Peony
The peony is the queen of late-spring floral design. Its lush, densely-petaled head and short, dramatic season have made it the most-requested wedding flower in the northern hemisphere. Peonies open from marshmallow-firm buds to bowl-sized blooms over 24–72 hours, giving the arrangement a living quality that unfolds through the event. Commercial cultivars include Sarah Bernhardt (blush), Coral Charm (coral fading to peach), and Bowl of Cream (white). Off-season peonies are grown in Chile and New Zealand for northern winter supply, but at 3–4× the price.
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Asia, Europe, Western North America |
| Peak season | May, June |
| Availability | April, May, June, July |
| Stem length | 40–70 cm |
| Vase life | 5–8 days |
| Colors | white, blush, pink, coral, red, yellow, burgundy |
| Price tier | premium |
Buy when buds are marshmallow-firm (yield slightly under pressure). Cut stems at a 45° angle, strip all foliage below the waterline. To force open stubborn buds: bathe stems in warm water (35–40°C) for one hour. Store cool (4–6°C) until use.
- •Change water every 24 hours — peonies drink heavily
- •Keep away from direct sun and heat sources
- •Do not refrigerate open blooms — they collapse
- •Remove ants by gently rinsing outside — they cause no harm to the flower
