All There Is To Know About Peonies

Peonies are among the world's most cherished flowers, celebrated for their sumptuous ruffles, delicate colours, and romantic allure. In Australia, these flowers have a near-cult following – their short season each year is eagerly anticipated by flower buyers and floral designers alike. This blog post will jump into everything there is to know about peonies, with a focus on their use in floristry, while also exploring their rich history, symbolism, types, cultivation in Australian gardens, and their special appeal in the Australian flower market. Whether you're a wedding planner seeking the perfect blooms, a home gardener keen to grow peonies, or simply a flower enthusiast, read on to discover why peonies hold such a prized place in hearts (and bouquets) across Australia.

Lily's Florist and the team take a vast look at the Peony, over time, to modern times...they are one of our favourite flowers for sure.

History and Origins of Peonies

Peonies belong to the genus Paeonia, a group of about 30 species native to temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. They have an ancient pedigree – cultivated in China for over a millennium, peonies were treasured in imperial gardens and valued as medicinal herbs as far back as the Tang dynasty (7th–10th centuries). In fact, ornamental peony cultivars in China originally evolved from plants grown for medicine.

The flower’s very name comes from Greek mythology: Paeon was a physician to the gods who, as legend tells, was turned into a peony flower by Zeus to save him from the envy of his teacher, Asclepius. This dual history – revered in Eastern cultures and entwined with Western myth – gives peonies a special cultural cachet.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, peonies had enchanted Europe. Tree peonies from China were first planted in England in 1789, sparking a wave of peony mania in European horticulture. The introduction of Chinese herbaceous peonies (such as Paeonia lactiflora) to Europe in the 1800s led to intensive breeding and countless new varieties. Today, over 3,000 cultivars of peonies exist worldwide.

Notably, the Netherlands has become a powerhouse of peony production – it’s the largest cut peony producer globally, with around 50 million stems (led by the famous pink ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ variety) grown annually. This global spread set the stage for peonies to eventually find their way to Australian gardens and vases.

Despite their globe-trotting history, peonies still carry the aura of royalty. The ancient Chinese dubbed peonies the “King of Flowers”, reflecting their status as a symbol of nobility and prosperity, while the ancient Greeks knew them as the “Queen of the Herbs” for their healing uses. This lofty historical reputation follows peonies into the present, where they remain synonymous with luxury and timeless beauty.

Varieties of Peonies: Herbaceous, Tree, and Itoh

One reason peonies are so versatile and appealing is the variety of forms they come in. There are three main types of peony plants grown today:

Herbaceous Peonies

These are the classic garden peonies that die back to the ground each winter. They typically grow to about 60–90 cm tall and produce the lush, big blooms peonies are famous for. Herbaceous peonies sprout anew each spring from tuberous roots and require a cold winter dormancy; their stems are soft (not woody) and should be cut back in winter after foliage dies down.

Tree Peonies

Despite the name, these are not actual trees but woody shrubs. Tree peonies have permanent woody stems that can reach up to 2–3 metres in height in older specimens. They don’t die to the ground each year; instead, they lose leaves in autumn but keep their woody framework. Tree peonies often boast larger flowers and a greater profusion of blooms than herbaceous types, and they only need light pruning to maintain shape. Their woody structure allows them to support huge blossoms without staking.

Itoh (Intersectional) Peonies

Itoh peonies are hybrids between herbaceous and tree peonies, offering the best of both worlds. First developed in Japan in the 1940s by Dr. Toichi Itoh, these hybrids have the shrubby, sturdy growth and extended bloom period of a tree peony combined with the diverse colours and forms of herbaceous peonies. Itoh peonies die back like herbaceous plants but have thicker stems and often a longer flowering season. As peony expert Ron Boekel notes, with a mix of all three types in your garden, you can enjoy peony blooms from late winter through spring (August to December in Australia) because each type has different flowering times.

