Hello Friends!
There are certain flowers that make their season feel especially worth celebrating, and peonies are certainly one of them.
With their layers of soft, ruffled petals and beautiful color, even a simple bunch of peonies can make an everyday corner of home feel a little more special. They’re one of my absolute favorite flowers, and whenever peony season arrives, I can hardly resist bringing a few home.
The blooms may look delicate, but with a little care, you can encourage your peonies to open beautifully and enjoy them for as long as possible.
START WITH FRESH WATER
Before arranging your peonies, begin with a clean vase filled with fresh water. Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline, as submerged foliage can encourage bacteria to grow and shorten the life of your flowers.
GIVE THE STEMS A FRESH CUT
Trim each stem at approximately a 45-degree angle before placing it in water. This creates more surface area for the stem to absorb water.
I also like to vary the height of the stems as I arrange them. Giving each bloom a little breathing room allows those beautiful, full flowers to open without feeling crowded.
ENCOURAGE TIGHT BUDS TO OPEN
Peony buds are sometimes covered with a naturally sticky sap that can make it difficult for the petals to open.
If you have a particularly stubborn bud, gently rinse or dip the flower head in lukewarm water to help remove some of the sticky residue.
You can also carefully remove any outer sepals that appear to be restricting the petals, but I prefer to do this only when necessary. Part of the beauty of bringing peonies home is watching them open naturally over the next few days.
KEEP THE WATER FRESH
Refresh the vase water every day or two, and give the stems another small trim when needed.
Clean water is one of the simplest ways to help fresh-cut flowers last longer. If your flowers came with a packet of floral preservative, you can add it according to the package directions when refreshing the water.
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LET THEM HAVE THEIR MOMENT
Once arranged, place your peonies somewhere you’ll have a chance to enjoy them throughout the day.
A small arrangement on an entry table, kitchen counter, bedside table, or coffee table doesn’t need much else around it. Peonies have more than enough personality all on their own.
And perhaps that’s what I love most about fresh flowers at home. Something as simple as bringing home a bunch of seasonal blooms can make an ordinary day feel just a little more beautiful.
Peonies will always be one of my favorites, but I’d love to know: What flower do you look forward to bringing home every year?
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