Peony - Japanese form

The peony is named after Paeon (also spelled Paean), a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil; Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the peony flower.

Peony blooms range from simple blossoms, with only a few petals, to complex clusters with petals packed in multiple layers. Peony flower shapes are usually assigned to one of four major groups: single, semi-double, Japanese, and double (which is probably the most popular peony flower shape).