Learn about planting, blooming seasons, and how to keep your peonies thriving year after year.
There’s something undeniably magical about peonies. With their lush, ruffled petals, hearty fragrance, and soft romantic hues. These blooms have earned their place as garden royalty—and as a favorite in floral arrangements.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just discovering the charm of these gorgeous flowers, here’s your guide to peony varieties. You can expect care tips, and how to make the most of your blooms both in the garden and in a vase.
Popular Peony Varieties (and the Best for Cut Flowers)
Peonies come in a few main types: herbaceous, tree, and Itoh (intersectional) hybrids. Each type has its own charm, but some are better suited to cutting than others.
Itoh peonies (this is the blend I have in my front yard) These flowers blend the best traits of both herbaceous and tree types. They offer vibrant colors, a longer bloom period, and strong stems, though they're still relatively new to many gardeners. When choosing for cut flower purposes, stick with tried-and-true herbaceous varieties for the longest-lasting blooms.
Herbaceous peonies are the most traditional garden peonies and offer the widest range of colors and forms—from single to double blooms. Their strong stems and classic shape make them ideal for bouquets.
Tree peonies, on the other hand, bloom earlier and boast massive flowers. Their petals are more delicate and the stems more brittle, making them less practical for cutting.
How to Care for Peonies in the Garden
Peonies are surprisingly low-maintenance once established, but they do have some preferences.
Start by planting them in the fall, giving roots time to establish before spring growth. Choose a sunny location with excellent air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Peonies don’t like to be moved, so pick a permanent spot where they can thrive for years. Make sure the planting depth is correct—placing the eyes (buds) of the root too deep is the most common cause of non-blooming plants. Plant the buds (eyes) about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) below the soil surface.
After planting, mulch lightly for the first winter, but avoid heavy mulch as it can retain too much moisture. Peonies are not heavy feeders, but they do appreciate a spring boost from a balanced fertilizer or compost. As summer ends, trim back foliage to prevent disease, and you’ll set the stage for an even better show next year.
Tips to Make Cut Peonies Last Longer
Want to bring those beautiful blooms indoors? Here's how to make your cut peonies last:
Timing is everything—harvest in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and water pressure is higher in the stems. Once you’ve picked the blooms, remove any foliage that would sit below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. Cut the bottom of the stem at a 45 degree angle. Use room temperature water and a clean vase to start, and consider adding a floral preservative to extend vase life.
Some gardeners even suggest placing the vase in a cool room overnight to slow down blooming and extend freshness. If you're cutting peonies ahead of an event, storing them in the refrigerator in the “soft bud” stage (wrapped in paper or plastic) can keep them fresh for days or even weeks. When ready to use, give the stems a fresh cut and hydrate them in warm water for a few hours—watch them open right before your eyes!
The Benefits of Growing Peonies
Beyond their beauty, peonies bring a whole bouquet of benefits. Because peonies are perennials with lifespans that can stretch for decades, they’re a long-term investment that keeps rewarding your garden with blooms and lush foliage every year.
Their large, fragrant flowers are beloved by pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems. Peonies are also deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them an ideal option for areas with heavy wildlife traffic. They are also perfect for a beautiful centerpiece for any occasion.
Once they have bloomed they are beautiful bushes for the rest of the season. I cut mine all the way down before it snows in the fall and they come back bigger and beautiful each spring.
Peonies are the perfect perennial, returning year after year with minimal effort. We've incorporated them into various landscapes over the years—whether in bush form or as low-maintenance floral accents, they’ve always been a beautiful and rewarding choice.
In Bloom: Final Thoughts
Peonies are a gift that keeps on giving—easy to grow, breathtakingly beautiful, and deeply symbolic. Whether you're planting a new garden or cutting fresh blooms for your home, caring for peonies is a rewarding experience with stunning results.
Creating a successful garden doesn’t have to be difficult. One of the key first steps is making sure you have the right tools on hand—because with the right gear, planting becomes the easiest (and most enjoyable) part.
- Pruning shears
- Gardening gloves
- Small shovel
- Small rake
- Grampa's Weeder
- Watering Can
- Bag to keep it all together
As the seasons turn and those lush buds begin to bloom, you’ll not only be rewarded with breathtaking flowers but also a deeper connection to your garden—and maybe even a few envious neighbors asking for tips.
-Brooke
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