Bloom Forms and Colours

Beyond plant type, peonies delight with an astonishing range of flower forms and colours. Blooms can be single (with a single row of petals), semi-double, fully double, or the dramatic "bomb" form (a pouf of petals). There are also elegant Japanese and anemone forms with contrasting centre petaloids. Peonies come in almost every colour except true blue – from pure white and blush pink to vibrant magenta, deep red, coral, and even sunny yellow. The most common hues are pink and white, which also tend to be the most fragrant. Some varieties have blossoms up to 25 cm across; the adventurer Marco Polo once described peonies as “roses as big as cabbages.” This combination of size, form, and colour variety means there’s a peony to suit nearly every aesthetic, from soft vintage bouquets to bold contemporary arrangements.

Cultural Meaning of Peonies

Part of the peony’s appeal lies in its rich symbolism and the emotional response it evokes. Peonies have accumulated deep meanings in different cultures:

In China and East Asia

Peonies are enduring symbols of wealth, honour, and prosperity. They have been cultivated for centuries as the “king of flowers” and often appear in traditional art and celebrations. Gifting peonies or featuring them in décor is thought to convey wishes of good fortune. Their old Chinese name “sho yu” even means “most beautiful” – a nod to their esteemed status.

In Western Culture

Peonies commonly represent romance, happiness, and a happy marriage. They are considered an omen of good luck and prosperity for couples, which is why they are such popular wedding flowers. In fact, the peony is traditionally the flower for the 12th wedding anniversary, symbolising a long, happy marriage. This association makes them a meaningful choice not just for weddings but also for anniversary gifts and vow renewals.

In Victorian Floriography

Historically, peonies have also been linked to bashfulness and compassion in the Victorian language of flowers. Legends told of nymphs hiding within peony petals – hence giving peonies a meaning of modesty or shyness in Victorian floriography. Nowadays, however, their positive connotations of honour and love tend to dominate.

These layers of meaning add depth to peonies’ allure. When you give someone a bouquet of peonies, you’re not only offering breathtaking blooms, you’re also symbolically wishing them good fortune, love, and prosperity. Little wonder that a bride carrying peonies is thought to be carrying good luck in her arms! The cultural weight behind these flowers elevates them from mere decoration to meaningful gesture, which is highly valued in floristry and gifting.

Popularity in Arrangements, Weddings and Gifts

It’s hard to overstate how popular peonies are in floral design, especially in Australia’s wedding and event scene. Their lush beauty and romantic vibes have made them a top choice for brides, stylists, and anyone looking to create an eye-catching arrangement. In fact, peonies are such a favourite wedding flower that many Australian brides plan their wedding dates around peony season so that these blooms are available for their big day. (If you’ve ever heard of a November bride desperately seeking peonies, you now know why!) Peony flowers frequently feature in bridal bouquets, bridesmaids’ posies, hairpieces, buttonholes, and lavish table centrepieces during the spring wedding season.

Why are peonies so coveted in floristry? First, their appearance is unparalleled – soft, fluffy layers of petals give an instantly luxurious, romantic look. The colours of peonies (from blush and ivory to vivid coral and burgundy) happen to align perfectly with popular wedding palettes and flower trends. A few stems of peony can make a bouquet look extravagant and full. Thanks to their large bloom size, you don’t need dozens of peonies to create impact; even a small bundle looks opulent, which can actually make them cost-effective for arrangements by filling more space with fewer stems.

Designers often pair peonies with other elegant flowers like roses, ranunculus, hydrangeas, and lisianthus for a classic, romantic design. The peonies usually steal the show as the focal blooms, while delicate fillers (think baby’s breath or waxflower) and lush foliage (like eucalyptus – a nice Australian touch) can complement their form.

Another reason peonies are adored is their fragrance. Many peonies have a gentle perfume that can be sweet and rose-like or with slight citrus notes. This scent adds a sensory dimension to bouquets that few other flowers can match. It’s not overpowering, but a vase of peonies can softly perfume a room – a trait prized in bridal bouquets and home arrangements alike.

In daily floristry, peonies are often the highlight of spring special occasion bouquets. Australian florists report that when peonies are in season, everyone wants them. They’re popular for Mother’s Day, birthdays, and anniversaries (especially the 12th anniversary, as mentioned). Because they have a short season, many flower buyers treat peonies as a must-get luxury item while they last – a bit like the mangoes of the flower world. Gifting peonies carries a sense of indulging someone with the finest nature has to offer. A simple bunch of peonies, even on their own, wrapped in paper, can make a memorable gift that brings sheer joy to the recipient.

