Peonies are among the most beloved flowers in the floral industry, prized for their lush, full blooms and intoxicating fragrance. Available primarily from late spring through early summer, these flowers command premium prices and create stunning focal points in arrangements. Understanding the different varieties and their characteristics is essential for any florist working with these seasonal treasures.
Main Peony Types
Herbaceous Peonies
The most common type in the cut flower trade, herbaceous peonies die back to the ground each winter and regrow from roots in spring.
Peak Season: Late May through June (Northern Hemisphere) Stem Length: 18-36 inches Vase Life: 5-7 days with proper care
Tree Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa)
Woody shrubs that maintain their structure year-round, producing larger blooms but in smaller quantities.
Peak Season: April through May Stem Length: 12-24 inches Vase Life: 3-5 days Note: More expensive and less commonly available
Itoh Peonies (Intersectional Hybrids)
Crosses between herbaceous and tree peonies, combining the best traits of both.
Peak Season: May through June Stem Length: 20-30 inches Vase Life: 5-7 days
Popular Herbaceous Peony Varieties
Sarah Bernhardt
Color: Soft pink with darker pink edges Form: Double, full and ruffled Size: Large (6-8 inches) Fragrance: Strong, sweet Notes: Most popular variety for weddings, excellent vase life
Festiva Maxima
Color: Pure white with occasional red flecks Form: Double, very full Size: Large (6-7 inches) Fragrance: Strong, sweet Notes: Classic white variety, reliable bloomer
Karl Rosenfield
Color: Deep crimson red Form: Double, full and rounded Size: Large (6-8 inches) Fragrance: Light, pleasant Notes: Most popular red variety, striking color
Coral Charm
Color: Coral-pink fading to cream Form: Semi-double, cup-shaped Size: Medium-large (5-6 inches) Fragrance: Light, sweet Notes: Early bloomer, unique color transition
Duchesse de Nemours
Color: Pure white with yellow center Form: Double, crown-shaped Size: Medium-large (5-6 inches) Fragrance: Strong, sweet Notes: Classic white, reliable performer
Bowl of Beauty
Color: Pink petals with cream center Form: Japanese/anemone form Size: Medium (4-5 inches) Fragrance: Light, sweet Notes: Distinctive two-tone appearance
Monsieur Jules Elie
Color: Silvery pink Form: Double, bomb-shaped Size: Very large (7-9 inches) Fragrance: Strong, sweet Notes: Impressive size, show-stopping variety
Alexander Fleming
Color: Deep rose-pink Form: Double, full Size: Large (6-7 inches) Fragrance: Strong, sweet Notes: Reliable mid-season bloomer
Peony Flower Forms
Single
- 5-10 broad petals
- Prominent center with visible stamens
- Clean, simple appearance
- Examples: Flame, Scarlet O’Hara
Japanese/Anemone
- Outer guard petals with transformed center stamens
- Petaloid center creates texture contrast
- Distinctive two-tone effect
- Examples: Bowl of Beauty, Nippon Beauty
Semi-Double
- Multiple rows of petals
- Some stamens still visible
- Fuller than single, lighter than double
- Examples: Coral Charm, Miss America
Double
- Multiple layers of petals
- No visible stamens
- Fullest, most luxurious appearance
- Examples: Sarah Bernhardt, Festiva Maxima
Bomb
- Outer guard petals with densely packed center
- Distinctive rounded, ball-like center
- Dramatic, structured appearance
- Examples: Monsieur Jules Elie, Red Charm
Sourcing and Seasonality
Domestic Sources (US)
- Alaska: Late June through July (extended season)
- Pacific Northwest: May through June
- Midwest: Late May through June
- Northeast: May through early June
International Sources
- Netherlands: April through May
- New Zealand: November through December (Southern Hemisphere)
- Chile: October through December (Southern Hemisphere)
Availability Tips
- Pre-order popular varieties like Sarah Bernhardt
- Expect higher prices at peak wedding season
- Consider Itoh varieties for extended season
- Southern Hemisphere sources extend availability
Handling and Care
Upon Arrival
- Inspect for proper bud development (soft, showing color)
- Re-cut stems at 45-degree angle under warm water
