Peonies are a much sought after seasonal flower, native to Europe, Asia and western North America. They are prized for their flowers that start in a tight golf-ball shape and open into a showy blossom. Do not worry if they look small or rough when they arrive- the exposed outer petals always have a rough appearance and are the guard petals that protect the flower from the outside elements. Peony flowers grow in several forms: single, semi-double, double and Japanese (also known as anemone-form), and in a range of colors including white, pink, purple, and red. Trader Joe’s 5-stem Peonies are grown regionally across the country in cool, temperate climates, from the Pacific Northwest to Wisconsin to coastal North Carolina.