the.com/peony
a flower that bribes ants to defend it before exploding into ridiculous, fragrant ruffles
ant dealBuds feed ants nectar; ants fend off pests
old soulSame plant can bloom for 100 years
named forPaeon, the gods' personal physician
empire flowerCrowned China's unofficial national bloom for centuries
slow startWon't flower until roughly three years old