gods and humans from wounds received in battle.