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International Flower Delivery
Indiana’s State Flower: The Peony
- 🌼 The Indiana state flower has one of the most tangled backstories of any official state symbol in the country — and I honestly think that makes it more interesting.
- 💡 In this article, you'll get the full timeline — from 1870s poetry to a 1957 legislative showdown.
- 🌸 Browse the peony and seasonal bouquet collection at MyGlobalFlowers to send a little piece of Indiana's heritage to someone special.
The Indiana state flower has one of the most tangled backstories of any official state symbol in the country — and I honestly think that makes it more interesting. Picture this: Indiana cycled through four different official flowers before finally landing on the peony in 1957. No other US state changed its mind that many times. The carnation, the zinnia, the dogwood blossom — all had their moment in the spotlight, and all got replaced. The peony outlasted every rival, and the story of how that happened involves backroom politics, a commercial flower grower with a persuasive streak, and an ongoing debate that still simmers today.
In this article, you'll get the full timeline — from 1870s poetry to a 1957 legislative showdown. You'll learn what Indiana's state bird is, why peonies thrive so well in Hoosier soil, how to grow peonies in your own Indiana garden, what each peony color symbolizes, and how to send peonies to someone you care about in Indiana. I'm writing on behalf of MyGlobalFlowers — an international flower delivery service that works with local florists across Indiana and beyond — so by the end, you'll also know the easiest way to get a gorgeous peony bouquet into someone's hands.
Let's dig into the surprisingly messy history of Indiana's favorite bloom.
What is the Indiana state flower?
The Indiana state flower is the peony (Paeonia). That's the direct answer to the question "what is Indiana state flower," and the peony has held the title since 1957.
Peonies belong to the genus Paeonia, a group of herbaceous perennials and small shrubs prized for their lush, full blossoms and sweet fragrance. A mature herbaceous peony grows 2–3 feet tall, produces blooms that can reach 6–10 inches across, and puts on its show from late spring through early summer. The flowers come in shades of pink, white, red, coral, and even yellow, depending on the cultivar. Each plant can live for decades — some peony specimens are documented at over 100 years old — making the peony a symbol of endurance as much as beauty.
Indiana officially adopted the peony on March 13, 1957, when the General Assembly signed the flower into law. That date marked the end of a decades-long game of musical chairs among Indiana's official blossoms.
The winding road to Indiana's official flower
The Indiana state flower didn't arrive without drama. Here's the full timeline, and honestly, my favorite part is how many twists it takes.
1870s — the tulip tree connection
Before any legislation existed, poets and writers associated Indiana with the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) blossom. The tulip tree — also called the yellow poplar — grew abundantly across the state, and its greenish-yellow flowers captured the literary imagination. No law was passed, but the association stuck in popular culture for decades.
1913 — the carnation takes the stage
On March 15, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted the carnation as the state's first official flower. The choice sparked controversy almost immediately. The carnation is native to Europe, not North America, and rumors swirled that the selection owed more to a politician's personal preference than to any meaningful connection to Indiana. Critics argued the state deserved a flower with deeper local roots.
1931 — enter the zinnia
The General Assembly replaced the carnation with the zinnia in 1931. The zinnia is a bright, cheerful annual, but the swap didn't settle the debate. Many Hoosiers felt the zinnia — originally from Mexico and Central America — was no more "Indianan" than the carnation had been.
1957 — the peony wins a three-way fight
Here's where the story gets really good. In 1957, a bill proposed the tulip tree blossom as a replacement for the zinnia. The Senate amended the bill, substituting the dogwood blossom instead. Then, in the House, a lawmaker who happened to be a commercial peony grower championed the peony with enough enthusiasm to sway colleagues. On March 13, 1957, Indiana adopted the peony as its fourth — and current — state flower.
One flower grower changed state history. I always find it fascinating how personal passion can tip the scales in politics.
The modern debate
The story isn't quite over. The Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) and over 60 partner organizations are currently advocating to replace the peony with a native wildflower. Their argument is straightforward: the peony is indigenous to Asia and parts of Southern Europe, not Indiana. Supporters of the change point to candidates like the fire pink or the blue-eyed Mary. So far, the peony keeps its crown — but the conversation is alive and gaining traction this season.
Indiana state bird and flower — a quick guide
People who search "Indiana state bird and flower" want a fast, clear answer. Here it is.
Indiana state flower: the peony (Paeonia), adopted in 1957.
Indiana state bird: the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), adopted in 1933. The male cardinal's vivid red plumage makes the bird easy to spot in Indiana's backyards, woodlands, and parks year-round.
While we're at it, here are a few other Indiana state symbols you might find useful:
State tree: tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera).
State river: Wabash River.
State stone: Indiana limestone.
State insect: Say's firefly.
That combo of the peony and the Northern Cardinal gives Indiana a surprisingly photogenic pair of official symbols — soft pink and coral petals alongside a flash of cardinal red.
Why the peony thrives in Indiana
The Indiana state flower isn't just a political choice. The peony genuinely loves Hoosier growing conditions, and that practical fit helped secure the flower's position.
Climate
Indiana falls in USDA Hardiness Zones 5b through 6b. Peonies require cold winters — specifically, several weeks of temperatures below 40 °F — to trigger bud formation. Indiana delivers that chilling period reliably every year. Without adequate cold, peony buds simply won't set, which is why gardeners in warmer southern states often struggle with the flower.
