In the floral world, peonies symbolise romance, prosperity, bashfulness, and compassion. They make perfect flowers for expressing admiration and affection. White peonies specifically convey innocence.

Peonies trace their roots to Asia, where they were revered in Chinese, Japanese, and Greco-Roman cultures and art. Royalty and aristocrats coveted them as luxurious garden flowers. Their meaning of honour and prosperity lasts on and on.

Peonies flower in single, semi-double, and double forms. They range from petite, densely ruffled blooms to giant, loosely blown open blossoms - up to 10 inches across. Colours range from white, blush pink, coral, red, burgundy, and yellow.

Peonies are delicate, ephemeral blooms that require special care to look their best for as long as possible. Follow these expert tips from Wild at Heart's master florists:

• Upon arrival, gently unwrap bouquets and trim all stems diagonally by 1-2 inches with a sharp knife or garden shears. This exposes fresh edges that can take up water.
• Immediately place peonies into a clean vase filled with room temperature water. Use floral preservatives or a few drops of bleach if possible to inhibit bacteria growth.
• Display peony bouquets out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like appliances or vents. The delicate petals are susceptible to wilting and discoloration, so a cool, dim spot is ideal.
• Refresh the water and re-trim stems every 2-3 days. Bacteria multiplied in old water speeds wilting, but trimming keeps stems hydrated.
• Handle the blooms and stems with care, as peonies bruise very easily. Gently unwrap, arrange stems, and move vases when necessary.
• Expect an average vase life of around 5-7 days for cut peony stems with proper ongoing care. Some varieties may last longer when very fresh.

The ephemeral nature of peonies means they are only available for a few treasured weeks in spring. Expect Wild at Heart's fresh peony season to run from early May through June.

Given their short season and extreme popularity, we recommend booking your peony bouquets and arrangements at least 2-4 weeks in advance to guarantee availability. We source peonies locally when possible, though additional varieties are flown in directly from growers. 

Peonies remain some of the most favourite flowers in the UK, with their unique blend of pastel and vibrant tones making them a stunning addition to any home or business.

1. Peonies are native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. They were first cultivated in China over 1000 years ago.
2. There are over 30 wild peony species, though most commercially grown peonies are hybrids of the herbaceous, tree, and intersectional varieties.
3. Peonies are perennials that can live over 100 years. Mature plants can grow 3-5 feet tall and wide.
4. The meaning and symbolism of peonies includes romance, prosperity, honour, beauty, bashfulness, compassion, and feminine nobility.
5. Peonies bloom in late spring to early summer, with a relatively short flowering season of 4-6 weeks on average.
6. Peony flowers range dramatically in size, from 1 to 10 inches in diameter. They come in single, semi-double, and double flower forms.
7. Popular peony colours include white, pink, coral, red, burgundy, yellow, and bicolors. The ruffled, lush petals often fade to lighter hues.
8. Peonies are renowned flowers in Chinese culture. Peony festivals celebrating the flowers are still held annually in China and Japan.
9. During the Victorian era, giving a bouquet of peonies was said to represent shame and shyness.