Just Bloom Florist Guide to Peony Varieties
Peonies are a florist’s dream, renowned for their lush, full blooms, vibrant colors, and romantic appeal. These luxurious flowers are a staple for weddings, events, and high-end arrangements, offering a timeless elegance that captivates clients. With diverse varieties, peonies provide versatility in design and texture. This HK Florist guide details the key peony varieties, their characteristics, uses, and care tips to help florists create stunning arrangements and meet customer expectations.
1. Herbaceous Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora)
Overview
Herbaceous peonies are the most common type in floral design, prized for their large, lush blooms and wide color range. These perennials die back to the ground each winter, making them a seasonal favorite for late spring to early summer.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Single, semi-double, or double blooms, 4–8 inches in diameter.
Stem Length: 18–36 inches, ideal for bouquets and centerpieces.
Colors: White, pink, red, coral, and cream, with some bi-colors.
Fragrance: Mild to strong, often sweet or rose-like.
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer (May–June).
Popular Varieties
'Sarah Bernhardt': Soft pink, double blooms, strong fragrance, a classic for weddings.
'Coral Charm': Vibrant coral, semi-double, fades to peach, perfect for bold designs.
'Red Charm': Deep red, double, dramatic for statement pieces.
Uses
Bridal bouquets and romantic centerpieces due to their lush appearance.
Mixed with roses or ranunculus for textured arrangements.
Focal flowers in large-scale event decor.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–8 days.
Handling: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under water. Gently shake to open tight buds.
Water: Use lukewarm water with floral preservative, changed every 2–3 days.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) in a humid cooler to prevent wilting.
2. Tree Peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa)
Overview
Tree peonies are woody shrubs with massive, exotic blooms, offering a luxurious option for florists seeking unique, high-impact flowers.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Large, single to double blooms, 6–12 inches wide.
Stem Length: 12–24 inches, often shorter due to woody stems.
Colors: Pink, red, yellow, white, purple, and bi-colors with vivid patterns.
Fragrance: Mild to moderate, often citrusy or spicy.
Bloom Season: Early to mid spring (April–May).
Popular Varieties
'Shimadaijin': Deep purple, semi-double, striking for bold arrangements.
'High Noon': Bright yellow, single to semi-double, ideal for vibrant designs.
'Hana Kisoi': Pale pink, double, perfect for elegant bouquets.
Uses
Focal flowers in luxury arrangements or solo stems in vases.
Mixed with greenery for a natural, garden-inspired look.
Specialty wedding decor for a dramatic effect.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 4–7 days.
Handling: Handle woody stems carefully; crush ends slightly to aid water uptake.
Water: Use deep containers with floral preservative to support heavy blooms.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) to maintain petal integrity.
3. Intersectional Peonies (Itoh Hybrids)
Overview
Intersectional peonies, or Itoh hybrids, are a cross between herbaceous and tree peonies, combining the best traits of both: large blooms, sturdy stems, and unique colors.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Single to semi-double blooms, 5–10 inches wide.
Stem Length: 18–30 inches, strong and upright.
Colors: Yellow, coral, pink, red, and bi-colors, often with unique markings.
Fragrance: Mild to strong, often sweet or lemony.
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer (May–June).
Popular Varieties
'Bartzella': Bright yellow, semi-double, lemony fragrance, ideal for modern designs.
'Cora Louise': White with lavender centers, perfect for elegant arrangements.
'Garden Treasure': Golden yellow, semi-double, great for vibrant bouquets.
Uses
Statement flowers in wedding bouquets and centerpieces.
Mixed with softer flowers like roses or lisianthus for contrast.
Large-scale event decor for a luxurious touch.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 6–9 days.
Handling: Trim stems under water; support heavy blooms with floral foam if needed.
Water: Use floral preservative in lukewarm water, changed every 2 days.
Storage: Store in a humid cooler at 34–38°F (1–3°C) to extend freshness.
4. Single Peonies
Overview
Single peonies have a simpler, more open bloom structure with a single layer of petals, offering a delicate, airy aesthetic for floral designs.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Single layer of petals with a prominent center of stamens, 3–6 inches wide.
Stem Length: 18–30 inches.
Colors: White, pink, red, and yellow, often with contrasting centers.
Fragrance: Mild to strong, typically sweet.
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer (May–June).
Popular Varieties
'Krinkled White': Pure white, single, delicate for minimalist designs.
'Scarlet O’Hara': Bright red, single, vibrant for bold arrangements.
'Sea Shell': Soft pink, single, ideal for romantic bouquets.
Uses
Garden-style bouquets with greenery or wildflowers.
Accent flowers in mixed arrangements for a lighter look.
Corsages or boutonnieres for a delicate touch.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–7 days.
Handling: Handle gently to avoid damaging open petals. Cut stems under water.
Water: Use cool water with floral preservative to maintain freshness.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) in a humid environment.
5. Bomb Peonies
Overview
Bomb peonies are a type of double peony with a distinctive, rounded shape, featuring a dense center of petals surrounded by guard petals, creating a dramatic, full bloom.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Double, rounded, bomb-shaped blooms, 5–8 inches wide.
Stem Length: 18–30 inches.
Colors: Pink, red, white, and coral, often with a creamy center.
Fragrance: Strong, rose-like or sweet.
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer (May–June).
Popular Varieties
'Red Magic': Deep red, full bomb shape, perfect for bold designs.
'Pink Hawaiian Coral': Coral-pink, lush and vibrant, great for weddings.
'Raspberry Sundae': Pink with a creamy center, ideal for romantic arrangements.
Uses
Focal flowers in lush bouquets or centerpieces.
Mixed with roses or hydrangeas for textured designs.
Statement pieces for high-end events or installations.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–8 days.
Handling: Support heavy blooms with floral foam or wire. Trim stems under water.
Water: Use deep vases with floral preservative to accommodate large blooms.
Storage: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) to prevent petal wilting.
General Peony Care for Florists
Sourcing: Choose high-quality peonies from reputable growers or wholesalers. Select buds that are soft to the touch (marshmallow stage) for optimal opening.
Conditioning: Cut stems under water and place in lukewarm water with floral preservative for 4–6 hours. Store in a cooler to encourage slow opening.
Temperature: Store at 34–38°F (1–3°C) in a humid cooler to prevent dehydration. Avoid ethylene exposure from fruits or wilting flowers.
Design Tips: Pair peonies with complementary flowers like roses, ranunculus, or eucalyptus for balanced arrangements. Use floral foam or chicken wire for structural support in large designs.
Customer Advice: Advise customers to change water every 2–3 days, keep arrangements out of direct sunlight, and gently mist blooms to maintain freshness.
Trends in Peony Use (2025)
Sustainable Sourcing: Demand for locally grown or organic peonies is rising, appealing to eco-conscious clients.
Unique Colors: Coral, yellow, and bi-color peonies are trending for modern, vibrant designs.
Textured Arrangements: Combining peonies with textured elements like ferns, greenery, or dried grasses creates dynamic, organic looks.
Dried Peonies: Dried peony blooms are gaining popularity for long-lasting decor, especially in bohemian or minimalist settings.
Hong Kong FLorist tips
Peonies are a luxurious and versatile flower, offering florists a range of varieties to suit any design style, from romantic weddings to bold event decor. By understanding the characteristics, uses, and care requirements of each peony type, florists can craft breathtaking arrangements that captivate clients and elevate their floral artistry.
