When you start to see peonies pop up, you know that spring is officially here! Peony season is always the best time of the year, but it’s often a very short window that you can find these beloved flowers for sale. And while they can be a bit of a splurge flower, they’re worth every penny.
To help you get the most out of your flowers, you’ll want to follow these five simple steps for making your peonies last longer. That way, you can be sure to enjoy them enough to tide you over until next year!
Peony flowers are always a spring show stopper, and rightfully so with their ever changing colors and shapes. The lifecycle of a single flower is a thing of beauty to watch. They start off as closed balls then open into a voluminous collection of petals. At its peak the color can be very intense and then fade into white as it ages and dies.
On top of their beauty, they smell incredible when they bloom! If you’ve never added peonies to your spring flower bouquets, I urge you to reconsider.
Where to Buy Peonies
When it comes to pricing, peony flowers can be a bit of a splurge. If you aren’t growing peonies in your own garden, you’ll have to find your favorite source. A few of my go-to places to buy them at an affordable price are:
- Direct from a grower (check your area for farms and florist– there’s so many in Michigan)
- Trader Joe’s will about the best price, but you have to get the timing right. Be sure to call your store!
- Costco has bulk peonies for around $4/stem
- Wholesale flower mart that’s open to the public. Not every city has one, but it’s worth exploring
Sourcing peonies from your local farmer will give you access to more color and plant varieties (think yellows, corals, deep red, and more!).
One you have secured your peonies, it’s all about getting the most life out of them as possible! Here are just a few simple tips that I follow every time I get a peony bouquet:
Peony Care Tips
1. If you don’t have plant food (that comes with most flowers), you can add a bit of sugar to your water.
2. Peonies are affected by the heat. At night, place them in the fridge, or outside (if it’s cooler) to keep them from opening further.
3. Cut the stems at an angle, under water, every other day. This allows for the flower to absorb more water.
4. Replace the water every two days; you’ll notice the water getting a bit brown even after 1 day. Fresh water is a must!
5. Use cold water when refilling the vase. If you need your blooms to open up quickly for a photo shoot or event, warm water will open them up in no time.
Following these few easy tricks will help you make your peony flowers last longer and it’s so worth it. If you really want your peonies to last forever, I recommend pressing a few of the petals (here’s my favorite flower press) to turn into dried flower coasters!
they are quite lovely indeed
Thank you so much Ailyn! Such a bummer they’re going out of season now!
Thanks for the tips!! So timely… Just caved and bought some today!!
Yay! Hopefully you were able to enjoy your peonies a bit longer!
Oh my goodness putting them in the fridge is ingenious!
And good tip on going to the source. I’m thinking this weekend will involve a peony hunt. Hopefully there are still blooms out there!
Yay!! Your instagram has been so lovely with all the peonies. So sad for this season to end!
I really missed out on that vase huh… GORGEOUS arrangement! What are those yellow beauties??
Oh noooo! My friend got it for me, so I really lucked out. And thanks Amy! They’re bartzella peonies, some of my favorite!
Thanks for sharing the tips! This is a beautiful arrangement! -Janeen
Thank you so much Janeen!
Love it, stumbled and pinned.
Yay, you are so sweet! Thanks Amy!
Great tips for keeping these flowers alive, can’t wait to give them a try!
Oh yay! I hope you get to enjoy your blooms a little longer now :)