五月盛开的牡丹花大色艳，寓意富贵荣华。自唐代以来，世人甚爱牡丹。晚清时期牡丹被确立为国花。
Flowering in May, peonies' large petals and strong colors are linked to prosperity and richness in traditional Chinese culture. Thus, it became very popular during the Tang Dynasty, a period of time when Chinese people preferred magnificent and glorious things, such as fat and strong horses and large flowers. In the late Qing Dynasty, the peony was chosen as the national flower.
牡丹的英文Peony来自于古英语，在人类早期的医学中，认为牡丹有疗伤的功效，因此，可能根据希腊神话中众神的医生Paion，为其命名为Peony。
中药里，牡丹皮确实能够作为一种药材，具有清热凉血，活血化瘀的功效。
“云想衣裳花想容”
Floating clouds remind me of her clothes, and peonies her face.
——【唐】李白《清平调·其一》
