The Peony: Perfect Petals and Best Practices

posted by enstyle

Whether perfectly pale pink petals or lush, merlot buds bursting with beautiful hues of burgundy to usher in fall, the peony is a stunning and elegant centerpiece floral option—even a small bouquet of these flowers delivers a captivating impact; they’re a favorite among florists and patrons alike.

These fragrant and herbaceous blossoms are pretty low maintenance and remain vibrant longer if cared for using a few best practices that we’ll share below to help you extend the life of your beautiful blooms —up to as long as seven days!

It’s ideal to cut peonies when their petals feel a bit like marshmallows, with a bud that’s still mostly closed and barely bloomed. Cut stems at an angle, a bit longer than you think is needed, and display them right away or refrigerate your florals covered securely in a plastic bag for up to a month, then stage them when you’re ready—no additional water required during refrigeration!

These beautiful blooms create exquisite minimalist or colorful arrangements that are perfect for any occasion, from weddings to a random and thoughtful gesture you gift to brighten up the day of your mom, sister, or best friend. Although primarily harvested in April and June, this native flower of spring and summer is a standout in any season. The peony is bold and delicate, a dynamic and statement-making floral that’s ideal for any centerpiece.

Peonies are lavish, visually impactful, and add a touch of luxury to any event—the challenge, availability and possible seasonal price surges! This fragrant perennial is a staple in wedding décor, and costs can add up quickly. Keep in mind, when it comes to the cost of peonies, the price point is directly impacted by the season as well as the flower’s hue—with white peonies often being slightly more expensive than the warmer-toned variety of the florals.

Again, April and June are the flower’s peak months, and a peony will cost around $7 a stem. Prices for this succulent floral rise during the off-season (r.e., March, July, and September), and stems will cost around $10 a stem. The limited or “out-of-production” months of October and February are when the cost is as opulent and bold as the peony itself, with prices rising up to as much as $35 per stem. Despite the cost or effort required to secure this coveted and versatile floral, the following is clear: whether you prefer the pricier, white, first flowers that emerge at the start of the season or the vibrant array of pink, peach, or deeper-hued blooms that follow, it’s essential to plan way in advance. Mainly, be mindful of seasonality and your event’s color esthetic as your theme will affect your overall budget per noted seasonal pricing variations.

Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to build a relationship with your local florist for a more curated shopping experience that eliminates a lot of the guesswork involved in scoring your desired version of the in-demand, bulbous floral.

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