Soil
Much of Indiana sits on loamy, well-drained soil — exactly the conditions peonies prefer. Peonies resent soggy roots, so the natural drainage found across central and southern Indiana saves gardeners from having to amend their beds extensively.
Bloom season
Across most of Indiana, peonies bloom from late May through mid-June. That timing coincides with Memorial Day, which is why peonies earned the nickname "Memorial Day flowers" in many Midwestern communities. Families have placed peony blooms on gravesites for generations.
Looking for Mother's Day flowers?
Browse Mother's Day flowers from local florists and pick one that suits the moment.
How to grow peonies in Indiana — practical tips
Ready to grow Indiana's state flower in your own yard? The peony rewards patience and punishes impatience, so follow these steps:
Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade can work, but fewer hours of sun means fewer blooms.
Plant bare-root peonies in early fall (September through October) so roots establish before the ground freezes. Spring planting is possible but delays blooming by a full year.
Set the eyes (buds) no deeper than 2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep is the number-one reason peonies refuse to bloom. This single detail determines success or failure.
Water deeply once a week during the growing season. Avoid overhead watering to prevent botrytis and other fungal issues — direct water at the base of the plant instead.
Add a ring support or peony cage in early spring before stems reach 10 inches. Those heavy, dinner-plate-sized blooms will topple without support, especially after rain.
Skip heavy nitrogen fertilizers. Use a balanced 10-10-10 formula once in early spring. Too much nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Cut spent blooms but leave the foliage intact until fall. The leaves photosynthesize energy that fuels the next year's flowers. Cutting foliage in July robs the root system of fuel.
Follow those steps, and a single peony plant can reward you with spectacular blooms for 50 years or more.
Common mistakes when growing peonies
Even experienced Indiana gardeners trip up on peonies. Here are the mistakes I see most often when talking about the Indiana state flower:
Planting eyes too deep. I'm repeating this on purpose. Two inches below the surface is the magic number. Three inches and your peony may never bloom.
Moving established plants too often. Peonies resent transplanting. A disturbed peony can take 2–3 years to rebloom after relocation. Pick your spot carefully the first time.
Panicking over ants. Ants on peony buds are completely harmless. The ants feed on the sugary sap that buds naturally secrete. No pesticides needed — the ants leave once the flower opens.
Cutting foliage too early in summer. The temptation to "tidy up" after blooms fade is strong, but removing leaves before fall starves the root system and weakens the next season's display.
Peony color symbolism
The Indiana state flower speaks a language all its own, depending on color. Here's what each shade communicates — and which US occasions match best.
Pink peonies → romance, prosperity, good luck. Pink peonies are the go-to choice for weddings and engagement celebrations. The blush tones radiate warmth without shouting.
White peonies → elegance, honor, fresh starts. White peonies work beautifully for sympathy arrangements, graduations, and new-baby gifts. The clean color conveys respect and sincerity.
Red peonies → passion, respect, devotion. Red peonies make a bold statement on Valentine's Day (February 14) or an anniversary. The deep color carries weight and intention.
Coral peonies → warmth, joy, optimism. Coral peonies are perfect for birthdays and Mother's Day (the second Sunday of May). The cheerful hue lifts spirits instantly.
And here's a fun cultural note: because peonies bloom right around Memorial Day (the last Monday of May), many Indiana families associate the flower with remembrance and honoring loved ones. Placing freshly cut peonies on a gravesite is a Midwestern tradition that goes back well over a century.
Sending peonies and other flowers to Indiana
Now that you know the full story behind the Indiana state flower, here's how to send one — or a stunning bouquet of them — to someone you care about in the Hoosier State.
MyGlobalFlowers makes the process simple. You can order from anywhere in the US (or the world, for that matter), and local florists across Indiana hand-craft each arrangement. That means your recipient gets a fresh, beautifully styled bouquet assembled that day — not something pulled from a box.
One thing worth knowing: the final bouquet may vary slightly from the photo on the website, depending on seasonal flower availability. Honestly, I see that as a positive. Your florist selects the freshest blooms available and matches the overall style and value of your chosen design. The result is an artisan-quality arrangement that reflects what's at peak beauty right now, not a cookie-cutter replica.
The delivery cost calculates individually at checkout based on your recipient's location, so you'll see the exact total before you confirm.
Great occasions to send peonies or seasonal bouquets to someone in Indiana:
Birthdays — a peony bouquet says "you're worth celebrating."
Mother's Day — coral and pink peonies are a crowd favorite.
Memorial Day — honor the tradition with Indiana's own bloom.
Sympathy — white peonies carry grace and compassion.
"Just because" — sometimes the best reason is no reason at all.
Conclusion
Honestly, the peony earned its place. Few flowers pack that much drama into a single bloom — layers of silky petals unfolding into something almost impossibly full, fragrant enough to stop you mid-step in a garden. The fact that the peony had to outlast three other flowers in a political gauntlet only adds to the appeal.
Next time you spot a peony in an Indiana garden, you'll know the surprisingly messy political story behind it — the 1913 carnation controversy, the zinnia interlude, the dogwood almost-victory, and the flower grower who lobbied his way into state history.
Browse the peony and seasonal bouquet collection at MyGlobalFlowers to send a little piece of Indiana's heritage to someone special.
Send flowers today
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