The Breathtaking Return of Peony Season

Peony season returns with quiet anticipation and a burst of beauty. In our Isle of Wight studio, these lush, fragrant blooms bring romance, nostalgia, and soft summer elegance to every arrangement. Discover tips for caring for your peonies, explore our seasonal bouquet, and reflect on what these fleeting flowers mean to you. Their story is timeless - what’s your peony story? (May 2025 - 2 minute read)

A unique anticipation graces our studio with the return of peony season - not a boisterous arrival, but a hushed expectancy preceding the magnificent unfurling of the first bloom.

Peonies are deliberate; their appearance is perfectly timed. One day, they stand as tightly bound buds, hinting at the beauty within. The next, they explode into full, almost wild splendour. Observing their bloom is like witnessing a gradual revelation, each delicate layer of petal a quiet act in a graceful unfolding. A natural beauty.

This year, as they once again take centre stage, our studio hums with that distinct peony energy: romantic, nostalgic, and undeniably luxurious. Their beauty is matched by their generosity; a single stem brings your eye into an entire arrangement, and a handful transforms a simple vase into something truly memorable.

Each variety narrates its own story. Some boast gloriously full and bold blooms with layer upon layer, while others possess a more refined elegance with soft, powdery hues that whisper rather than shout. Certain varieties open in a vibrant wash of coral, gently fading over time to creamy whites - living, time-lapse flowers that offer a new perspective each day. So incredible to witness.

Here on the Isle of Wight, peonies flourish with a quiet confidence. The island’s mild climate and abundant light seem ideally suited to them, perhaps explaining their natural ease in our hand-tied arrangements. Their timeless charm resonates deeply with our appreciation for enduring elegance and nature.

The first peony blooms typically appear in late April. By May, a wide range of varieties come into full bloom, offering their signature beauty and fragrance. The season reaches its peak from early to mid-June, a popular time for incorporating peonies into wedding bouquets. By late June, the final flush of flowers arrives, and as July begins, the season gently fades -making it the perfect moment to preserve or dry these cherished blooms.

We believe flowers should stir the heart - and peonies certainly do just that. They embody the delicate softness of early summer and the tender promise of new beginnings. Symbolising romance, prosperity, and honour, peonies are often seen in the language of flowers as a heartfelt wish for a happy life.

To ensure you fully appreciate their captivating beauty, consider these specific care guidelines for peonies:

· Prioritize Early Hydration: Peonies are susceptible to rapid wilting if they become dry. If they appear slightly tired, immediately recut the stems at a 45-degree angle and fully submerge the entire stem, including the flower head, in cool water for 30-60 minutes to revitalize them.

· Manage Bud Stage for Optimal Opening: If your peonies arrive as tight buds, provide gentle warmth (away from direct sunlight) to encourage them to open. Conversely, cooler temperatures will extend the life of fully opened blooms.

· Ensure Proper Support: As peonies open fully, their large, heavy blooms can begin to droop. Choose a tall, stable vase with a narrow neck to help hold the stems upright and keep the arrangement looking full and elegant.

· Savour Their Unique Fragrance: Peonies are celebrated for their often exquisite and distinctive scent. Position them where their fragrance can be best enjoyed.

Celebrate early summer with our soft and romantic hand-tied Peony Bouquet, showcasing the season’s most cherished bloom. Each arrangement harmoniously blends soft summer flowers, peonies, and elegant foliage, capturing a fresh-from-the-garden aesthetic.

Delivered wrapped in tissue and presented in a stylish gift bag, this bouquet is the perfect gesture for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply to honour the beauty of the present moment.

Allow these fragrant peonies to command attention in any room - their season is fleeting, and their enchantment is undeniable.

We’d love to know - how does the peony season make you feel? Do these exquisite blooms remind you of a special moment or memory? Share your own peony story with us here.

Much love,

Nic x