Peony: Everything You Need to Know About the Queen of Flowers
The ultimate symbol of beauty and delicacy, the peony has that certain something—hypnotic and fascinating—so cherished by flower lovers. Whether standing majestically in a garden, resplendent in a bouquet, or dried to last, this marvel of nature offers a thousand different faces… Let’s dive together into the refined world of peonies to learn more about their varieties, colors, symbolism, and much more.
The Major Families of Peonies
Before we talk about varieties and colors, it’s important to know that there are several main types of peonies, each with its own characteristics. Understanding these differences is the first step toward choosing—and caring for—your peonies more effectively.
Shrub peonies and herbaceous peonies: What are the differences?
Two varieties, two appearances, and above all, two ways of blooming. That's what sets these queens of the garden apart.
The tree peony
More rare and majestic, the tree peony forms small, woody shrubs that can grow over 1.50 meters tall. Its large flowers, which are sometimes double, burst into bloom as early as April and reappear each year on the same wood. It captivates with its longevity and well-structured growth habit, making it perfect for adding character to a flower bed.
The herbaceous peony
The more common herbaceous peony dies back completely in winter and sprouts anew in the spring. Its tender stems bear flowers that are often more numerous but slightly smaller. It blooms a little later, generally between May and June, and thrives both in the ground and in pots.
Itoh Peonies: Characteristics and Unique Features
Born from a cross between tree peonies and herbaceous peonies, Itoh peonies combine the best of both worlds: abundant blooms, good form, and highly striking shapes. Their flowers, which are often very large, also feature subtle colors, sometimes bicolored.
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Iconic Peony Varieties
Behind the word “peony” lies an infinite variety of species, some with poetic or historical names. Some have become classics that can be found everywhere, while others captivate with their rarity.
The Classics: “Sarah Bernhardt” and “Duchess of Nemours”
The ‘Sarah Bernhardt,’ with its delicately ruffled pale pink petals, is probably the most famous. The ‘Duchesse de Nemours,’ a pure white with a hint of cream, embodies timeless elegance. These varieties are prized for their fragrance and generous blooms.
The Discovery: Japanese Peonies
More airy and often simpler, Japanese peonies captivate with their exposed centers and lightness. They add a more graphic and modern touch to floral arrangements.
Peony Colors and Their Meanings
More than just a matter of aesthetics, the color of peonies also conveys messages and emotions. Each shade has its own symbolism.
Roses—white, red… the most popular peony colors
Pink peonies express tenderness and femininity, white peonies express purity and elegance, while red peonies symbolize passion and vitality. These colors are popular for both bouquets and gardens, and are suitable for a wide variety of occasions.
Symbolism and Meaning of the Peony
A flower that symbolizes honor, prosperity, and sometimes shy love, the peony is rich in symbolism. The Sessile editorial team has dedicated an entire article to it: to learn all about the meaning of peonies, click here.
Peony Season and Cultivation
Despite their apparent fragility, peonies are hardy flowers that thrive with patience and a little know-how. Knowing when and where to grow them is the first step toward ensuring a beautiful bloom.
When do peonies bloom?
Peonies bloom mainly between May and June, depending on the variety and region. To learn more, check out our article on peony season.
Where are peonies grown?
Peonies are primarily grown in Europe, Asia, and the United States. In France, they are one of the most widely cultivated flower species and even symbolize the resurgence of the cultivation of so-called Mediterranean varieties, which have replaced the rose.
There are many excellent producers in several regions: Brittany, Tarn-et-Garonne, the Loire Valley… But it is above all the South of France—and particularly the Var—that is now the main production area, thanks to a mild and sunny climate that is ideal for growing these crops.
It is worth noting that the peony was actually the most widely produced flower in France in 2020, accounting for about 10% of the flowers grown in the country that year, for a total of nearly 19 million stems.
Extending the Life of Peonies
To fully appreciate the stunning beauty of peonies, a few simple steps can make all the difference. Whether in the garden, in a pot, or in a bouquet, they require little care but deserve your attention.
How do you care for peonies?
Peonies prefer bright locations, but not direct, scorching sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
In the garden, moderate watering is sufficient—especially during dry periods—to prevent excess moisture around the roots. Pruning should be light: simply remove wilted flowers to encourage the plant to focus its energy on future blooms.
When growing in a pot, choose a fairly wide container and a rich, well-drained potting mix, and water sparingly to keep the soil moist without overwatering.
For more tips, check out our article on caring for peonies.
How do you dry peonies?
Even when they've wilted, peonies lose none of their legendary charm. By drying them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place, they become delicate, timeless decorations.
Their petals then take on subtle, powdery hues, perfect for creating dried flower arrangements or adding a touch of beauty to a table setting. It’s a poetic and sustainable way to give your favorite flowers a second life.
How can you make your peonies look their best?
Because they are already so majestic, peonies often stand on their own. But a few well-chosen pairings can further highlight their beauty.
What flowers go well with peonies? Hydrangeas, roses, lisianthus
Their fullness and silky petals pair beautifully with heirloom roses, hydrangeas for structure, or lisianthus for a touch of softness. These combinations create generous, elegant bouquets, perfect for a special occasion or to brighten up your home.
In bouquets, flower beds, or pots: tips for even more elegant peonies
It’s all about balance and proportion. In a bouquet, just a few carefully selected stems, enhanced by light foliage, are enough to create a spectacular and natural effect. In a flower bed, you can play with repetition: line up several plants to structure the space and achieve a graphic, harmonious look. In a pot on a patio or balcony, peonies become showstoppers, adding color and volume—as long as you provide them with a container that’s wide and deep enough.
How much do peonies cost?
As with any flower, the price varies depending on the variety, the season, and the size of the flower. On average, a single stem costs anywhere from a few euros to more than ten euros for the rarest varieties.
As Mother’s Day approaches, peonies naturally become more expensive, as they are in extremely high demand for the occasion. As Gilles Rus, director ofmarketdevelopmentat the Hyères flower market, explains:“Mother’s Day in Europe is always celebrated on the second Sunday in May—this year it will be May 12—and the Var is practically the only place where they are grown at that time of year.”
It is primarily at the Hyères auction in the Var department that the price of a peony is set through a reverse auction mechanism: the more time passes, the cheaper the peonies become. Peonies are perishable, so every minute counts!
On what occasions should you give peonies as a gift?
Peonies are the quintessential “special-occasion” flowers, thanks to their elegance and symbolic significance.
Mother's Day: The Peony, a Seasonal Symbol of Affection
Their majestic yet approachable nature makes them ideal for celebrating moms and expressing your love for them. And it’s perfectly timed: their blooming season coincides perfectly with Mother’s Day, making them a choice that’s both symbolic… and seasonal.
Peonies and Birthdays: A Thoughtful Gesture
A bouquet of pink or white peonies is a tender and elegant way to celebrate a birthday.
Giving Peonies as a Wedding Gift
They add a touch of romance and volume to bridal bouquets and centerpieces.
Sessile's Opinion on Peonies
At Sessile, we love the peony for what it is: a flower that is at once majestic and sincere, generous and delicate. It has the unique power to make every moment special.
More than just a decorative accessory, the peony tells a story: that of a master florist, of craftsmanship, and of a season. By choosing your peonies from our network of local florists, you’re supporting a more sustainable and responsible approach: the flowers are often more beautiful, delicately fragrant, and grown with respect for nature.
That’s the vision we champion at Sessile: giving peonies—or treating yourself to them—is also a way to celebrate the seasonality and authenticity that you won’t find in standardized flowers. True elegance, crafted locally, for moments that matter.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
