Flower similar to a Gardenia?

I have a person that works with me that had these beautiful BIG flowers on her desk. She didn't know what they were but to me it looked similar to the Gardenia pictured here...


http://www.fullbloomfarmpeonies.com/cata...


I thought that's what it might be but there were other flowers that were bright purple and red and white. (all looking the same). She knew they came from a bush but that's about it. I have just never seen a flower this big (almost the size of a paper plate!). Does anyone know of any flowers that might look similar and have color?

Flower similar to a Gardenia?
I agree with the other answerer, I think you're looking at Peony(Paeonia). Most are herbaceous perennials, although there are some woody/ shrubby ones (Paeonia suffructosa). Peony is available in a wide range of colors, some flowers are fragrant. All do best in full sun with the soil being kept moist.





Your local independent garden center should have a selection of plants available this time of year. I would suggest picking one in a two or three gallon pot. If you start too small, it'll be years before you see some 'serious' flowering.





Good luck-
Reply:Sounds like a peony to me--they smell wonderful and come in different colors.
Reply:The picture you have is of a Peony. The variety is named "Gardenia", because of it's color and it's wonderful scent.


-peonies are long-lived (over 50 years).


-peonies are hardy (to USDA zone 2).


-peonies are drought tolerant.


-peonies are low maintenance.


-peonies are deer-resistant.


-with thoughful selection of cultivars, the peony bloom season can last 6-8 weeks


-many new varieties have strong stems.


-peonies have been cultivated for more than 2000 years as medicinal and ornamental plants.


-flowers come in a range of colours, including yellow, coral, peach and lavender, in addition to white, blush, pink, magenta, and red.





Peony blooms may be single, semi-double, double, anemone, Tree variety, or Japanese in form, and their scent can be classified as rose, lemon, honey, or musk.





I am a horticulturalist in Canada.
Reply:http://www.yaoflowers.com/ Flower Care from YaoFlowers The fertile plateaus high in the mountains of Ecuador and Colombia produce YaoFlowers gorgeous roses. The constant mild temperature slows the plants growth producing large blossoms and long elegant stems. YaoFlowers research on varieties allows us to consistently produce beautiful, radiant roses that last. Your roses are thirsty and need to drink water for 8-12 hours to perk up. With proper care, your roses will bloom over the next few days. http://www.yaoflowers.com/flower-care.as...