What soil type is best for peonies?

Peonies trives best i næringsrik, godt drenert jord med pH 6,5–7,5. Bland inn kompost eller moldrik jord ved planting and velg et solrikt, lunt sted.

Peonies – varieties, symbolism and care tips

Q: How often should peonies be watered?

Vann grundig én gang i uken, tilsvarende ca. 2–3 cm vann. Unngå å vanne på bladene for å forebygge soppangrep. I tørre perioder kan det være nødvendig å vanne oftere.

Q: How long do peonies last in a vase?

Peonies holder seg 7–10 days med riktig stell. Kjøp dem i knoppstadiet – de åpner seg vakkert hjemme and holder lengst. Klipp stilkene på skrå, bytt vann annenhver dag and plasser dem kjølig.

In China, the peony (Paeonia) is called the 'queen of flowers', and it's easy to see why. With its lavishly large, fragrant blooms, it is amongst the world's most sought-after wedding flowers – a symbol of happiness, prosperity and a flourishing marriage.

Classic pink peony – large, fragrant flower in natural light — Classic pink

Red peony – dramatic and full bloom with deep colour — Red – passion

White peony in elegant wedding-inspired arrangement — White – purity

Pink peonies arranged in luxurious bouquet — Pink – romance

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The rich history of the peony

The peony has been cultivated in China for over 1,500 years and is considered the country's national flower. When it arrived in Europe in the 18th century, it quickly became a symbol of wealth and status. The Latin name Paeonia is believed to come from Paeon – the physician of the gods in Greek mythology – because the plant was long used medicinally.

What does the peony symbolise?

Happiness and prosperity: In Chinese tradition, the peony is considered the luckiest of all flowers.
Romance and love: The full, soft petals are the very embodiment of romantic love.
Success: Large, voluminous flowers have throughout history been associated with wealth and success.
Modesty: In Western tradition, blooming peonies have also symbolised a humble beauty.

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Popular peony varieties

'Sarah Bernhardt': The world's best-selling peony variety. Classic pink with sweet fragrance and strong stems.
'Karl Rosenfield': Deep red and double-flowered – dramatic and long-lasting.
'Festiva Maxima': White with red flecks in the centre – elegant and romantic.
'Coral Charm': Salmon pink that gradually changes to yellow – one of the most photographed peonies.
'Duchesse de Nemours': Pure white with delicate fragrance – perfect for weddings.

Peonies in bouquets

Peonies are most popular in wedding bouquets, but they're equally suitable as a welcome gift for a new home, as congratulations or as an exclusive gesture for someone special. If you'd like to send flowers with peonies, you can easily order a bouquet online. It combines beautifully with eucalyptus, rose buds and white bridal veil for a romantic and natural look.

You can order flowers with peonies to anywhere in the UK, or read about what different flowers mean in our guide to flower language.

How to care for peonies in a vase

Buy peonies in bud stage – they'll open beautifully at home and last longer.
Cut the stems at an angle and remove all leaves below the water line.
Change the water every other day and wash the vase thoroughly.
Keep them cool at night – cold significantly extends their lifespan.
Want them to open faster? Place them in lukewarm water in a warm room.

Quick overview – peony

Characteristic	Information
Vase life	7–10 days
Latin name	Paeonia
Origin	China / Central Asia
Flowering (garden)	May–June

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It has never been easier to buy flowers online. Also read our care advice to keep the peonies fresh as long as possible.

Frequently asked questions about peonies

What soil type is best suited for peonies?

Peonies thrive best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Mix in compost or humus-rich soil when planting, and choose a sunny, sheltered location. Peonies dislike being transplanted – choose the location carefully.

How often should peonies be watered?

Water thoroughly once a week, equivalent to approximately 2–3 cm of water. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal disease. During dry summer periods, you may need to water more frequently – feel the soil with your finger.

How long do peonies last in a vase?

With proper care, peonies last 7–10 days. Buy them in bud stage – they open beautifully at home and last the longest. Cut the stems at an angle, change the water every other day and place them somewhere cool overnight.