As one Australian florist put it: peonies are “pure decadence and delightful to watch transform in their short life” – their buds start tight and round, then burst open into gigantic blooms, almost like a performance.

That said, florists and planners working with peonies must navigate their limited availability. In Australia, you can’t just get fresh peonies year-round (more on seasonality next). This exclusivity only enhances their appeal; peonies are a seasonal delicacy. When they finally return each year, floral designers revel in using them for stunning spring wedding bouquets, and flower lovers rush to buy them by the armful at markets. It’s a floral frenzy that happens like clockwork every spring.

A bridal bouquet of white peonies exudes timeless elegance. In Australian weddings, peonies are often the star bloom, prized for their full, feminine look and symbolic wish of a happy marriage. Given their popularity, it’s not surprising that peonies are considered one of the most popular cut flowers in the world. In Australia, despite the challenges of seasonality, they hold a firm place at the top of the wish-list for weddings and high-end floral designs.

Seasonal Availability in Australia

Peonies may be the darling of the flower world, but Mother Nature keeps them on a tight schedule. In Australia’s climate, peonies have a short natural season that typically runs from late spring to early summer. Locally grown Australian peonies generally start blooming in late October, and the season peaks through November into early December, tapering off by mid-December. In total, we get about 6–8 weeks of peony glory per year from local farms, depending on the weather. Each peony variety has an even shorter flowering window (often only 2–3 weeks for each colour or cultivar), so specific colours appear sequentially: for example, vivid coral and red peonies are among the first to bloom, whites come a bit later, and the classic pink peonies are typically the last flush of the season. This staggered timing means throughout spring we see different peony hues take turns in the spotlight.

The timing can vary slightly by region and annual weather. Peonies require a period of cold winter dormancy to flower well, so they are grown in Australia’s cooler areas (more on that below). If spring weather is unusually cold or wet, the first blooms might arrive a bit later (conversely, an early warm spell can nudge them out sooner). Generally, by Melbourne Cup Day (early November), Australian florists are overflowing with peonies, and by Christmas they’re usually finished until next year. Florists often advise brides seeking peonies to target mid-November weddings as the safest bet, since that’s smack in peak local season.

Where do Australia’s peonies come from? Local peony farms are mostly clustered in the cooler southern regions. Victoria is a major peony-growing state – areas such as Monbulk and Silvan in the Dandenong Ranges, Woodend and Spring Hill in the Macedon Ranges, and around Geelong are known for peony production. These Victorian locales offer the right altitude and climate consistency for peonies to thrive. Tasmania also has ideal peony conditions; its chilly winters and mild summers produce excellent peony crops. In fact, Tasmanian peonies often hit the markets slightly later, extending availability by a couple of weeks into early summer. Some pockets of New South Wales (e.g. the Southern Highlands and alpine areas) and even south-east Queensland (Stanthorpe or Toowoomba on the Darling Downs) can grow peonies provided they get enough winter cold. Tree peonies, with slightly less chill requirement, have been grown as far north as Toowoomba (which still sees winter temps around 5°C). Generally, regions at higher elevations or with frosty winters are suitable. What this means is that Australian peonies are mostly a home-grown southern hemisphere product, hitting our markets in spring.

What if you need peonies at a different time of year? Australian florists have gotten creative here. Thanks to the opposite seasons, we can import peonies from the Northern Hemisphere during our autumn and winter. For example, peonies naturally bloom in Europe around May–June, which is late autumn in Australia. Florists sometimes import peony blooms from places like Holland (the Netherlands) during May and June to supply Aussie customers. Within about 72 hours of being picked in Holland, peonies can be on sale in Australian shops – giving us a cheeky “second hit” of peony season during our winter months. This is especially popular for winter brides who dream of peonies despite the local off-season. However, imported peonies are a luxury: they tend to be quite expensive and limited in colour variety, and availability can be unpredictable. Some florists caution against banking on imports for events, preferring to have a backup plan (such as using garden roses or other peony-like blooms as substitutes) for off-season weddings.

