Peonies bloom briefly and beautifully, sparking a rush among Dublin flower fans to grab them while they last. Blooming Amazing Flower Company offers same-day Dublin delivery during this fleeting window, hand-tying each bunch with care and attention to detail.

This guide covers all you need to appreciate these seasonal stunners - from their roots to how to keep them looking their best for longer. Planning an event or just a fan of these gorgeous blooms? You’ll see why florists hold them in such high regard.

Why Peonies Are Among the Most Loved Flowers

Peonies have been adored for centuries, their lush blooms and layered symbolism enchanting cultures from East to West. They're often linked to love, wealth, and good fortune.

Their appeal goes far beyond their appearance. In weddings, peonies symbolise happiness and enduring affection. Florists rely on them to add not only visual appeal but also a sense of meaning to any celebration.

Their structure makes them a favourite. Each bloom unfolds in ruffled layers, adding movement and texture that few flowers can rival. That versatility works in both classic and contemporary styled arrangements.

Their short season only heightens the attraction. Across Ireland and much of Europe, peonies bloom from late April to mid or late June. That fleeting availability makes them especially sought-after for late spring and early summer events and special occasions.

Peony Colour Variety

From blush to burgundy, their palette is as varied as their petal formations. Peonies come in many shades including:

• Soft pinks and blushes.

• Pure whites and creams.

• Vibrant reds and corals.

• Deep burgundies and magentas.

This range allows for flexibility in design while maintaining the distinctive peony character that people love.

A Brief History of Peonies in Floral Design

Peonies have a fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Originally cultivated in China over 2,000 years ago, they were first valued for their medicinal properties before becoming garden treasures. Chinese gardeners developed many varieties of Paeonia lactiflora that we still grow today.

In ancient Greece, peonies received their name from Paeon, a physician who, according to mythology, used the plant for healing. The Greeks believed peonies had special powers and incorporated them into both medicine and decorative arts.

During the Victorian era, peonies became symbols of romance and bashfulness in the popular "language of flowers." Their lush blooms appeared in gardens throughout Europe, where they were prized for their beauty and fragrance.

Today, peonies hold a special place in modern floristry. Their rounded form and layered petals make them ideal for wedding bouquets and luxury arrangements. Florists particularly value varieties like Sarah Bernhardt and Coral Charm for their reliable performance as cut flowers.

Types of Peonies Commonly Used in Bouquets

There are two main categories of peony flowers that florists typically work with:

Herbaceous Peonies

Herbaceous peonies are the most common type in floristry. These plants die back to the ground each winter and return in spring. Paeonia lactiflora varieties dominate this group, prized for their full blooms and strong stems when cut. Popular choices include:

• Duchesse de Nemours (white).

• Sarah Bernhardt (pink).

• Karl Rosenfield (red).

Itoh Peonies

Itoh peonies, also called intersectional hybrids, combine the best qualities of herbaceous and tree peonies. Created by Japanese breeder Toichi Itoh in the 1940s, these varieties produce large blooms on strong stems that don't require staking. They typically flower for 4–5 weeks (longer than most herbaceous types), making them valuable for extended seasonal displays.

Peonies Come in Several Distinct Shapes

• Single – One or two rows of petals with visible yellow stamens in the centre.

• Semi-double – More petals than single forms but with visible stamens.

• Double – Many layers of petals with few or no visible stamens.

• Bomb – A distinctive form with a round centre of petals surrounded by larger guard petals.

Peony Colour Symbolism

• Pink – Romance and happiness.

• White – Purity and innocence.

• Red – Respect and honour.

These associations make peonies particularly meaningful in wedding and sympathy arrangements.

When Are Peonies in Season?

Peony roses typically bloom from mid-April through late June, sometimes into early July if spring runs cool. Early cultivars such as Paeonia tenuifolia appear first, followed by the main flush of Paeonia lactiflora favourites.

Warm springs can accelerate flowering by up to a fortnight; cooler weather may delay them slightly, so timing varies year to year.

Our Commitment to Irish-Grown Blooms

At Blooming Amazing Flower Company, we prioritise Irish-grown peony roses whenever weather permits. It reduces travel miles and supports local farms, reflecting our commitment to responsible floristry.

How Long Do Cut Peony Roses Last?

With daily fresh water, clean vases and a cool display spot (18–20 °C) away from direct sunlight, peony roses stay vibrant for at least five to seven days and often longer.

Peony Care Checklist

• Re-cut stems at a 45-degree angle under running water.

• Use a spotlessly clean vase or vessle. 

• Make sure your container is large enough allowing water to flow freely between the stems.

• Add commercial flower food which should accompany your flowers when bought.

• Refresh water every 48 hours.

• Keep arrangements away from direct sun, radiators, and ripening fruit.

At Blooming Amazing Flower Company each flower stem is conditioned by our florists prior to arranging. This is to ensure lasting freshness, just one of the extra touches we apply to every bouquet.

Popular Occasions for Sending Peonies

Peonies make a statement in any arrangement, which is why they're chosen for so many special occasions. Their seasonal nature adds exclusivity that recipients appreciate.

• Weddings – Bridal bouquets featuring these lush blooms create a romantic, classic look that photographs beautifully.

• Anniversaries – Their associations with prosperity and happy marriage make them thoughtful anniversary flowers.

• Birthdays – Their limited seasonal availability makes them feel extra special.

• Sympathy – White or soft pink peonies express compassion and remembrance.

• Thank-you gifts – Their impressive appearance shows thoughtfulness, making them great thank you flowers.

Pairing Peonies with Other Flowers in Arrangements

Peonies work beautifully as focal flowers in mixed arrangements. Their substantial size and distinctive shape naturally draw attention, while complementary flowers and foliage highlights their beauty.

• Garden roses – For a romantic effect with similar softness.

• Ranunculus – Their smaller size contrasts beautifully with peonies’ fullness.

• Astilbe, scabiosa, nigella – Add delicate texture.

• Eucalyptus, fern, hosta – Offer foliage texture and contrast.

• Astrantia, waxflower, spray roses – Fill space between blooms.

Professional florists often use peonies as statement flowers in corporate arrangements when in season. When designing with peonies, we always account for their weight and stem strength to ensure structural stability.

Order Peony Bouquets for Delivery

Peony season sparks real anticipation in the floral calendar. These striking blooms are available in Dublin from late April to early June, with their prime usually landing in May.

Planning ahead matters. Their short season and high demand often mean specific colours or varieties disappear fast. Booking a single bouquet at least a week early gives you the best chance to secure exactly what you want. Weddings and events usually mean we need to order in quantity for you, so as much notice as possible is the best advice here.   

At Blooming Amazing Flower Company, every peony bouquet is arranged by skilled florists who know how to handle these delicate seasonal stars. We handpick each stem for freshness and staying power, then deliver across Dublin with care, straight from our team to your door.