When should you give peonies?

Short answer: Peonies are at their peak from mid-spring to early summer, from April to June depending on the year and the climate. That's the ideal time to give them fresh and local. Outside that window you'll find imported ones, but their vase life and scent are less remarkable.

The peony is one of the most sought-after flowers, and for good reason: its generous volume, its softness and its scent make it a flower for celebrations. But its season is short, and that's exactly what makes it precious.

The right time of year

In Provence, the first peonies appear in April and carry on into June. Giving peonies during this window means enjoying flowers picked nearby, at their very best.

For which occasions

Their season coincides with a time full of celebrations: Mother's Day, early-summer weddings, spring birthdays. The peony suits a grand occasion as well as a spontaneous gesture. Symbolically, it's associated with tenderness, prosperity and happy moments.

A buying tip

A peony given in bud, barely open, will bloom for the person who receives it and last longer. It's often the loveliest gift: a flower you watch open day after day.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get peonies all year round?

You can find them out of season through imports, but the quality, scent and vase life are clearly better during the local season, from April to June.

How do you open a peony that's still in bud?

Fresh water, a freshly cut stem and a little soft light are enough. The bud usually opens within two to four days.

Do peonies last long in a bouquet?

Well cared for, expect around a week. Picked in bud, they give their most beautiful display.