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Scientists can make peonies bloom at will

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-13 16:23

LUOYANG, Henan -- It's taken more than 1,000 years, but the Chinese now say they can make peonies -- a symbol of prosperity in imperial times -- bloom at will.

Scientists here in the "city of peonies"  said Monday that they can bring the plants into full bloom any day of the year.

The Luoyang Peony is China's traditional and well-known flower. It always represents elegance and poise. With various varieties and marvelous colors, the Luoyang Peony enjoys the honor of "King of the Flower Kingdom" and "Luoyang Peony Ranking the First under Heaven". [CRI]

"There will be blooming peonies at any festival, whether it's the national [founding day] holiday in October or the Spring Festival" that marks the end of winter under the lunar calendar, said Ma Zhuohua, vice director of the Luoyang Peony Research Institute in the central Henan Province.

Ma's institute boasts the country's largest peony gene bank.

"We are also able to extend the flowering time, normally three to five days, to nearly a month," Ma said.

"We use both physical methods, such as the control of temperature and light, and chemical methods such as spraying chemicals on the flower buds and leaves," said Fan Peirong, an engineer with the institute.

The capital of China under 13 imperial dynasties, Luoyang produces the country's best peony trees. The luxuriant blossoms were believed by ancient royalty to signal wealth.