According to the Chinese, peach blossom is considered to be the luckiest among all other flowers. For them, peach blossom is symbolic of eternal life and they strongly believe that the flower puts up a resistance against all evil. Therefore, peach blossom has become an integral part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, to help bring prosperity in the forthcoming year.

Peach blossom belongs to the family of ‘Rosacea’. This deciduous tree grows to an average height of about 5 metres. The plant bears simple leaves placed in an alternate manner which are lance-shaped and have sharp, pointed edges. The upper part of the leaves is dark green while the lower part is of a paler shade.

The five-petal flowers, which may either bloom singly or in doubles, blossom in early spring and are pink or purplish in colour. It stands solitary at the terminal end of the stalk. These beautiful flowers are curved around the edges of the petals and the plant also bears juicy fruits which are relished in some cultures. The flower is showy and is popularly grown in the garden. Moreover, the plant is also cultivated for the fleshy fruit which is everyone’s favourite.

The plant is found abundantly in China as well as other parts of Asia and the Mediterranean region. Peach blossom thrives well in a cold climate.