Peonies peonies peonies!
Each spring, many of us eagerly await the return of one of the season’s most delicate and enchanting flowers - the peony. In Argentina, their blooming season begins in October and lasts through December.
With its long history and rich symbolism, this flower has earned a special place in both culture and floristry. In Ancient Greece, it was associated with healing and protection: according to legend, the gods were treated with peony roots, and the flower itself was considered a divine gift. In China, the peony symbolizes wealth, honor, and feminine beauty, often depicted on imperial scrolls and porcelain. In Japan, it represents nobility and inner strength, frequently appearing in woodblock prints as a sign of dignity and harmony.
Modern peony varieties - such as Sarah Bernhardt, Coral Charm, and Duchesse de Nemours - are known for their wide range of colors, shapes, and fragrances.
They originate from the Chinese herbaceous peony, Paeonia lactiflora, which became the foundation for modern breeding. These flowers are widely used in floristry, especially in wedding bouquets, event arrangements, and spring collections.
In Argentina, farms in Mendoza, Río Negro, and Neuquén grow peonies in cool mountain climates, which help produce dense buds and rich, vibrant colors.
How to care for cut peonies?
To extend the freshness of peonies, trim the stems by 3–5 cm with a sharp knife at a 45-degree angle before placing them in a vase. It’s also recommended to remove any leaves from the stems - this allows water to flow directly to the buds and helps prevent leaves from falling into the water and causing bacterial growth in the vase.
The water for flowers should be clean, and the vase must be thoroughly washed before filling it. If you want the buds to open faster, use warm (not hot!) water. If you prefer a slower blooming process, fill the vase with cool water.
Peonies need their water changed every two days, and it’s important to keep an eye on the water level.
Peonies are delicate flowers. We recommend placing the vase in a room without direct sunlight or drafts, and keeping fruits and vegetables away from the bouquet.
You may receive peonies fully open, partially open, or in bud form. Fully open peonies last around 3–4 days. If you're giving a bouquet for a birthday or special occasion, we recommend choosing these - they create a striking impression for the recipient. Partially open or closed buds last longer due to their gradual blooming - from 4 to 7 days - making them perfect for interior arrangements in a vase, on a desk, or kitchen table.
If you need the buds to open faster, here are a few tips to help speed up the process:
- rinse the floral nectar off the peonies by holding the buds under cool water.
- warm up the peonies: fill the vase with warm water or move them to a warmer room.
Peonies remain among the most beloved flowers of the season - they blend softness and strength, tradition and modernity, making every bouquet truly special.