Peonies are among the most stunning flowers, with their luxurious pastel petals and delicate fragrance adding charm to any home. However, their season is fleeting, typically from May to early July, making proper care essential to enjoy them to the fullest.
Understanding Peony Vase Life
Peonies naturally have a shorter vase life than many other flowers, usually around five days. But with the right techniques, you can significantly extend their freshness and beauty. Interflora florist Vicky Salmon shares her expert advice for keeping these blooms at their best.
Encouraging Buds to Open
Most florists send peonies while still in bud, so they unfold at home. If you're eager to see them bloom, Vicky suggests a simple test: gently squeeze the flower head. If it's soft, it's close to opening; if firm, it needs more time. To speed things up, gently massage the bud at the neck of the stem, then dip the flower heads in warm water for a quick dunk. Recut the stems and place them in a warm, sunny room.
Maintaining Bloomed Peonies
Once open, peonies are surprisingly easy to care for. Many bouquets come with stems bound together—you can keep this binding to preserve the arrangement's shape. Use a clean vase filled two-thirds with fresh water, and always add flower food. Trim the stems at an angle with sharp scissors to increase water uptake, and remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth.
Placement Tips
Position your peonies in a hall, on a coffee table, or a bedside table. Avoid direct sunlight and draughts, as peonies dislike breezes. With these steps, you can maximise the short but glorious peony season.
