Peonies: varieties, care and how to help the bud open
20 August 2026 · Lacy Bird florists
A practical guide from the Lacy Bird florists: when the season is, how long they last in a vase, how to choose a peony by its bud, how to help it open — and what to pair it with.
The peony is the most coveted flower of early summer: lush, fragrant, and opening before your eyes right in the vase. Its season is short, so demand is enormous. At Lacy Bird we make peony bouquets throughout the entire peony wave, and we know how to choose a bud that will open for certain.
Peonies: the flower in brief
| Season | late May – June (short); imports extend it to autumn |
|---|---|
| Vase life | 5–10 days; they open from a bud |
| Palette | white, cream, pink, coral, red, burgundy; Itoh hybrids can be yellow |
| Fragrance | strong and pleasant in many varieties |
| Bloom size | large, full, lush heads |
| Pairs well with | roses, hydrangea, ranunculus, lisianthus |
| Alternatives | peony-type roses, ranunculus, double tulips |
When is the season and when to buy
The true peony season is short: late May and June. This is the peak of demand: peonies sell quickly, so in season, order in advance. Imported peonies extend the window almost to autumn, but the most beautiful and fragrant ones are local, in June.
How to choose a peony: the marshmallow test
The main thing is the right bud:
- The bud should be soft, like a marshmallow, yielding slightly to a gentle press. A rock-hard bud may not open, while a fully open one will shed quickly.
- A thin "sugary" coating on the outside is acceptable and perfectly normal.
- The stem is sturdy, the leaves are fresh, without brown spots.
How to help the bud open
- Trim the stem at an angle and place it in warm water: warmth speeds up opening.
- You can carefully remove a couple of the dense outer petals to "awaken" the bud.
- Do not keep it in the cold if you want to speed things up; conversely, coolness slows opening and prolongs the bloom.
Varieties
- Herbaceous peonies are the classic garden peonies, the most fragrant of all.
- Tree peonies are larger, with a different petal texture.
- Itoh hybrids have a broader palette, including yellow and bicolour shades.
What to pair them with in a bouquet
The peony is self-sufficient: a mono bouquet of peonies is a classic that never fails. In our designer compositions it is combined with roses, hydrangea and ranunculus. Out of season, peony-type roses take the peony's place.
Bouquets with peonies
Designer compositions from our catalogue, with delivery across Moscow.
*(product grid from the catalogue — dynamic; CTA: "Bouquets with peonies" → https://lacybird.ru/catalog/peonies/)*
Frequently asked questions
How long do peonies last in a vase?
Peonies last 5–10 days and open from a bud right in the vase. Trim the stem at an angle and change the water; in warmth they open faster, in cool air they last longer.
How do I choose peonies that will open?
Check the bud by touch: it should be soft, like a marshmallow, yielding slightly. A rock-hard bud risks not opening, and a fully open one will shed quickly. A thin "sugary" coating on the outside is normal.
When is the peony season?
The true season is short: late May and June. This is the peak of demand, so it is better to order in advance. Imported peonies extend availability almost to autumn, but the most fragrant are the local June ones.
How can I make a peony open faster?
Place it in warm water, trim the stem at an angle, and carefully remove a couple of the dense outer petals. Warmth speeds up opening; if, on the contrary, you need to hold it back, keep it in a cool place.
What colours do peonies come in?
White, cream, pink, coral, red and burgundy. Itoh hybrids come in yellow and bicolour variants. A true blue peony does not exist.
What can replace peonies out of season?
Peony-type roses (David Austin and similar varieties), ranunculus and double tulips: they give a similar lush, "marshmallow" texture.
Let us create a bouquet with peonies
Seasonal designer compositions with delivery across Moscow.
