Breaking in with Peonies!

Peonies are one of our first big crops of the season! They are one of my favorites because they are soooo big and soooo lush. They also come in such a fun variety of stunning colors. These flowers have layers and layers of petals from gentle whites to vibrant pinks and even to bright sunshine yellows!

This Itoh Bartzella peony is one of the more unique varieties we offer.

Everyone knows that good things come to those who wait, and this holds true for peonies! Unlike most flowers, peonies cannot be planted with a seed and then harvested later the same year. The peony plant is a medium sized bush that can be planted in two ways: bare root or potted. Potted peony plants can be bought at most garden stores, and may seem like an easier way to get started, but the transplanting process is rough. Peony plants are actually more likely to survive if you plant them yourself in their "bare root" form! This means starting off with just a tangle of roots that looks a bit like a group of spindly brown carrots! It might seem strange, but starting off this way will set your peonies on a path for success! :)

What wonderful ruffles on this Sarah Bernhardt variety!

After planting peonies, the bush must be weeded, watered, and cared for for 2-3 years before it will be mature enough to harvest the blossoms! These gorgeous blooms really are a labor of love, but the long wait is worth it! These 4-6 inch blooms make incredible center pieces for any arrangement, and can also be stunning on their own.

Right out of a fairy-tale wedding! The Festiva Maxima peony is known for its tiny fuchsia streaks.

The perfect bouquet - just a bunch of peonies!

A little fun fact about peonies, they are often sticky to the touch! This is due to a nectar that beads on the surface and attracts ants and bees. These little helpers keep away the more dangerous bugs like aphids and thrips, keeping the flower safe from damage! That's pretty incredible.

This Bowl of Beauty peony has such a unique shape!

Gorgeous bridal bouquet with Class Act and Alertie peonies!

Beautiful bouquet with Peonies, Sweet William, and Delphinium. All featured flowers!

We just completed a beautiful bridal bouquet with white and soft pink peonies. It was amazing how it only took a couple blooms to create a huge, gorgeous bouquet! In those soft colors, they looked perfectly bridal. However, in the image above, the pink Karl Rosenfield peony gives the market bouquet a bright and exciting mood!

Peonies are definitely the flower to complete any event and pair with any vibe! How would you use your peonies?

Best,

Jaime