Complete M Florist Guide to Peony Varieties and Colors
Peonies are among the most beloved flowers in the floral industry, prized for their spectacular blooms, intoxicating fragrance, and relatively short but highly anticipated season. Understanding the different varieties and colors available is essential for florists to maximize their peony offerings and meet diverse client needs.
Peony Season and Availability
Peak Season: Late spring to early summer (May-June in Northern Hemisphere) Duration: Typically 6-8 weeks Storage: Best kept at 32-35°F (0-2°C) with high humidity Vase Life: 5-7 days with proper care
Major Peony Types
Herbaceous Peonies
The most common type for cut flowers, dying back to ground level each winter.
Tree Peonies (Woody Peonies)
Shrub-like plants with woody stems that persist year-round. Less common in cut flower trade but highly prized.
Itoh Peonies (Intersectional Hybrids)
Crosses between herbaceous and tree peonies, combining the best traits of both.
Flower Forms
Single Peonies
Characteristics: 5+ broad petals surrounding visible stamens
Examples: 'Krinkled White', 'Sea Shell'
Floral Use: Excellent for naturalistic arrangements, garden-style bouquets
Semi-Double Peonies
Characteristics: Multiple rows of petals with visible stamens
Examples: 'Coral Charm', 'Bartzella'
Floral Use: Versatile for both formal and casual arrangements
Double Peonies
Characteristics: Multiple layers of petals, stamens not visible
Examples: 'Sarah Bernhardt', 'Duchesse de Nemours'
Floral Use: Classic choice for bridal work and formal arrangements
Anemone Form
Characteristics: Outer guard petals surround a center of narrow petals
Examples: 'Do Tell', 'Gay Paree'
Floral Use: Unique texture for contemporary designs
Japanese Form
Characteristics: Single row of guard petals with modified stamens (staminodes)
Examples: 'Nippon Beauty', 'Moon of Nippon'
Floral Use: Elegant choice for minimalist arrangements
Color Categories and Notable Varieties
White Peonies
Pure White:
'Duchesse de Nemours': Double, creamy white with yellow undertones, fragrant
'Festiva Maxima': Double, pure white with red flecks, strong stems
'Krinkled White': Single, papery white petals, early bloomer
'White Charm': Single to semi-double, pristine white
Cream/Ivory:
'Shirley Temple': Double, soft pink buds opening to cream
'Honey Gold': Semi-double, cream with golden center
'Primevère': Double, cream with yellow heart
Pink Peonies
Light Pink:
'Sarah Bernhardt': Double, soft rose-pink, extremely popular
'Monsieur Jules Elie': Double, silvery pink, large blooms
'Pink Hawaiian Coral': Semi-double, coral-pink
'Angel Cheeks': Double, pale pink with deeper edges
Medium Pink:
'Dr. Alexander Fleming': Double, bright pink, strong stems
'Pink Parfait': Double, rose-pink, reliable bloomer
'Pillow Talk': Double, salmon-pink, compact habit
Deep Pink/Rose:
'Kansas': Double, deep rose-pink, heat tolerant
'Paula Fay': Semi-double, bright rose-pink, early
'Raspberry Charm': Single, deep raspberry-pink
Coral and Salmon Peonies
'Coral Charm': Semi-double, opens coral, fades to cream, Award winner
'Coral Sunset': Semi-double, coral-orange, Itoh hybrid
'Salmon Dream': Double, salmon-pink
'Lorelei': Single, coral-pink with yellow stamens
Red Peonies
Deep Red:
'Red Charm': Double, deep red, early season, Award winner
'Kansas Red': Double, deep crimson-red
'Big Ben': Single, deep red with dark foliage
'Buckeye Belle': Semi-double, dark red, compact
Burgundy/Wine:
'Chocolate Soldier': Single, deep burgundy-red
'Red Red Rose': Double, wine-red
'Old Faithful': Double, deep burgundy
Yellow Peonies
Note: True yellow is rare in herbaceous peonies; most yellows are Itoh hybrids or tree peonies.
