All About Peonies: 6 Fun Facts, Peony Decor & Secrets to Making Them Last

In keeping with our springtime Blooming theme, we wanted to share some fun facts about one of our favorite flowers: the peony. Nothing says spring like peonies, with their care-free ruffled petals and bold, gorgeous color. Whether it’s through decor or a fresh-cut bouquet, we love having peonies sprinkled throughout our home this time of year. Read on as we share some of our favorite things about this fun flower!

Peony Fun Facts: Did You Know…

• There are tons of Peony varieties. More than 6,500, actually! They also come in a rainbow of colors, encompassing every shade except blue, so you’re sure to find a variety that matches your decor.

• They’re a symbol of love and romance. This makes them a popular choice for wedding bouquets. They’re also the traditional flower of the 12th wedding anniversary.

• They can live longer than some people. It’s true: The impressive life span of a peony plant can extend to 100 years under the right conditions.

• Peonies are best grown in cooler climates. The Netherlands are the world’s largest producer of cut peonies. In the U.S., peonies grow well in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska.

• They attract insects. Ants in particular are attracted to the sweet nectar inside the peony buds. (Your peony plants will be safe from deer and rabbits though, as they don’t find peonies to be a particularly appetizing snack!)

• Peony season is short. Their blooms are beautiful, but don’t last long! Their growth season stretches from about late April to early June, depending on where they are planted. The individual blooms last between 7 and 10 days.

Decorating with Peonies

Whether they’re fresh or come in the form of artwork or decor, peonies are a great way to brighten any space and add a pop of beautiful color. There are plenty of ways to use these blooms to enhance your home decor. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Throw Pillows – Decorative throw pillows are a great way to add a fun pop of color to an otherwise neutral space. Peony throw pillows will add a bright and cheerful look to your living room.
  
• Wallpaper – Need a fun accent wall for a bathroom or bedroom? Why not try some peonies wallpaper? Wallpaper is making a comeback in interior design and it can add an elegant look to any room.
  
• Wall Art – An easy way to incorporate the peony into your home is through wall art, like a bright and beautiful peony painting, or a framed photograph of the flowers.
  
• Bedding – Comforters and duvet covers are a great way to incorporate bold and colorful patterns into your home. Try a peony comforter as the focal point for your bedroom or a guest room.
  
• Dishes – If you prefer a more classic and neural palette for your walls and furniture, you can add a more playful and colorful touch in your kitchen with some peony plates and mugs.
  
• Fresh Flowers – Finally, we can’t forget the classic choice of a simple vase of beautiful fresh peonies. They’re a perfect elegant spring addition to any home.
  
• Decorative Items – Why not add a little reminder to “bloom” in all of your spaces? Small figurines, silk flowers, rugs, towels, and mugs all add small, meaningful touches of springtime style to a home. (P.S. If you want to try incorporating peonies into your decor, be sure to check out our Painted Peonies collection!)

How to Make Cut Peonies Last Longer

Our only complaint about peonies is that their beautiful blooms are fleeting. If you like using fresh cut peonies in your home as much as we do, here are a few tips to keep your blooms looking beautiful for as long as possible:

• First, try to buy or harvest your flowers in bud form. The buds should be soft and have a texture similar to a marshmallow, indicating that they are about to open. And if you thought you had to go to a fancy and expensive florist to get these fresh buds, think again: You can often find beautiful and inexpensive peony bouquets at your local farmer’s market or Trader Joes!

• If your peonies don’t come with their own flower food packet, you can make your own flower food by simply adding a spoonful of regular granulated sugar to the water.

• Like most flowers, Peonies will last longer if you cut the stems at an angle before placing them in water. This will give the stems a slightly larger surface area to absorb water and nutrients.

• Change the water in your vase every few days, rather than just topping it up. This will help prevent bacteria growth in the water and keep your peonies healthy.

• Extend the life of your peonies and prevent them from opening too quickly by placing them in the refrigerator at night.

Planting Your Own Peonies

Of course the secret to surrounding yourself with peonies is to plant your own! Peony bushes make a lovely addition to any yard and are perfect for lining pathways or sidewalks. They can grow well in many locations throughout the U.S., but they tend to do best in areas that receive some cold temperatures. If you want to learn more about planting and propagating peonies, the best fertilizer and soil for peonies, and much more, check out this peony growing guide.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to all-things-peony! If you haven’t yet discovered this beautiful flower, go buy yourself a bunch to brighten your home, inspire your mood, and to remind you to bloom!

Check Out Our Painted Peonies Collection: