A guide to cut peonies: symbolism and care tips

The peony (pronounced pee-uh-nee) is one of Spring’s greatest joys. In the UK, their season is a short-but-glorious three months, making their arrival a true event in the floral world. Much loved for their mesmerising and dramatic petals, peonies arrive in marble-sized buds that bloom over a few days, slowly but surely revealing their elegant and voluminous ruffles. With an abundant palette ranging from deep ruby to pale pink and white, along with a uniquely sweet and delicate fragrance, it’s the perfect flower for Spring.

When do peonies bloom?

Peonies flower between April and June, making them a wonderful introduction to the Spring season and a beautiful flower to enjoy through to the beginning of Summer. Different peonies will bloom at different times throughout this period, bringing new waves of floral wonder as the season progresses.

Where are peonies commonly grown?

Peonies are native to Asia, Europe and western North America, where they enjoy basking in the wonderfully sunny conditions, however they are grown all over the world, including in Britain. In recent years, they have become particularly popular in the UK thanks to their abundant petals and mesmerising palette.

The most popular peony varieties

Though peony season is short, it’s wonderfully abundant. There are 33 types in this flower family, each more beautiful than the next. Here are a few of the most popular varieties.

• Sarah Bernhardt
  This is perhaps the most popular peony variety and the real star of peony season. Named after the French actress, this beautiful bloom is marshmallow pink and boasts abundant ruffled petals and a sweet scent.


• Coral Charm
  Peony ‘Coral Charm’ is a beautiful flower that changes colour during its blooming period. These peonies will begin salmon pink, before changing to orange and eventually yellow.


• Dr Alexander Fleming
  This flower is a hybrid of ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and ‘Bunker Hill’ peonies, and the result is striking. Ruffled petals bloom in a vibrant fuchsia pink, with a sweet scent adding a fragrant cherry on top.


• Duchess de Nemours
  The peony ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ cuts a truly elegant picture. Bred in France in 1856, it is one of the oldest peonies and blooms in a classic white.

What peonies symbolise

The magic of flowers is their ability to convey an emotion or sentiment on our behalf, and peonies represent the full versatility of these visual missives. The earliest reference to the beloved bloom can be traced back to 1,000 BC in the gardens of China, where the flower is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. As their popularity spread – they were introduced to
Europe in the late 1800s – the meaning of peony flowers has blossomed.

With each coloured peony, a different emotion can be expressed: white peonies symbolise bashfulness, making them the ideal gift for those wishing to say sorry; pink represents good luck and prosperity, and are often used in wedding bouquets; and red is said to symbolise love, passion, honour and respect, making them the perfect choice for a romantic gesture. Purple peonies, meanwhile, represent admiration and nobility, and yellow epitomises happiness, warmth and new beginnings.

How to keep cut peonies fresher for longer

Peonies bring an abundance of colour and beauty to a home, so it’s understandable that one would want to extend their lifespan for as long as possible. With the correct care and attention, cut peonies can last up to five days or longer. Follow these peony care tips to learn how to look after peonies.

1. Cut the stems
Cutting your stems will make it easier for your peonies to drink water. Use a pair of sharp shears to cut around 3-5cm off at a diagonal slant.

2. Remove any lower leaves
Leaves that fall or sit in water can cause bacteria to build up, which will affect the lifespan of your flowers. Be sure to remove any low leaves before placing your peonies in your vase.

3. Place your peonies in a vase
Clean your vase thoroughly before filling it with water and placing your peonies inside. The water should cover around three-quarters of the stems.

4. Put your peonies in a cool, bright spot
Warmer temperatures will make your peonies wilt faster, so try to place them in a cool spot free from direct sunlight.

5. Keep your peonies hydrated
To ensure your peonies last as long as possible, keep an eye on the water levels and clean and refill your vase every few days.

How to make your peonies open faster

Peony buds should open after a few days, but if you’d like them to open sooner or your worried your peonies are not opening, we have a few tips up our sleeve. Firstly, try filling the vase with lukewarm water – this is easier for flowers to drink than cold water and will help them stay hydrated. Next, try placing them in a warm room, as this will encourage them the open.

How do you revive fresh cut peonies?

Peonies are around for such a short time that it's understandable you'll want your flowers to last for as long as possible. If your peonies are beginning to wilt, you can try to revive them using this method. Try trimming the stems and placing them in hot water for a couple of seconds, and then transferring them to cold water. This will help to perk up your peonies and allow you to continue enjoying them in all their glory.

Can you preserve a peony bouquet?

Yes, you can preserve your peonies by air drying them. Arrange the flowers in small bouquets and tie them with an elastic band. Hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room and leave them for two weeks to dry out. Once dry, store in an air-tight container away from direct sunlight.

Are peonies pet friendly?

Sadly peonies are toxic to animals and humans, so we recommend keeping them away from cats, dogs and young children. If you’re looking for non-toxic flowers, why not explore our collection of pet-friendly bouquets?

Flowers that look like peonies

If you’re seeking peonies out of season, or haven’t been able to get your hands on a bunch during their peak, why not opt for a lookalike bloom? Ranunculi, camellias, begonias, garden roses and marigolds all have large, many-layered petals that echo the fluffy wonder of the beloved peony.

If you have your heart set on peonies, you can explore our collection during their season between April and June, or discover our other hand-tied bouquets, luxury blooms and letterbox flowers.