- Remove lower leaves below waterline
- Place in clean, cool water with flower food
Conditioning
- Use warm water (100-110°F) initially
- Add flower food or preservative
- Store in cooler at 34-36°F
- Allow 24-48 hours for full opening
Opening Tight Buds
- Place in warm water (85-90°F)
- Increase humidity around buds
- Gentle massage of outer petals
- Patience required – cannot rush the process
Extending Vase Life
- Daily water changes
- Re-cut stems every 2-3 days
- Remove spent blooms promptly
- Keep away from heat sources
- Mist petals lightly if needed
Design Applications
Bridal Work
- Statement bridal bouquets
- Centerpieces for spring/summer weddings
- Ceremony arrangements
- Pair with roses, ranunculus, sweet peas
Event Design
- Large-scale installations
- Altar arrangements
- Reception centerpieces
- Combine with garden roses, hydrangeas
Everyday Arrangements
- Mixed spring bouquets
- Monochromatic designs
- Pair with tulips, lilac, flowering branches
Color Combinations
- Soft Palette: Blush peonies with white roses and eucalyptus
- Bold Palette: Coral peonies with orange ranunculus and greenery
- Classic Palette: White peonies with ivory roses and dusty miller
- Romantic Palette: Pink peonies with lavender and silver foliage
Pricing and Profitability
Cost Factors
- Seasonality (peak vs. off-season)
- Variety (common vs. specialty)
- Size and quality grade
- Domestic vs. imported
- Local vs. shipped
Pricing Strategy
- Premium pricing during peak season
- Markup 3-4x wholesale cost
- Offer peony-specific packages
- Educate clients on seasonality
- Promote pre-orders for events
Maximizing Profit
- Pre-book popular varieties
- Offer peony substitutions when sold out
- Create signature peony arrangements
- Market the limited availability
- Develop relationships with growers
Storage and Inventory
Short-term Storage
- Refrigerate at 34-36°F
- High humidity (80-90%)
- Good air circulation
- Separate from ethylene-producing flowers
Dry Storage (Advanced)
- Harvest at tight bud stage
- Dry storage at 28-30°F
- Can extend season by 2-4 weeks
- Requires specialized equipment
Inventory Management
- Order based on confirmed events
- Avoid over-ordering due to short season
- Track variety preferences
- Build relationships with multiple suppliers
Common Issues and Solutions
Buds Won’t Open
- Cause: Harvested too early, poor conditioning
- Solution: Warm water, patience, proper hydration
Short Vase Life
- Cause: Bacteria, poor water quality, heat stress
- Solution: Clean buckets, flower food, cool storage
Petal Drop
- Cause: Overmaturity, ethylene exposure, rough handling
- Solution: Gentle handling, ethylene-free environment
Botrytis (Gray Mold)
- Cause: High humidity, poor air circulation
- Solution: Improve ventilation, reduce humidity
Bent Necks
- Cause: Poor hydration, air bubbles in stems
- Solution: Proper conditioning, re-cutting stems
Marketing Peonies
Client Education
- Explain seasonal availability
- Highlight unique characteristics
- Demonstrate proper care
- Share variety options
Promotional Ideas
- “Peony Season” marketing campaigns
- Early bird pre-orders
- Peony care cards for customers
- Social media showcasing varieties
Seasonal Messaging
- “Limited time luxury”
- “Spring’s most coveted bloom”
- “Garden-fresh peonies available now”
- “While supplies last”
Peonies represent one of the most rewarding and profitable flowers in the seasonal marketplace. Their brief but spectacular season creates urgency and desire among customers willing to pay premium prices. Success with peonies requires understanding their specific needs, building reliable supply relationships, and educating clients about their seasonal nature. With proper handling and marketing, peonies can become a signature offering that sets your business apart during their peak season.
The key to peony success lies in preparation, quality sourcing, and client education. By mastering these beautiful but demanding flowers, florists can command premium prices and create unforgettable arrangements that celebrate the fleeting beauty of the season.