Still, it’s wonderful that modern logistics allow us to enjoy peonies twice a year – locally in Oct–Dec, and via imports around May–July. The seasonality also gives peonies a certain mystique in Australia. Because they’re not around year-round, people truly savour them when they do arrive. Come spring, social media floods with peony pictures, and flower shops put out signs announcing peony bunches for sale – knowing they’ll likely sell out quickly. This cycle of longing and joy each year only amplifies the public’s passion for peonies.

Tips for Floral Designers: Caring for and Designing with Peonies

For floral designers (and really, anyone arranging peonies in a vase), working with these blooms is a delight if you know a few key tips. Peonies can be long-lasting and open beautifully if properly handled. Here are some professional tips on peony care and design:

Conditioning and Prep

When you receive peonies (either from the market or cut from your garden), condition them by re-cutting the stems at an angle and placing them in water with flower food. Cutting at an angle increases water uptake to those thirsty stems. Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line in your vase, as submerged foliage can rot and breed bacteria, shortening the vase life. Allow peonies to hydrate well in a bucket of clean water (preferably cool water) for a few hours before you arrange them. If the peony buds are very tight, you can use lukewarm water to encourage them to start opening.

Encouraging Blooms to Open

Peonies often arrive as firm buds and will gradually unfurl into large blossoms. To speed up opening (say, for an event looming), keep the buckets in a slightly warmer room (around 20°C) and even give the stems a dip in tepid water – a florist trick to nudge those buds. Lukewarm water conditioning for a couple of hours can help the blooms open more fully and last longer afterwards. Once the peonies have started to open (when the bud feels soft, like a marshmallow, to the touch), you can then arrange them. Note: It’s best to not force peonies open too quickly (avoid extreme heat or direct sun) as that can shorten their vase life. Slow and steady is key.

Arranging and Support

When arranging peonies, remember the blooms are top-heavy. Use a clean vase and fresh water, and give each stem enough space so they’re not overcrowded. Often peonies look best when they are the focal flower – let them take centre stage and float above smaller accent flowers. You might place 3–5 peony stems in a medium bouquet and surround them with complementary blooms and foliage for support. If a peony stem is curving, embrace it in the design – the natural drape can look very romantic (peonies cascading slightly over the vase rim is a lovely, garden-style look). Change the vase water every couple of days and trim the stems slightly each time to keep them drinking well.

Flower Combinations

Peonies pair wonderfully with many other flowers. For a classic elegant mix, try roses and peonies together (often in similar colour tones) – a match made in heaven for weddings. Ranunculus, garden roses (David Austins), hydrangeas, and lisianthus are also favourite companions to peonies, creating a lush, soft-textured arrangement. For contrast in shape, you can add spire-shaped flowers like delphinium or snapdragons, but make sure they don’t overpower the peony. Filler flowers such as baby's breath, Astrantia, or waxflower can weave between peony blooms without stealing the show. And don’t forget greenery: airy greens like seeded eucalyptus, ferns, or dusty miller foliage provide a beautiful backdrop that highlights the peonies’ form. The key is balance – peonies have a soft, billowy shape, so mix in some different shapes for interest, but keep the overall feel aligned (e.g., all romantic cottage-garden style, or all bold and modern).

Keeping Peonies Fresh

Cool temperatures are peonies’ friend. Once arranged, keep peony bouquets out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources or draughts. In hot Australian summer weather, an air-conditioned room will help them last. If you need to hold peonies for an event, you can store them in a floral cooler or even your fridge for short periods (just no fruit in there with them, as ethylene gas can make flowers age faster). Properly cared for, cut peonies can last about 5–7 days in a vase at home, sometimes longer for the bomb-type doubles which have many petals.

Design Aesthetics

Don’t be afraid to let peonies be the star of your design. One gorgeous approach is a mono-botanical bouquet – just peonies en masse. A mound of peonies in full bloom looks incredibly luxurious and is a statement in itself (often seen in chic bride bouquets or styled home décor). Alternatively, use a few peonies as focal points within a mixed arrangement. Their eye-catching size draws attention, while smaller flowers and buds can fill around them. Remember to consider the colour palette: group similar peony shades for an ombré effect, or combine whites, pinks, and reds for a rich tapestry of colour. Peonies also work well in modern arrangements – for instance, a single peony stem showcased in a minimalistic vase can be the ultimate exercise in floral simplicity.

