Description

The peony is light, airy, and full of whimsy with its large, delicate, teacup shaped blossoms that are equal parts elegant and intriguing – most commonly in pale or hot pink.

Botanical Name

Paeonia (pee-OH-ne-ah)

Common Names

Peony

Availability

September – January

Colours

Peonies are only available in warm colors like soft white, rose, pink, and red, although some varieties do allow for deep, rich burgundy blossoms.

Staying power

Peonies are super sensitive flowers and wilt easily. They last about a week at the very most but we think their short-lived beauty and prettily wilting petals adds to their appeal!

Styling tips

Peonies often steal the limelight for themselves with big, open blossoms that are the star of any arrangement.Amp up the oh-so-femme feeling with other ruffly beauties like ranunculus and anemones, or allow the blooms to shine on their own in an unusual vessel like a beaten brass or bright perspex vase.

Mix-and-match

Team peonies with other ruffly multi-petal blooms or with other delicate seasonal beauties like achillea, Star of Bethleham or Queen Anne’s Lace.

Avoid pairing them with gardenias or other especially fragrant flowers as the scent can become overwhelming or confusing.

Care tips

Peonies refresh quickly in fresh water. As with all of your blooms, keep your peony’s water fresh and clean and avoid having leaves below the water line. If possible, try to keep your peonies cool and out of direct sunlight.

Closed buds will bloom over time and it’s ideal to have a mixture of blossoms and buds to stretch out the life of your peony arrangement.

Flower factoid!

In Japanese culture the peony was historically a symbol of masculinity. Men popularly choose tattoos of peonies in warrior scenes as it shows a disregard for consequence or fear. Hunky, right?

You should love peonies because…

Peonies are the ultimate luxe bloom with their layers upon layers of soft ruffly petals and intoxicating scent. Watching a peony bloom is a mesmerising experience you should not miss!

If peonies was a celebrity they would be…

Audrey Hepburn. Reminiscent of an era past but beloved as ever, Audrey stakes her claim as the ultimate style icon. With undeniable beauty and elegance, laced with a touch of vulnerability you have no choice but to adore this timeless beauty.

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