Discover the Timeless Beauty of Peonies: A Complete Guide

Peonies are the fashion icons of the flower world. Showy. Dramatic. Completely unapologetic about taking centre stage. When peonies arrive, they don’t blend in – they bloom boldly.

It’s no wonder peonies are one of the most loved flowers around. Whether you’re sending a peony bouquet to celebrate a wedding, mark an anniversary, or simply brighten someone’s week, these lush, cloud-like blooms say more from the moment they open.

In this complete guide to peonies, we’ve teamed up with Celina, an expert florist at Flowergirl in Romford, to go beyond the basics. Together, we’ll explore the history and varieties (including the elegant tree peony), while Celina shares her insider wisdom on mastering peony season, proper care, and how to choose the perfect bloom for any occasion.

Peony Varieties

There are three main types of peonies. Each has its own personality, but all have that unmistakable showstopper quality.

Herbaceous Peonies

Herbaceous peonies are the classic variety most people picture. They produce large, rounded, gloriously full blooms from late spring to early summer. Once autumn arrives, they die back completely before returning the following year.

Colours range from soft blush and creamy white to rich crimson and deep rose. Many carry a strong, sweet scent that fills a room beautifully.

Why they’re perfect for gifting:

Herbaceous peonies’ generous heads and excellent vase life make them ideal for peony bouquets on any occasion.

Care tips:

• Plant in full sun
• Use well-drained, fertile soil
• Stake heavy blooms to prevent flopping
• Allow natural die-back in winter

Tree Peonies

A tree peony differs from herbaceous types because its woody stems remain year-round. The blooms appear in late spring and are often even larger, with delicate, paper-like petals layered dramatically.

They come in bold shades (think deep purples, striking reds, soft yellows and crisp whites) and usually have a more subtle fragrance.

Why they’re special:

Tree peonies make a statement in gardens and are adored by flower enthusiasts who love structure and scale.

Care tips:

• Choose a sheltered, sunny spot
• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil
• Prune lightly to help them grow stronger

Intersectional (Itoh) Peonies

Itoh peonies combine the best of herbaceous and tree varieties. They have sturdy, semi-woody stems and produce large flowers slightly later in the year, extending peony season a little further.

Available in pinks, purples and soft blends, they often have a light, pleasing fragrance.

Why they’re loved:

They’re resilient, low-maintenance and rarely need staking – making them ideal for long-lasting displays.

Care tips:

• Plant in full sun
• Ensure excellent drainage
• Minimal maintenance required

Peony Season: When Peonies Flower in the UK

Peony season in the UK typically runs from May to July, with peak bloom usually landing in late May and June. These beautiful flowers have a short flowering window, which is part of what makes them so special. As Celina, our expert local florist from Flowergirl in Romford puts it:

Because of their limited season, peonies often feel like a true treat. Their availability during spring and early summer makes them a perfect fit for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. While they may be in their prime in late spring, it’s important to note that some peony varieties may be imported to extend availability outside of the natural season.

If you’re unable to find peonies during their natural blooming period, you can opt for alternatives like dahlias, hydrangeas or garden roses, which share a similar structure and beauty.

Explore Peony Bouquets

When you order peonies from Interflora, they’re selected with an expert eye, carefully conditioned, thoughtfully arranged and delivered beautifully on show. Peonies are star blooms, after all, so we like to treat them as such.

How to Look After Peony Flowers

Peonies may look delicate, but they’re surprisingly straightforward to care for. A few simple steps can make all the difference, ensuring they last longer and stay as vibrant as possible. As Celina advises:

In the Garden

• Give them full sun (at least six hours daily)
• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil
• Water regularly during active growth
• Avoid waterlogging
• Support heavy blooms with stakes or rings
• Allow foliage to die back naturally in autumn

Common Peony Care Questions

• Short bloom time? Peonies flower for a few glorious weeks. Planting different varieties can extend the display.
• Flopping stems? Large blooms may droop, but staking them will solve this.
• Botrytis or mildew? Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.
• Ants on buds? They’re completely harmless, and only there to draw nectar.

For bouquet care, trim stems at an angle, refresh water daily, and keep away from direct heat and sunlight.

For more detailed advice, see our guide on how to make peonies last longer.

With just a little attention, your peony bouquet will keep brightening your giftee’s day for as long as possible.

Choosing the right colour adds another layer of meaning, and that’s where peonies truly shine.

Best Occasions for Peonies

Peonies feel right at home during life’s biggest moments.

• Weddings: Soft, abundant and romantic. A bridal classic.
• Birthdays: Coral or pink peonies bring joyful celebration.
• Anniversaries: Lush blooms that speak straight to the heart.
• Sympathy: White peonies offer gentle comfort and grace.

Peonies carry weight and warmth in equal measure. They can help you express love, gratitude, celebration or support – all in a way that’s truly beautiful.

Make Every Occasion A Memory with Peonies

Peonies are bold, romantic and impossible to ignore. Their season may be fleeting, but their impact lingers long after the petals fall.

Whether you’re choosing peonies for a wedding, a birthday or simply because someone deserves something extraordinary, they help you say more; effortlessly and beautifully.

Explore our full peonies collection, and send your hand-crafted bouquet today.