China, a nation with a deep history of floral appreciation, presents a complex answer to the question of its national flower. Unlike many countries with a single, officially designated floral emblem, China has never formally selected one since the founding of the People’s Republic. The Peony, known as Mǔdān (牡丹), is the most widely accepted and culturally significant symbol, often referred to as the unofficial national flower. This status, however, is the subject of ongoing public and political debate, primarily involving the Peony and the Plum Blossom.
The Reigning Symbol: The Peony
The Peony, or Mǔdān, is celebrated as the huā zhōng zhī wáng, or “King of Flowers.” It symbolizes prosperity, wealth, honor, and royalty in Chinese culture. Its association with material abundance made it a powerful decorative motif.
The Peony’s rise began in the early Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), transitioning from a medicinal plant to an object of aesthetic significance. Imperial gardens were filled with thousands of specimens, and the flower became a favorite of emperors and consorts. The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) officially declared the Peony as the national flower in 1903.
This historical connection is reinforced by its continued celebration in major cultural events. Luoyang, which has a Peony cultivation history dating back over 1,500 years, hosts the annual Luoyang Peony Festival. The festival, typically held from early April to early May, showcases numerous varieties and reinforces the flower’s deep roots. The flower’s image remains pervasive in Chinese art, textiles, and poetry, where it is associated with feminine beauty and aristocratic elegance.
The Status Quo: Controversy and Lack of Official Designation
Despite the Peony’s overwhelming cultural acceptance, an official designation has remained elusive. Multiple efforts to select a national flower have been initiated by botanical societies and government bodies, including attempts in 1994, 2003, and 2019. The 1994 selection process involved a nationwide poll where the Peony received the most public support, but the proposal was ultimately shelved by the National People’s Congress.
The main contention lies in the symbolic divide between the Peony and the Plum Blossom (Méi). The Peony represents wealth and grandeur, which some critics feel is too materialistic. Conversely, the Plum Blossom is championed for its symbolism of perseverance, purity, and resilience, as it is the first flower to bloom in the harshness of winter.
This debate has led to proposals for a “one country, two flowers” solution, suggesting both the Peony and the Plum Blossom should share the title. This would represent both material prosperity and moral fortitude. Political sensitivities also complicate the matter, as the Plum Blossom was previously named the national flower by the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1929. The lack of consensus among the public, politicians, and botanists has prevented any proposal from gaining official legislative approval.
The Four Gentlemen: Other Highly Revered Flora
Chinese culture reveres a distinct group of plants known collectively as the “Four Gentlemen,” or Sì Jūnzi. This collective term refers to four species associated with the characteristics of the Confucian junzi, or gentleman of noble character. These plants are the Plum Blossom, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum, which function as a visual language used by poets and artists since the Song Dynasty (960–1279) to express moral and philosophical ideals.
- The Plum Blossom represents winter, symbolizing fortitude and perseverance.
- The delicate Orchid represents spring and is admired for its subtle fragrance and secluded growth, symbolizing elegance, integrity, and nobility.
- The tall, straight Bamboo is the symbol of summer, embodying the virtues of righteousness, integrity, and flexibility.
- The Chrysanthemum is associated with autumn, and its late blooming represents longevity and indifference to worldly affairs.