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
25 named peony cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Peony in season?
Peony peaks in May, June, and florists can usually source it April, May, June, July. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Peony last in a vase?
Expect 5–8 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Peony?
Good substitutes for Peony include Ranunculus, Garden rose, Double tulip. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Peony symbolise?
Peony is associated with prosperity, romance, honor, compassion.
How do you care for cut Peony?
Change water every 24 hours — peonies drink heavily
