What is the Difference Between Peonies and Roses

Peonies and roses are two beautiful flowers with large, full blooms and many petals. Both are popular choices for gardens and floral arrangements. However, some people find it difficult to recognize the difference between peonies and roses.

What is the difference between peonies and roses? Peonies usually have more petals and a fuller look than roses.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Peonies 
      – Definition, Features
2. What are Roses
      – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Peonies and Roses
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Peonies and Roses
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Peonies and Roses
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Peonies, Roses

What are Peonies

Peonies are flowering plants that belong to the genus Paeonia. It’s the only genus in their family, Paeoniaceae. They naturally grow in regions of Asia, Europe, and western North America. Peonies come in two main forms: herbaceous types, which are perennial plants that reach around 1 to 3 feet in height, and tree peonies, which grow as shrubs and can get as tall as 11 feet.

These plants are known for their large, often fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Peonies come in colors like purple, pink, red, white, and yellow. Their blooming season is short, usually lasting just 7 to 10 days.

Peonies are often compared to roses but have a fuller look due to their extra layers of petals. This makes them stand out and gives them a soft, ruffled appearance that many people appreciate.

What are Roses

Roses are flowering plants from the Rosaceae family, and they’ve been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Today, there are over 300 different rose species and tens of thousands of specific varieties known as cultivars. Roses come in many colors, shapes, and sizes and are usually divided into three main groups: Old Garden Roses, Species (or Wild) Roses, and Modern Roses.

A typical rose flower has five petals, though some species, like Rosa omeiensis and Rosa sericea, have four. Each petal has two rounded lobes and is usually white or pink, but in some species, you’ll also see yellow or red roses. Beneath the petals, roses have five sepals, which are the green, leaf-like parts that sometimes stick out between the petals. In some rose species, mainly those with four petals, there are also only four sepals. Roses rely on insects for pollination in the wild.

The leaves of a rose plant grow alternately along the stem and are usually about 2 to 6 inches long. They have a pinnate shape, meaning each leaf is made up of 5 to 9 smaller leaflets with serrated edges. Although most roses lose their leaves seasonally, some species from warmer regions, especially in Southeast Asia, can be evergreen.

One of the distinctive features of roses is the sharp growths along their stems, commonly called “thorns,” though they’re technically prickles. Prickles grow from the outer layer of the stem, unlike true thorns, which are modified parts of the stem itself. Rose prickles are usually curved, almost like little hooks, and help the plant anchor itself when growing over other vegetation.

Similarities Between Peonies and Roses

1. Both have large, full blooms with many petals.
2. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and yellow.
3. Many varieties of both flowers have a pleasant scent.
4. Both are popular choices for gardens and floral arrangements.

Difference Between Peonies and Roses

Definition

• Peonies are flowering plants from the genus Paeonia, while roses are flowering plants from the genus Rosa.

Petal Count

• Peonies usually have more petals and a fuller look than roses.

Bloom Duration

• Peony blooms last about 7 to 10 days, while rose blooms can last longer depending on the variety.

Scent

• Peonies often have a lighter, sweeter fragrance, while roses can have a stronger, more classic floral scent.

Growth Habit

• Peonies are mostly herbaceous perennials, while roses can be either shrubs or climbing plants.

Prickles and Thorns

• Roses have prickles (often called thorns) on their stems, while peonies do not have them.

FAQ: Peonies and Roses

1. Is peony related to rose?

Peonies and roses are not directly related, but they are both flowering plants. Peonies belong to the genus Paeonia, while roses belong to the genus Rosa. They are from different plant families, but both are popular in gardens and have beautiful flowers.

2. What do peonies symbolize?

Peonies symbolize various meanings, including romance, prosperity, and good fortune. In many cultures, they are associated with love and affection, which makes them popular in wedding bouquets.

3. What rose looks like a peony?

Roses that look like peonies are often referred to as garden roses. These roses have a full, ruffled appearance similar to peonies, with many petals and a pleasant fragrance. Popular varieties include ‘Abraham Darby,’ ‘Gertrude Jekyll,’ and ‘Charles Darwin.’

4. Do peonies and roses smell similar?

Peonies and roses have different scents. Peonies typically have a sweet, light fragrance that can be quite delicate, while roses often have a stronger, more classic floral scent. However, some rose varieties, especially fragrant garden roses, can have sweet notes that may remind some people of peonies.

5. Are roses more expensive than peonies?

Roses are generally more expensive than peonies, especially when it comes to certain varieties like garden roses or specialty roses. The price can vary based on factors like the type, season, and where you buy them. Peonies can also be costly, especially during their short blooming season.

Reference: 

1. “Peony.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 

2. “Rose.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Bouquet de roses roses” By Jebulon – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Peonies – Ueno Tōshō-gū Peony Garden – DSC01900” By Daderot – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia