The New York Times

May 15, 2024

Peonies, long revered as the pinnacle of floral elegance and romance, are increasingly dominating high-end floral design, moving beyond seasonal garden staples to become year-round symbols of luxury and abundance. These voluminous blooms, belonging to the genus Paeonia, offer florists and enthusiasts unparalleled versatility, blending sculptural beauty with heady fragrance to elevate arrangements for major events, from high-profile weddings to sophisticated corporate decor. Understanding the nuances of selecting, conditioning, and styling the three main types—herbaceous, tree, and intersectional—is essential for maximizing the lifespan and visual impact of these highly prized flowers.

Decoding the Peony Family: Variety and Versatility

The peony’s broad appeal lies in its diverse array of cultivators, which fall primarily into three categories. Herbaceous peonies are perhaps the most common, dying back annually but producing their characteristic large, fragrant spring flowers. Tree peonies feature woody stems and generally boast larger, longer-lasting individual blooms. Finally, intersectional (Itoh) peonies hybridize the hardiness of herbaceous varieties with the dramatic blossoms of tree peonies, offering robust performance.

Bloom shapes also influence arrangement texture, ranging from tight, symmetrical “bomb” forms ideal for structured bouquets to loose, romantic semi-double or fully ruffled varieties. Their color palette spans from creamy whites and soft blush pinks beloved in bridal work, to striking coral, deep magenta, and vibrant scarlet tones used for dramatic effect. This natural diversity allows peonies to serve as a seamless focal point in both minimalist, monochromatic designs and opulent, multi-hued compositions.

Selecting and Preparing for Longevity

For florists, maximizing a peony’s vase life hinges on meticulous selection and preparation. When choosing blooms, the vitality of the stem is paramount; they must be strong enough to support the substantial weight of the fully opened flower head. Experts recommend selecting buds that are slightly open but still firm, indicating they will unfurl gracefully over several days, allowing the bouquet to evolve naturally. Fully open blooms offer immediate impact but result in a shorter lifespan within the arrangement.

Proper hydration is critical for these delicate, yet hardy, flowers. Stems should be cut cleanly at a 45-degree angle, and all foliage that would sit below the waterline must be removed to prevent harmful bacterial growth. Immediate transfer into fresh water is necessary, followed by a few hours of hydrating before arranging. A professional technique for reviving drooping blooms involves submerging the stems in lukewarm water for approximately 30 minutes, effectively rehydrating the plant tissue. Florists caution against placing finished arrangements near direct sunlight or heat, which accelerates wilting and diminishes the flower’s pristine appearance.

Crafting High-Impact Floral Designs

Peonies’ volume and luxurious texture naturally position them as the central anchor in many arrangements. Their plush fullness brings softness and a dynamic sense of movement, harmonizing beautifully with more structured companions like roses, ranunculus, or trailing foliage. In bridal work, especially, peonies contribute an air of effortless sophistication, whether they dominate a classic round bouquet or provide the foundation for a lush, garden-style cascading design.

For optimal visual texture, professional stylists often integrate a combination of partially opened buds and fully realized blooms within a single arrangement. This technique creates a dynamic “living bouquet” that changes and expands over the course of an event. Seasonal integration is key; in spring arrangements, peonies pair beautifully with complementary textures such as lilacs, tulips, and freesias. Regardless of the theme—be it a minimalist wedding utilizing soft blush and white tones for an ethereal feel, or a dramatic centerpiece featuring deep magenta and burgundy for richness—the peony provides the unmistakable anchor, securing its status as the quintessential flower of luxurious abundance.

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