The Peony Handbook
Peonies are the most beloved flower in Britain, and for good reason. Here is everything you need to know about buying, conditioning, and enjoying them at their finest.
Ask a British person to name their favourite flower and peonies will come up more than any other. They are extravagant, romantic, and achingly brief: the British peony season runs from late May to late June, and then they are gone. That brevity is part of the appeal. A peony in June is worth waiting for all year.
The main peony types
Buying peonies: the bud test
Always buy peonies in tight bud: the bud should feel like a soft marshmallow when gently squeezed. A bud that is hard and unyielding will not open. A bud that is already showing open petals will not last long. The marshmallow stage is the sweet spot: it will open over three to five days into a magnificent full bloom.
Peony care at home
- Cut 5 cm from the stems at a 45-degree angle and place immediately in deep, cool water
- Remove all foliage below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth
- Peonies open slowly: a cool room extends the display; a warm room speeds it
- To slow blooming for a special occasion, store buds loosely wrapped in the refrigerator
- Change vase water every two days and re-cut stems each time
- Once fully open, move to a cooler room at night to prolong the display
Fragrance
Not all peonies are fragrant. Many of the most visually dramatic varieties, including some double and bomb peonies, have little or no scent. The most fragrant varieties tend to be the older, softer-coloured ones: pale pink and white varieties like 'Duchesse de Nemours' and 'Festiva Maxima' carry a rich, sweet perfume. If fragrance matters to you, tell your florist: they will know which of their current stock is scented.
The British peony season
British-grown peonies are available from late May through to late June, with peak season in early June. Outside this window, peonies in UK florists are imported, primarily from the Netherlands and New Zealand (the Southern Hemisphere season runs November to January). British-grown peonies have a significantly longer vase life: their journey from field to florist is measured in hours rather than days.
“A British peony in June is one of the finest things you can put in a room. Buy generously, enjoy completely, and then wait patiently until next year.”
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