May sees the start of the Peony season and we couldn't be happier about it!
It’s safe to say there’s a whole lot of love out there for Peonies; With their lush petals and captivating fragrance, they’ve enchanted flower enthusiasts for centuries. Revered for their exquisite beauty and symbolic meanings, peonies hold a special place in the world of floristry and here; we’re going to delve into their history, symbolism, and ways to incorporate them into your home during their all too brief season!
History: Peonies originate from China over 2,000 years ago, these blooms were revered as symbols of prosperity, honour, and beauty in Chinese culture. They later spread to Japan where they became known as “The King of Flowers” and were associated with wealth & good fortune.
In the western world, peonies gained popularity during the Victorian era, symbolizing romance, prosperity, and good fortune. They often featured in bridal arrangements and symbolise love, devotion, and a happy marriage.
How to care for your peonies: when looking to incorporate peonies into your displays, be sure to choose the freshest of blooms. Remember; they usually come tight in bud – think about this when buying. If you want them open and full of life in time for your event, you’ll need to purchase them a few days before to allow them to really shine on the day!
Upon bringing the peonies home, trim about half an inch off the stem at a 45-degree angle. This allows for optimum water absorption and prevents the stem sitting flat at the bottom of the vase.
Remove any foliage that will be submerged in water, as this can cause bacterial growth and decay.
Ensure your vase is clean, with fresh room temperature water and add floral preservative if available. If you don't have floral preservative, you can make your own by mixing water with a little sugar and a few drops of bleach to inhibit bacterial growth.
Once trimmed, place the peonies in the vase of water as soon as possible. This helps prevent air bubbles from forming in the stems, which can block water uptake.
Keep cool, peonies prefer cool temperatures, so place your vase in a cool spot away from direct sunlight! Avoid placing them near ripening fruits, as the ethylene gas emitted by fruits can cause the flowers to deteriorate more quickly.
Change the vase water regularly, and mist the flowers, peonies appreciate a little extra moisture, especially if the air in your home is dry. Lightly mist the petals with water using a spray bottle to keep them hydrated and looking their best!
Avoid disturbing the flowers, try not the jostle or handle the peonies too much once they’re in the vase, as this can damage the delicate petals and shorten their vase life.
By following these tips, you should be able to enjoy your peonies for up to a week or even longer depending on the variety!
Incorporating Peonies into your everyday is easy, whether they adorn your bridal bouquet, grace a tabletop vase arrangement, or become a focal flower of occasion bouquets their versatility makes them suitable for all occasions. You could consider incorporating peonies into your home décor by pairing them with complementary blooms such as roses, hydrangeas, or lilacs. Their lush, fluffy petals and intoxicating fragrance will bring joy and beauty to any space!
Conclusion: Peonies are more than just flowers; they are symbols of love, prosperity and beauty that have captivated hearts and minds for centuries.
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