Peonies are stunning but short-lived flowers, blooming from May to early July. Florist Vicky Salmon shares expert advice on how to care for them, including how to speed up blooming and extend their freshness. Tips include checking bud firmness, massaging stems, using warm water, and proper vase maintenance.
Peonies are absolutely stunning flowers. Their sumptuous pastel petals and subtle fragrance make them a delightful addition to any household.
Nevertheless, the peony season is incredibly brief, so maximising it is essential. These blooms are available from May through to early July, and to guarantee they appear at their finest, understanding proper care is crucial. Interflora florist Vicky Salmon has revealed her expert advice for maintaining these magnificent flowers to preserve their beauty for as long as possible.
Peonies naturally have a shorter vase life compared to most other varieties, typically around five days, but with appropriate care, you can truly optimise their appearance and extend their freshness, reports the Express. Most florists send their peonies while still in bud so the flowers will unfold at home. The blooms may require several days to open - though if you're particularly impatient, Vicky suggests you can speed things up.
She said: "Firstly, see if they are ready to be encouraged along. Gently squeeze the flower head. If it's soft to the touch then it's very close to blooming.
" "If it's firm then it's still very fresh and may take more persuasion to open up. It may be best to leave it a day or so longer.
"Gently massage the buds at the neck of the stem. Pop the flower heads in a little warm water. A quick and gentle dunk should do it!
"Recut the stems and position your peonies in a warm, sunny room to speed up the process. " Once your peonies have bloomed, they're amongst the most straightforward flowers to maintain. Numerous florists dispatch their arrangements already secured at the stem - if you prefer to keep things uncomplicated, you can retain this binding to preserve the bouquet's structure. Vicky said: "Make sure your vase is clean and fill it about two thirds full with fresh water.
Never forget to add that all-important flower food.
"With a sharp pair of scissors trim the stems at an angle - this means the stem has a greater surface area for taking up water, allowing your peonies to get a good drink. With the scissors, you can also remove any foliage that may fall below the water line.
" Her concluding advice concerns the placement of your flowers. A hall, coffee table or bedside table will do perfectly - just make sure they aren't in direct sunlight, or exposed to draughts as peonies hate a breeze.
Peonies Flower Care Florist Tips Seasonal Blooms Home Decor
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