Peonies: Meaning, Season and How to Care for Them
Peonies, called Pfingstrosen in German, bloom in late spring. Learn what they mean, when they are in season and how to help the buds open.
Peonies are the flower many people wait for all year. Their tight round buds open into huge, soft, layered blooms with a light, fresh scent. In German they are called Pfingstrosen, Pentecost roses, because they traditionally bloom around Pentecost in late spring. Here is what peonies mean, when to find them and how to get the most out of every stem.
- German name: Pfingstrose (Pentecost rose).
- Peak season: May to June.
- Meaning: romance, prosperity and good fortune.
- Buying tip: choose buds that feel soft, like a marshmallow, when squeezed gently.
What peonies mean
Peonies have been admired for centuries. In China they are known as the "king of flowers" and stand for wealth and honour. In Western traditions they symbolise romance, a happy marriage and good fortune, which is why they are so popular for weddings and anniversaries. Pink peonies feel romantic, white ones calm and elegant, and deep red ones dramatic.
When are peonies in season?
In Germany, garden peonies bloom from around May into June, with the exact timing depending on the weather and the variety. Imported cut peonies make the season a little longer, but late spring is when they are most plentiful and at their best. See our seasonal flowers calendar for what else is in bloom.
Buying and opening peonies
Peonies are often sold in bud. That is a good thing: you get to watch them open over a few days. The ideal bud feels soft when gently squeezed, a little like a marshmallow, and shows a hint of colour. Very hard, green buds may never open.
- Recut the stems at an angle, 2 to 3 cm from the bottom.
- Remove leaves that would sit below the water line.
- Place them in a clean vase with lukewarm water and flower food.
- Keep them in a warm, bright spot, out of direct sun, to encourage opening.
- Once open, move them somewhere cooler to make them last longer.
How long do peonies last?
Once open, peonies usually last about five days to a week. Change the water every day or two and recut the stems slightly. More general advice: how to make cut flowers last longer.
When to give peonies
- Weddings and anniversaries: a symbol of a happy marriage. See our wedding flowers guide.
- Mother's Day: it falls right in peony season. See Mother's Day in Germany.
- Birthdays in May and June: a seasonal, special choice.
Peony alternatives out of season
Outside late spring, full garden roses and soft pink roses give a similarly romantic, generous look. Browse pink roses and mixed flowers.
Peonies and pets
Peonies are listed as toxic to cats and dogs, mainly causing stomach upset if eaten. Keep them out of reach, and contact your vet if your pet has eaten any. See pet-safe flowers.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Because they traditionally bloom around Pentecost (Pfingsten) in late spring. Pfingstrose literally means Pentecost rose.
Garden peonies usually bloom from May into June. Imported peonies extend the season, but late spring is the peak.
Romance, prosperity and good fortune. In China the peony is a traditional symbol of wealth and honour.
Buds that are cut too tightly closed may not open. Recut the stems, use lukewarm water and keep them somewhere warm and bright, out of direct sun.
Usually about five days to a week once open. Buying them in bud lets you enjoy the opening too.
Peonies are listed as toxic to cats and dogs, mainly causing stomach upset. Keep them out of reach and ask your vet if your pet eats any.
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