Growing Peonies in Australian Gardens

For Australian home gardeners enchanted by peonies, growing these blooms can be a bit of a challenge but absolutely possible if you live in the right area (and are willing to pamper them a little). While peonies have a reputation for being fussy, they are quite hardy perennials given suitable conditions. Here’s what Australian gardeners need to know to cultivate peonies successfully:

Climate

Peonies thrive in cold-winter climates. They need a chill period to form flower buds – this means regions with frosty winters are ideal. In Australia, peonies are best grown in Tasmania, Victoria, ACT, and the cooler highland regions of NSW. If you’re in a warm area (e.g., coastal Queensland or tropical zones), herbaceous peonies will likely struggle or not bloom at all due to insufficient winter cold. However, tree peonies are a bit more forgiving and can sometimes be grown in cool temperate areas that don’t get quite as cold. As a rule of thumb, if your winters regularly drop to around 0–5°C at night, you have a chance. If not, consider growing peonies in large pots that you can try chilling (some enthusiasts use ice or refrigeration techniques!) or opt for the joy of enjoying peonies as cut flowers instead. There are also ongoing experiments with artificial chilling – for example, a University of the Sunshine Coast project managed to simulate cold conditions to grow peonies in subtropical Queensland, highlighting just how high-value these flowers are that such efforts are underway.

Choosing Peony Types

For gardeners in our colder regions, herbaceous peony roots (often called “peony roses” in garden catalogues) are available from specialists in autumn. There are many cultivars, usually with pink, white, red, or coral flowers. Tree peonies can be purchased as potted shrubs – these might be a better bet if your climate is on the edge, since tree peonies can tolerate slightly warmer winters than herbaceous types. Itoh (intersectional) peonies are also sold in Australia now; they can be pricey, but they offer vigorous plants with lavish blooms and might extend the blooming period. It’s worth consulting local nurseries or garden clubs for recommended varieties that have performed well in your region.

Planting and Soil

The best time to plant peonies is autumn (March–May) in Australia. This timing allows the roots to establish over winter. Peonies prefer a well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (around 6.5–7 is ideal). Before planting, choose a spot that gets full sun or at least 6 hours of good sun a day – in very hot summer areas, morning sun with a bit of afternoon shade is perfect so the blooms don’t scorch. Prepare the soil deeply by loosening it and working in plenty of well-rotted organic matter (compost and aged manure). Peonies are heavy feeders and will reward you for enriching the soil. One grower recommends adding compost plus some form of lime or dolomite if your soil is acidic, since peonies appreciate a near-neutral pH.

When planting herbaceous peony tubers, take care not to plant them too deep. Unlike bulbs, peony “eyes” (buds on the tuber) should be quite close to the soil surface – about 3–5 cm below ground level is sufficient. If you bury them too deep, they may grow foliage but fail to bloom. Space peonies about 60–90 cm apart to allow for good air flow and growth. For tree peonies, plant them at the same depth they were in the pot (or with graft union just below soil). They appreciate some shelter from harsh winds to protect their blooms and woody stems.

Care and Maintenance

Patience is key with peonies. After planting, they might not bloom the first spring or two – they are busy establishing roots. By the third year, you should start getting a nice show of flowers, with plants improving each year thereafter. Peonies are long-lived – a well-cared peony plant can live decades, even up to 100 years in the same spot – so think of it as a long-term investment in your garden. Here are some care tips:

Feeding

Peonies benefit from annual feeding. In early spring, as the red shoots emerge, fertilise with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or well-rotted manure around the drip line (keep it a few inches away from the crown to prevent rot). They like potassium for flowering, but avoid overdoing nitrogen as that can lead to lots of leaves and few blooms. A top-dress of compost can also be applied in autumn.

Watering

While establishing, keep the soil evenly moist. Mature peonies are relatively drought tolerant (especially tree peonies) but do best with moderate moisture. Water deeply during dry spells in spring when they are forming buds. Avoid waterlogging – they hate “wet feet.” Good drainage is a must to prevent root rot.

