Peony Season Is Here—and We’re Swooning
It’s that time of year again. The queen of the cut flower world is back—and we’re completely under her spell. With their ruffled petals, romantic scent, and cloud-like layers, peonies are the floral equivalent of a soft exhale. They don’t just turn heads; they stop you in your tracks.
But as short and sweet as peony season is, with the right care, you can make your cut peonies last longer and enjoy every last glorious bloom. Here’s everything you need to know about peony care, plus a few insider tricks from the flower bar at Mad Lilies.
When Are Peonies in Season?
Peonies are known for their short blooming season, which, I guess, is part of what adds to their allure and desirability. The exact blooming period of peonies can vary depending on the climate and region, but generally, they bloom from late spring to early summer.
British peonies are typically in season from late April through to early July, with the peak arriving in May and June. The season is fleeting—which only adds to their magic. Outside of this window, imported peonies (often from Holland or South America) are available, but nothing beats that fresh, just-cut look of locally grown peonies.
What's The Best Peony Variety
Well, we love them all—but for us and, it would seem, visitors to the shop, the Top Five Peony Varieties (those that fly off the flower bar every spring) would be:
1. Sarah Bernhardt – Fluffy pink petals, classically romantic and beautifully scented.
2. Coral Charm – A bold peach-pink bloom that fades to soft apricot—watching the colour shift is half the fun.
3. Reine Hortens – Creamy white petals with a sweet fragrance. Pure elegance.
4. Bowl of Cream – A beautifully thick, soft white double-flowered peony, that blooms up to 25cms in diameter.
5. Monsieur Jules Elie - Long stems and rich, Barbie-pink densly-petalled heads make this long-established variety a perfect 'bouquet peony', but make sure you have a high-necked vase to hand.
How to Style Peonies at Home
Peonies look gorgeous solo, massed together in a simple vase. But they also play beautifully with others—try pairing them with:
- Garden roses
- Sweet peas
- Spirea or viburnum
- Trailing jasmine or clematis
Whether you go maximalist or keep it minimal, peonies are always the star of the show!
Why Don’t My Peonies Open?
If you’ve ever bought a tight peony bud and watched it stubbornly stay that way for days, you’re not alone. Here's why it happens—and what you can do about it.
They were picked too early – Peonies need to be harvested at the "marshmallow" stage, when the bud is soft but not open. If it's rock hard, it may never fully bloom.
Cold temperatures slow them down – Room temperature (or slightly warmer) helps coax them open.
Sticky sap can prevent petals from unfurling – Rinse buds gently under cool water to remove any residue.
Quick tip to help them open - Place tight buds in warm water and pop them in a bright room (but not in direct sunlight).
You can also gently massage the bud to encourage opening –but be delicate!
How to Make Your Cut Peonies Last Longer
Want your peonies to go the distance? Follow these simple cut peony care tips:
- Trim the stems - Use a sharp, clean knife or secateurs to cut stems at a 45-degree angle. This increases surface area and helps the flower absorb more water.
- Remove lower leaves - Make sure no foliage is sitting below the waterline in your vase. This reduces bacteria and helps your flowers stay fresher longer.
- Use cool, clean water - Change the water every 2–3 days and re-trim the stems each time for maximum longevity.
- Keep them cool - Peonies last longer in cooler spots—keep them away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and fruit bowls (yes, really—ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas which speeds up wilting!).
- Support heavy heads - Some varieties—especially doubles—can get top-heavy. Choose a vase that offers good support, or group stems together so they naturally prop each other up.
Shop Peonies at Mad Lilies
We source the freshest British-grown peonies in season and arrange them by hand at our Flower Bar. Whether you're treating yourself or sending a bouquet to someone special, there’s no better way to celebrate the season.