Flower Library
Peonies
Paeonia · Paeoniaceae
Peonies are the queen of early summer — opulent, fragrant, romantic. Their season is short: just 6–8 weeks between early May and mid-June. Couples marrying in June have the rare luck of carrying them as a bridal bouquet.
- Season
- May – June
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- Latin name
- Paeonia
- Colors
- White, Soft pink, Pink, Coral, Bordeaux
Peonies usually arrive with their buds nearly closed — and that's how it should be. In the vase they open over 2–3 days and end up almost twice as large. A bud-stage peony is not a defect, it's how they're sold.
There are single and double varieties. The doubles — like Sarah Bernhardt (soft pink), Coral Charm (peach with color shift) or Karl Rosenfield (deep pink) — are favorites for weddings and events.
When the season ends, it ends. Overseas imports exist at premium prices — outside the season we usually recommend roses or ranunculus instead.
Is Peonies toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA). All parts contain paeonol and can cause vomiting, drooling and diarrhea if eaten — most concentrated in the stems. Keep the vase out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Vomiting, drooling and diarrhea after ingesting plant parts.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Don't panic at delivery — buds open fully over 2 days.
- 02Cut stems at an angle, strip lower leaves.
- 03Change vase water daily (peonies are a bit sensitive).
- 04If buds won't open: warm water for 30 minutes, then back to cold — often triggers opening.
- 05Keep cool and out of direct sun — adds days to vase life.
Frequently asked
- When is peony season?
- Early May through mid-June in Europe. Alaska offers a late season in July/August, Chile imports in November/December — both at a notable premium.
- My peony won't open — what now?
- Gently squeeze the bud between your fingers — the sticky outer sap loosens and the bloom opens. Alternatively: warm water for 30 min.
- Are peonies toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. The ASPCA classifies peonies as toxic to cats, dogs and horses — every part of the plant contains paeonol, which can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, drooling and diarrhea. Poisoning is usually mild to moderate, but we recommend keeping the vase out of reach of pets.