Staking

Some tall herbaceous peony varieties have heavy double blooms that may flop, especially in rain. Consider using peony rings or gentle staking to support the stems just as buds start to swell. Tree peonies generally don’t require staking due to their woody stems.

Winter Dormancy

In cooler climates, peony foliage will die back after autumn. For herbaceous types, cut the stems to ground level in winter and remove the dead foliage (this helps prevent disease carryover). Apply a light mulch of compost or straw over the crown in very cold areas, but remember to rake it away by late winter because peony buds don’t like to be buried too deeply. Tree peonies will lose leaves; they might be mulched lightly at the base, but do not cut their woody stems.

Pests/Diseases

Peonies are generally not very troubled by pests. You might notice ants on peony buds – this is common and harmless. The ants are attracted to sweet sap on the buds but do not damage the plant. (Old wives’ tale says ants help peonies open by “tickling” them – not really true, but they don’t hurt anything!). As for disease, Botrytis (grey mould) can occasionally hit peonies, especially in humid or wet springs. Prevent it by ensuring good air circulation (proper spacing, and remove old foliage) and avoid overhead watering. If it appears (blackened buds or stems), trim off affected parts and dispose of them.

Best Regions in Australia to Grow Them

As mentioned, Tasmania and the cooler highlands/southern states are peony heaven. Gardeners in Tasmania often report great success, as do those in Victoria’s upland areas. In Sydney or Perth, results vary – some gardeners in the Blue Mountains or Southern Highlands (NSW) or in the Perth hills (WA) have managed blooms due to cooler microclimates. In warmer coastal areas, results are uncertain – you might get foliage and perhaps a bloom in a cool year, but it’s risky. If you’re very keen, try an Itoh peony or two in pots so you can give them extra TLC (and even try chilling the pots in winter by moving into a fridge or cold garage for several weeks).

Growing peonies in Australia is certainly a labour of love, but for those in the right climate, it’s immensely rewarding. There’s nothing quite like strolling out to your garden in late spring and cutting a few stems of your very own peonies to bring indoors. The fact that they’re somewhat uncommon in Aussie gardens makes them all the more special. And once a peony plant is established, it will likely bloom for you every year with minimal fuss – potentially becoming a prized heirloom passed down through generations, as has been done in other parts of the world. Just remember the gardener’s adage for peonies: “First year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap!” Have patience, and you’ll be rewarded with decades of spectacular flowers.

Peonies in the Australian Flower Market: Economic and Aesthetic Value

In the Australian flower market, peonies occupy a premium niche both economically and aesthetically. They are often considered a luxury flower, sought after for high-end events and by discerning customers willing to pay for their fleeting beauty. The limited local season and difficulty of cultivation naturally make peonies more expensive than year-round flowers like roses or chrysanthemums. Yet, demand remains sky-high – a testament to their perceived value.

From an economic standpoint, peonies can be a boon for local flower growers. Despite a harvesting window of only a few weeks, peony crops yield such high returns that they can essentially fund a farm’s operations for the entire year. For example, a peony farmer in Tasmania noted that less than two months of peony harvesting generates enough income to pay wages and sustain the farm for the year. This is possible because peonies command high prices per stem, especially at the start of the season when supply is just trickling in. Florists often wholesale peonies in bundles of 5 or 10 stems, and retail prices in Australia might range anywhere from around $10 to $20 per stem (sometimes even more for imported blooms or exceptional varieties). Consumers are willing to indulge because peonies are seen as an affordable luxury – a small bunch can transform a space with its beauty, and people associate them with quality and prestige.

However, the market is not without its challenges. The short, concentrated season means peony growers (and florists) face risks like unpredictable weather (a late frost or heavy rain can ruin buds) and the need for swift logistics to get flowers to market at peak freshness. If a crop misses the narrow Mother’s Day or spring wedding window, there’s no second chance until next year. This risk factor further elevates the price – essentially, you’re paying for the rarity and the gamble the grower takes. It also means florists must manage customer expectations: outside peony season, they must gently steer clients to alternatives or imported stock (with warnings about the higher cost).

