Indiana

The Story Behind the Peony

For a long time, Indiana didn’t actually have the peony as its state flower. The state originally chose the zinnia back in 1931. But over the years, people began to associate the zinnia too closely with cemetery plantings and memorial displays, and many felt it no longer represented the state the way they wanted it to. So in 1957, Indiana made a change. The peony became the new state flower. Large, colorful, and blooming right around Memorial Day and Decoration Day celebrations, the peony had already become part of everyday life across Indiana gardens and neighborhoods. It was familiar. Beautiful. And impossible to miss in late spring.

This short video shares how the peony became the state flower of Indiana and the surprising story behind the flower it replaced.

Peony

Paeonia

Peonies are known for their large layered blooms and bright colors, appearing in gardens across Indiana each spring.

A few things that make it special:

Blooms in late spring
Known for large, full blossoms
Comes in shades of pink, white, red, and coral
Frequently planted in home gardens and memorial spaces

Peonies are the kind of flower that people remember. They bloom boldly for a short time each year, often right as summer is beginning.

And when they do bloom, they tend to steal the show.

Why It Became the State Flower

Indiana officially adopted the peony as its state flower in 1957.

Before that, the zinnia held the title, but many people felt it no longer reflected the image they wanted for the state. One reason often mentioned was its growing association with cemeteries and memorial plantings.

The peony had already become incredibly popular throughout Indiana and was widely planted across the state.

Its timing also mattered.

Peonies bloom around Decoration Day and Memorial Day, connecting them naturally to traditions of remembrance and community gatherings during late spring.

When lawmakers chose a replacement flower, the peony quickly became the favorite.

Today, it remains one of Indiana’s most recognizable blooms.

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