Peonies
Peonies, beloved for their lavish blooms and rich fragrance, bloom in late spring to early summer, offering a spectrum of colours from pastels to vibrant hues. Symbolising romance and prosperity, these elegant flowers are well loved during Mother's Day.
COMMON NAME
Peony
BOTANICAL NAME
Paeonia spp.
ORIGIN
Asia, Europe, and North America
PEOPLE ALSO CALL IT
King of Flowers (in China)
FLOWERING TIME
Spring to early summer (April to June)
ASPECT
Full sun to partial shade
SYMBOLISM
Romance, prosperity, good fortune, honour
Care Tips for Peonies in a Vase
Buy Them at the Right Stage: Buy peonies when they are in the "marshmallow stage" (soft but not fully opened) to enjoy their bloom for the longest time.
Trim Stems at an Angle: Re-cut stems diagonally to allow better water absorption.
Remove Excess Leaves: Strip leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth.
Change Water Regularly: Replace water every two days and use floral preservatives to keep blooms fresh.
Store in a Cool Area: Keep peonies away from direct sunlight and heat to slow down blooming and prolong their lifespan.
Peony meaning
Peonies are often seen as a symbol of beauty, wealth and bliss. In many cultures, they are also seen as a symbol of love and romance.
In Christianity, the peony is often associated with the Virgin Mary and virginity, which is why it's linked to shyness or embarrassment. It also stands for the resurrection and eternal life.
In Asian cultures, the peony has a completely different meaning. In China, for example, it stands for wealth, honour and prosperity. In Japan, the peony is a symbol for the beginning of summer and is often used in tea ceremonies and other celebrations.
Different colours, different meanings
Red: Like many red flowers, the red peony bears the symbol of love. Do you want to show your favourite person how much love you feel for them? Give them a bouquet of red peonies.
Rose & pink: Rose and pink peonies mood boosters, create a positive vibe and make for moments of happiness. While the pink peony stands for tender, sweet femininity, the pink peony symbolises rather wild, untamed and independent femininity.
White: If you give white peonies as a gift, you wish the recipient health and well-being. They also represent modesty and shyness and are therefore very suitable as a gift to express apology or remorse.
Types of Peonies
Peonies come in three main types:
1. Herbaceous Peonies – The most common garden variety, these die back in winter and return each spring with large, vibrant blooms.
2. Tree Peonies – Woody shrubs with large, long-lasting flowers that can grow up to 7 feet tall, offering a more structured, ornamental presence.
3. Intersectional (Itoh) Peonies – A hybrid between herbaceous and tree peonies, these plants combine the best of both types, with strong stems and abundant blooms.
With their breathtaking beauty, rich symbolism, and variety of forms, peonies remain one of the most cherished flowers in gardens and floral arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peonies
Herbaceous peonies (most common garden peonies) should be cut back in late autumn, after the foliage has turned yellow or brown following the first frost. Cutting them back helps prevent disease and promotes healthy regrowth in spring.
Intersectional (Itoh) peonies should also be cut back in late autumn, but their woody base should remain intact.
Tree peonies should not be cut back in the fall. Instead, prune only dead or weak branches in early spring.
Peonies typically bloom in late spring to early summer, depending on the variety and location
The exact blooming time varies:
- Early-season peonies bloom in April-May (warmer climates) or May-June (cooler climates).
- Mid-season peonies bloom in late May to June.
- Late-season peonies bloom in June to early July.
Yes, peonies are mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They contain paeonol, a compound that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. While not highly dangerous, it’s best to keep peonies out of reach of pets.
The best time to plant bare-root peonies is in autumn (September-November), giving them time to establish roots before winter.
Container-grown peonies can be planted in spring, but they may take longer to establish and bloom.
Peonies prefer cool temperatures for root development, so avoid planting them in the heat of summer.
Peonies are available from late April to early July, with peak bloom times varying based on climate:
- Warmer climates (USDA zones 7-9): April-May.
- Cooler climates (USDA zones 3-6): May-June.
For cut flowers, peonies are most commonly available in florist shops from April to June, though imported blooms may be available outside this period.
Choose the right location: Peonies need full sun (at least 6 hours per day) and well-drained soil.
Planting depth:
- For bare-root peonies, place the eyes (buds) 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep can prevent blooming.
- For container peonies, plant at the same depth they were in the pot.
Watering: Water regularly after planting, but avoid overwatering. Established peonies are drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing: Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring and after blooming. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage and fewer flowers.
Mulching: In cold climates, mulch in winter to protect young plants.
Yes, peonies require full sun for optimal blooming. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal.
In very hot climates, peonies benefit from light afternoon shade to prevent the flowers from fading too quickly.
Yes, peonies are long-lived perennials, meaning they return each year.
Herbaceous and intersectional peonies die back in winter and regrow in spring.
Tree peonies lose their leaves in winter but retain their woody structure.
Peonies can live for 50+ years, with some plants thriving for over a century when well cared for.
Individual flowers last about 7-10 days, but a single plant can bloom for 2-3 weeks as new buds open.
Garden Peony Bloom Time:
- Early-blooming varieties (April-May).
- Mid-season peonies (May-June).
- Late-season peonies (June-July).
Extending the bloom season:
- Plant a mix of early, mid, and late-season peonies to enjoy continuous blooms for up to 6 weeks.
- Cut peonies early and store them in the refrigerator to extend their vase life.
Most flower shops sell peonies during their flowering period. You can most likely buy them at your local flower shop in May and June. At Euroflorist we also have peonies in our assortment during their flowering period. Would you like to surprise your favourite person with a bouquet of peonies or have one sent to your home? Take a look at our peony collection.
Availability and demand play a major role in peony prices. As peonies are only available for a short period of time, they are particularly in demand during this period. Roughly speaking, peonies can cost between €2.50 and €7.00 per flower, depending on the quality and the time period. The handy thing is, however, that the flower of the peonies is quite large once it has bloomed. So for a voluminous bouquet, you need fewer flowers than, for example, a bouquet of normal roses. Let's say, peonies are not the cheapest flowers, but certainly one of the most beautiful and special ones, if you ask us.
Peonies usually last 5-7 days in the vase. If you apply our care tips that you find above, you can probably squeeze out a few extra days.
A lot! Peonies are thirsty flowers. Do not poor too much water into the vase. The peony stems should be about halfway in the water. Change the water every few days and top up the water when necessary.
Your peonies don't bloom in the vase? Peonies like to be a bit hesitant before they present their beautiful flowers. You can help with a few tricks. Loosen the outer leaves of the flower a little from the bud to stimulate the opening process. Be careful not to tear off the petals. It is also very important to cut the peonies properly and place them in a vase with lukewarm water. It works wonders if your peonies don't bloom, as it stimulates the blooming process. Read our 4 care tips on this page to be perfectly informed about the best care for your peonies in the vase.