'Bartzella': Itoh hybrid, bright yellow, semi-double, fragrant
'Garden Treasure': Itoh hybrid, golden yellow, semi-double
'Sequestered Sunshine': Itoh hybrid, pale yellow
'High Noon': Tree peony, bright yellow, semi-double
Multicolor and Bi-color Peonies
'Gay Paree': Anemone form, cerise-pink with cream center
'Do Tell': Anemone form, pink with cream center
'Bowl of Beauty': Japanese form, pink with cream staminodes
'Flame': Single, coral with yellow edges
'Cora Louise': Itoh hybrid, white with purple flares
Specialty Categories
Fragrant Varieties
'Sarah Bernhardt': Sweet, classic peony fragrance
'Duchesse de Nemours': Strong, sweet scent
'Festiva Maxima': Intense fragrance
'Monsieur Jules Elie': Rose-like fragrance
Early Season Varieties
'Coral Charm': Very early, extends season
'Paula Fay': Early to mid-season
'Krinkled White': Early bloomer
'Early Scout': Single red, very early
Late Season Varieties
'Kansas': Late season, extends availability
'Elsa Sass': Late, double white
'Raspberry Sundae': Late, cream with pink edges
Award Winners (American Peony Society Gold Medal)
'Red Charm' (1956)
'Coral Charm' (1986)
'Bartzella' (2006)
Florist Tips and Best Practices
Purchasing Guidelines
Bud Stage: Buy when buds show color but are still tight
Marshmallow Test: Buds should feel soft like marshmallows, not hard
Avoid: Buds that are too tight (won't open) or too soft (overripe)
Conditioning
Cut stems at 45-degree angle under running water
Remove lower leaves that would sit below waterline
Place immediately in lukewarm water with flower food
Store in cool conditions (35-38°F) until use
Opening Tight Buds
Place in warm water (100-110°F) for 1-2 hours
Gently massage buds to encourage opening
Use in warm environment to speed process
Design Considerations
Focal Flowers: Use as statement blooms due to size and impact
Support: Provide adequate support due to heavy flower heads
Complementary Flowers: Pair with roses, garden roses, sweet peas, lilac
Foliage: Use own foliage or complement with eucalyptus, dusty miller
Common Client Requests
Bridal Work: White and blush varieties most popular
Mother's Day: All colors in high demand
Memorial Work: White and pale pink varieties
Garden Parties: Mixed colors and forms
Pricing Strategy
Premium Pricing: During peak season (May-June)
Limited Availability: Use scarcity to justify higher margins
Pre-orders: Encourage advance ordering for guaranteed availability
Education: Teach clients about short season to increase appreciation
Storage and Longevity
Dry Storage: Can be stored dry at 31°F for 2-4 weeks
Hydrated Storage: 3-5 days in solution at 35-38°F
Ethylene Sensitivity: Moderate; keep away from ripening fruit
Botrytis Prevention: Ensure good air circulation, avoid high humidity
Seasonal Planning Calendar
Late Winter (February-March)
Finalize peony orders with growers
Plan marketing campaigns
Educate staff on varieties
Early Spring (April)
Confirm delivery schedules
Prepare storage areas
Begin client education
Peak Season (May-June)
Daily inventory management
Maximize display impact
Push sales through social media
Post-Season (July)
Evaluate sales performance
Plan for next year
Consider dried peony offerings
Mastering peony varieties and colors is essential for any serious florist. The short but spectacular season offers excellent profit opportunities for those who understand proper handling, storage, and design applications. By offering diverse varieties and educating clients about the unique qualities of each, florists can maximize both sales and customer satisfaction during peony season.
Remember that peony customers are often passionate about these flowers and willing to pay premium prices for quality blooms. Building expertise in peony varieties positions your shop as a destination for discerning customers and helps establish long-term client relationships built on trust and knowledge.
