Peonies – delicacy in every petal
In this article you will learn all about peonies:
- History of peony breeding
- What are the varieties of peonies and how do they differ
- Secrets of peony care, how to extend the life of cut flowers and how to care for them
- Florists’ secret – what to do when peonies close
- When the season of the most attractively priced peonies begins
- What variety of peony to choose for a gift
History of peony breeding
These beautiful perennial flowers have been known since ancient times. They are revered in the legends and myths of Ancient Greece. The image of the flower was widely used in the folk art of Japan and China on porcelain, textiles, paintings. Ancient physicians used peony roots to treat many diseases. Therefore, initially these flowers were grown only in monastery and apothecary gardens, using them as a medicinal plant, only with time they began to be appreciated for their beauty.
In Europe, due to its unpretentiousness, the peony was considered a common flower of the poor, unsuitable for the ornamental gardens of the nobility, where pampered overseas plants were grown. In China, on the contrary, peonies were grown exclusively in imperial and magnate gardens, as it was considered a symbol of nobility and wealth.
The breeding of new species and forms occurred slowly, mostly by natural means or by selection. The search for new peony species has been an ongoing process for centuries, involving scientific travel and expeditions, botanical research and painstaking work.
How were peonies bred in ancient times?
Selection – is the process of creating new varieties of plants through selection and crossbreeding, with the aim of obtaining new and improved seedlings with desirable characteristics.
- In the beginning, new varieties of peonies appeared by chance, as a result of natural mutations or self-pollination. People simply found plants with larger flowers and non-standard colors in nature or the garden and transplanted them separately, trying to preserve these characteristics.
- More than 2,000 years ago in China, peonies were grown not only as medicinal plants, but also as ornamentals. Tree peonies were especially prized. The Chinese used manual selection of the most beautiful seedlings grown from seed, and then preserving them by division.
- In Europe, the first garden forms of peonies as botanical species appeared in the late 18th to early 19th century. Beginning in the mid-19th century, French and English breeders began deliberately crossing varieties to produce more complete and ornamental forms.
What are the most popular varieties of peonies in floristry?
Let’s start with the whites:
– Duchesse de Nemours (pure white peonies, ideal for bridal bouquets)
– Festiva Maxima (white with sprinkles of pink)
– Shirley Temple (white and cream with a tinge of pink)
Colors: pink and coral
– Sarah Bernhardt (one of the most popular varieties of white-pink peonies with transitional shade)
– Monsieur Jules Elie (raspberry pink)
– Coral Charm (coral flower, which over time becomes milky in color with a yellow center)
– Etched Salmon (rare flower, salmon-colored)
– Karl Rosenfield (light crimson)
– Buckeye Belle (intense dark red or burgundy color, very showy flower)
What makes peonies so special and how to prolong the life of flowers in a bouquet?
Peonies, are not just ornamental plants, they are the true poetry of nature. They embody delicacy, grace and beauty. Their ethereal petals attract the eye and fill the space with a wonderful fragrance and invigorating emotions, however, behind this magnificent charm there is one peculiarity – after cutting, peonies quickly lose their freshness.
Fortunately, there are many simple but effective and practice-proven ways to help prolong the flowering and beauty of peonies, adding a few days to enjoy the beauty of these flowers.
Secrets, or how to prolong the life of flowers
- Cutting
It all starts with correct pruning. Peony is a flower that needs a lot of water. Before placing the peony in a vase of cold water, make the cut at an angle (45° is recommended), which will increase the area of water absorption by the stem, helping the flowers to remain flexible longer.
- Cleanliness
Cleanliness, is the key to longevity. Hygiene in the care of cut flowers is very important. Before putting flowers in the vase, wash it with hot soapy water or a weak solution of vinegar, remove leaves that can get into the water what will make it impossible to drink and quick rotting of flowers, because they are a source of bacterial flora. The optimal amount of water in the vase 10-15 cm.
Perform this procedure regularly, every day:
– wash the vase
– on pour 10-15 cm of clean water
– Cut each peony stem at a 45° angle
– put the flowers in a vase with clean cold water
- Fertilizers
Fertilization is needed to prolong the freshness of peonies. Research confirms that homemade fertilizers, such as – alcohol, sugar, vinegar, are MYTHS! The only fertilizer that will not harm the flowers is Chrysal, should be applied on the 3rd-2nd day after the purchase of the peony.
How to use it: For the first three days we repeat all the procedures described above. On the third day we wash the vase – we fill it with cold water, pour Chrisal powder mix, trim the flowers and put them in the vase. The next day we change the water again, add the powder and repeat everything. and so we repeat every day and enjoy how beautifully our flowers bloom.
- What don’t peonies like?
- Direct sunlight
- Temperature changes
- Drafts
- Proximity to fruit (especially apples and bananas)
The best place to store peonies is a cool room with diffused light. Extending the freshness of peonies – means extending the beauty and delicacy, extending the wonderful and unforgettable moments. This is not difficult but requires care and maintenance. Let each day of flowering peonies remind you that in nature there are fleeting but beautiful moments so, it is worth taking care of them.
Lifehak – how to open peonies
If your peony has arrived with closed buds, don’t worry – this is a common practice for cut flowers, especially those cut at the “milky” or “plump” stage. Here’s what you can do to speed up their opening and prolong their freshness.
