It’s really no secret that peonies are some of the most prized flowers on the market.  Peony roses encapsulate  something exotic . They represent the wonders of another era of Eastern living and exoticism depicted in numerous paintings, prints and fabrics. The incomparable luxury and strange beauty of their velvet petals and distinguished stamens wrapped up in luxurious foliage points to them as being the perfect evolution and refinement of all flora.

Peonies have a strong medicinal history. In Greek mythology, the peony was rumored to be named after Paeon, a physician to the Greek gods. In ancient civilizations, peony seeds and roots were used to treat many diseases — ranging from animal bites to epilepsy. Children often wore necklaces made from peony root to help with teething pain.

Colours & Varieties Available

Peonies are available in approximately 30 varieties and almost every colour and shade — with the exception of blue! Pinks, corals, white and yellow are generally the most popular, however, the deeper red and black shades are stunning as well, although less commonly used.

In Season

Peonies are in season late spring through early summer. They’re considered perennials, meaning they live (and continue to bloom each spring) for more than 2 years.

Vase Life

Cut peonies generally live between 5 and 7 days.

PEONY FACTS

• Peonies initially were grown for medicinal purposes.  They were used to treat headaches, asthma, and childbirth pain.
• Peony petals are edible. The petals can be parboiled and sweetened for use in teas, summer salads, or as a garnish for punches and lemonades.
• Peonies are often called “The Dolly Partons of the Garden”
• Long ago, people believed that peonies protected them from demons.
• Peonies are traditionally used for celebrating the 12th wedding anniversary.

HOW TO KEEP PEONIES FRESH

1. Keep them cool. As you would with other fresh flowers, stashing peonies in the fridge at night is a guaranteed way to help them last longer.
2. Cut the stems at an angle and trim them every day. This will help maximize the water absorption and helps the flower get more water and nutrients.
3. Change the water daily.  No brainer here – fresh water = fresh flowers
4. Make your own flower food. Mix sugar and water to feed your flowers and they always last longer.

HOW TO GET YOUR PEONIES TO OPEN FASTER

1. Remove all excess foliage from the stems. Excess greenery impedes water from traveling to the head of your Peony.

2. Fill your vase with a minimum of 6″ of warm water — Peonies will bloom faster the deeper the water. Warm water travels to the head of the bloom faster than cool water.

3. Use a pair of garden shears or a kitchen knife to cut the bottom 1/2 inch off of each Peony stem at a 45 degree angle.

4. Place the vase in the warmest room in your home. Peonies will bloom more quickly in warm rooms, but will cook in direct sunlight.

5. If your Peonies are starting to open, you can accelerate the process by using your fingers to help them along. Start by gently pushing the outer petals open and working your way in.

Here at Bouquet Box, we can never get enough of Peonie beauty and fragrance and love to add them to our subscription bouquets.

Click here to view some of our beautiful bouquets that feature the beautiful Peonie Flower.

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