On the aesthetic side of value, peonies are often described as show-stoppers. Many florists consider them one of the most beautiful flowers you can buy, period. They instantly give arrangements a luxuriant, bespoke look. In wedding work, including peonies in a bouquet or centrepiece is seen as adding a touch of opulence and elegance that’s hard to replicate. Their ruffled texture photographs exceptionally well – a big reason they’ve become darlings of Instagram and Pinterest in recent years, fuelling further demand (one UK report cited peonies as the top-selling flower after a surge in social media popularity). Australian floral designers know that when peonies are on their menus, clients get excited. Peonies often become the selling point of seasonal bouquets – for instance, a florist might advertise a “Spring Peony Special” and it will reliably sell out. In the florist trade, having peonies available can draw customers into shops, where they might buy other items too. So, peonies carry a bit of a halo effect in the market.

Additionally, there’s growing interest in expanding peony production in Australia due to their value. Research projects like the one in Queensland (trying to grow peonies in August/September through climate control) aim to supply the local market when overseas growers can’t. If successful, this could extend our access to peonies beyond the traditional spring window and possibly reduce reliance on imports. It speaks to how economically enticing peonies are that such efforts are underway to essentially “engineer” a longer season.

In summary, peonies in Australia carry both sentimental value and monetary value. They enrich our flower market by offering something truly special – a flower that people will line up to purchase despite a higher price, and whose presence elevates any floral display to art. Their aesthetic value is evident in the awe they inspire; their economic value is clear in the livelihood they provide to growers and the premium they command at market. When you buy a peony, you’re not just buying a flower – you’re buying a slice of seasonal magic, a product of year-long effort for a moment of beauty. And for most, that experience is worth every penny.

Final Thoughts

From ancient imperial gardens in China to chic modern weddings in Sydney, peonies have captured hearts and imaginations for centuries. We’ve explored how these magnificent blooms carry a world of meaning – symbolising everything from honour and prosperity to romance and a happy marriage – and how they have become a cornerstone of floral art and commerce in Australia. With their rich history, variety of forms, and unmistakable beauty, peonies bring a unique combination of heritage and luxury to any occasion.

In Australian floristry, peonies are more than just flowers; they are an annual celebration of nature’s finest, eagerly awaited each spring. Their short season teaches us to appreciate the moment when these delicate petals unfurl in all their glory. For floral designers, they offer endless creative possibilities and the reward of seeing that delighted reaction from clients. For gardeners, successfully growing a peony is a proud achievement that can literally last a lifetime. And for flower buyers and recipients, peonies spark joy and convey heartfelt sentiments in a way few other flowers can match.

Ultimately, the love affair between Australia and peonies shows no signs of fading. Whether you’re savouring a bouquet of fresh-cut peonies on your table, planning an event with peony accents, or cultivating your own peony patch in the garden, you’re participating in a long tradition of admiration for this flower. Peonies, with their sumptuous blooms and storied past, truly offer “all there is to know” about why we cherish flowers in the first place – beauty, meaning, seasonality, and the simple pleasure they bring. So when peony season comes around, don’t miss the chance to indulge in these glorious blooms and share in their timeless appeal. After all, in the language of flowers, the peony speaks volumes – and it’s saying that some things in life, like love and springtime blossoms, are worth the wait.

The team and I originally posted this article on 7.7.23. After loads of work and research we decided to give it total refresh, a lot of love, and a lot more expert depth! We posted the updated article on 3.4.25, we sincerely hope you enjoyed the yarn.

Sources

• Kate Hill Flowers – Peony seasonality and local vs. imported availability

• ABC Organic Gardener – Peony types and growing tips for Australian climates

• Interflora Australia – Peony history, symbolism, and popularity in weddings

• ABC News – Insights from Tasmanian peony farmers on season and market value

• Monarch Floral Design (USA) – Floral design tips for conditioning and arranging peonies

• Gardening Know How – Historical facts and cultural lore of peonies

• Better Homes & Gardens (AU) – Growing peonies in cool Australian climates guidance

• Flower Club (AU) – Peony season in Australia and care information