Step1: Remove the leaves from the stems so that they do not come into contact with water and contribute to the development of rot. Also carefully remove any green petals on the bud.
Step 2: If the flowers are in the so-called “mucus” wipe them with a napkin, Which first moisten with warm water.
Step 3: After removing the green petals and wiping off the bud, gently tap the bud or gently push back the outer petals with your finger. Place your thumb in the center of the bud and very gently turn it in circles a few times. This stimulates the petals to open.
Step 4: None of the above advice helped?
Then, take water with a temperature of about 38-40°C (100-104°F). warmer water can damage the flowers. Before placing in the water, trim the stems with secateurs at a 45° angle at 3 cm. This is to absorb the water. Immerse the stems in warm water for 10-15 minutes, this will speed up the opening of the petals. Leave the vase in a warm place. After the treatment, pour out the warm water, wash the vase and fill it with clean, cold water, refresh the flowers, place the vase in a warm, bright place, but not in direct sunlight. This stimulates further opening of buds.
When do peonies bloom in Poland?
In Poland, the peony season begins in April and lasts until late June – early July, depending on the variety and region. However, thanks to modern technology and imports, peonies are available in florists from late March through autumn.
– Early varieties bloom from mid-April to early May.
– Medium-early varieties, bloom from late May to mid-June.
-Late varieties, bloom from late June and can flower until mid-July.
– In southern Poland, flowering begins earlier than in the central and northern parts of the country, by 10-14 days.
When is the best time to buy peonies?
The price on peonies depends on what time of year it is, where the flowers are imported from, and their quality. March-April, imported peonies from Holland are on the shelves. They are more expensive because they are available out of season.
May-June, is the peak season. Polish peonies are available at lower prices. They are sold in stores and on the street, but such flowers are not long-lasting, standing in a vase for 2 to 4 days, while imported ones for up to 5-7 days.
July-August, is the time for late varieties, during this period imported peonies return, and consequently prices rise. So, the peak of the season, is May-June, namely, during this time prices on peonies are most attractive and flowers are available in a wide assortment.
Where to buy peonies in Poland?
You can buy peonies in florists, they offer a wide selection and excellent quality, including imported varieties yes and Polish.
– At the market, you can find fresh, local varieties at a lower price.
– Online store, is a great way to buy flowers with delivery.
When choosing peonies, it is worth paying attention to the quality of the flowers, the density of the buds. Fresh peonies with closed buds retain their structure and beauty in the vase longer.
What variety of peony to choose for a gift
Very often men wonder what flowers to choose. Although they want to surprise with something exclusive and new, they also want to make sure that they choose the right color and variety of flowers. In such a situation, we suggest that you pay attention to the color of your beloved’s clothes, accessories and interior design preferences.
What is she like? What kind of character does she have? Is she light and airy, or a little spicy and spontaneous? By answering such questions, we gradually paint her portrait. Choosing a peony bouquet for a girl can be a difficult task, especially if you want the flowers to reflect her personality and character. Peonies, are not only beautiful flowers, they are also a symbol of certain character traits and emotions. In the symbolism of each type of peony, you can read the character of the person to whom it is intended. As well as we can emphasize our thoughts and intentions towards the person to whom we give the bouquet.
– Pink peonies – more suitable for romantic and delicate girls – princesses. Pink peonies symbolize love, tenderness and femininity. They are ideal for romantic and sophisticated people. In this situation, such varieties as Sarah Bernhardt и Etched Salmon, which are famous for their lush and full flowers with a pleasant light aroma, will come in handy. These flowers will remind you of affection and care every time she looks at this bouquet.
– White peonies – should be chosen for light women with an elegant disposition, associated with purity, freshness and romance – women. Also white choose for women who are strong, self-loving and live in harmony. Choosing white flowers – men, as it were, show tenderness and respect to the odorizing person showing the lightness, modesty and femininity of the odorizing person.
– Maroon and coral peonies – are intended for passionate, slightly bold and confident women. They symbolize, strong feelings and energy. They are intended for confident people who are not afraid to stand out. The best varieties will be Coral Charm, Buckeye Belle, Karl Rosenfield, Red Charm, which are characterized by juicy colors and intense aroma, making them an excellent choice for bold and energetic personalities.
– Yellow peonies – for cheerful and optimistic people. They symbolize life energies, joy, smiles and happiness. Varieties such as Lollipop with bright and showy flowers will be an inspiration on gray days. They are ideal for open-minded and cheerful people or simply for those we want to make smile.
A great solution, also, will be a bouquet consisting of a mixture of different varieties of peonies or combinations with other flowers. Peonies look good in compositions with hydrangeas, eustoma, oxypithalum or even with chamomile. Such bouquets look even more impressive and fascinating. Each, even the smallest detail creates a harmonious composition.
Creative and stylish ladies often strive to surround themselves with beauty and harmony, expressing their individuality through details. Peonies, thanks to the variety of shades and shapes, are an ideal choice for a gift or an interior decorative element, and surround yourself with originality and sophistication, beauty and harmony, expressing your individuality through details. It is also not worth forgetting about the packaging, you should choose an elegant or bright paper, which is more suitable for the chosen style of the bouquet. It is also necessary to avoid too extensive decoration, so that the composition does not look exaggerated and ridiculous.
