Peony Flower Forms
The American Peony Society uses a classification system of six different flower forms to help distinguish the various shapes of Peony blooms. These include:
- Single: Contains 5-15 petals arranged in a flat, saucer-like shape.
- Japanese: Has an inner ring of colorful staminodes, or modified stamens in which pollen is encased in fleshy tissue. Not dropping pollen was a desirable feature in Japan.
- Anemone: Inner circle comprises petalodes, or modified stamens that resemble petals yet maintain their yellow coloring. There is greater contrast between them and the colored outer petals than in the Japanese form.
- Bomb: Appearing like a ball on a platter, this flower form comprises inner petals that are smaller than the outer petals but typically share the same color.
- Semi-double: Full-sized petals surround a ring of traditional stamens (sometimes also modified). Flowers have a somewhat bulky appearance.
- Double (or Full Double): Like a flower inside a flower, this form contains the largest number of petals. Stamens have either been transformed into petals or are hidden among the petals.
