Peony season is in full swing — here are the prettiest bouquets to buy while they're still in bloom
There’s something truly special about giving – or receiving – a beautiful bouquet, and with summer on the horizon, one of our favourite parts of the season is seeing peony bouquets bursting into bloom everywhere. Peonies have long been a favourite among floral fans, but these fleeting blooms are superseding other blossoms in 'gramming popularity as of late.
If you’ve so much as scrolled through Instagram in the past few weeks, you’ll have noticed the blush-hued flowers cropping up all over your feed. They are an easy way to breathe new life into your interiors or to brighten someone’s day with a meaningful gift.
Sweet-scented, elegant and pleasingly low-maintenance, there’s a reason this mood-lifting flower is quickly making its way into the most well-curated homes. But the aesthetic appeal isn’t the only reason to tap into the trend: peonies symbolise prosperity, good luck, timeless beauty, love and honour. In fact, in Chinese culture, peonies reign supreme as the “king of flowers,” as they are seen as an emblem of wealth and honour.
Peonies are only in season from April to June, with some varieties extending into early July, so there's still some time to enjoy these fragrant blooms. From letterbox-friendly bunches to flower subscription services, we've cherry-picked the best peony bouquets, available in a wealth of hues from the palest blush to the deepest crimson, that are guaranteed to bring joy. Whether you're searching for the perfect birthday present or a fail-safe gift for mums, there’s no better way to show your appreciation to a loved one (or yourself!) than sending flowers straight to their doorstep.
SKIP TO: How can I make my peonies last longer? | What do peonies symbolise? | Our full edit of the best peony bouquets
How can I make my peonies last longer?
Blooming only from late spring to early summer, fresh-cut peonies have a limited bloom time, making it crucial to provide them with the utmost care and attention to extend their vase life. To begin with, trim the stems at least 3-5cm at a 45-degree angle under lukewarm water, a method that enhances their ability to absorb nutrients. Next, place the blossoms into a clean vase filled with two-thirds of lukewarm water, replenishing it daily to maintain their freshness. Then, position the vase in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight and drafts, which can cause the petals to wilt or droop. An ideal spot is one with good indirect light, such as a living room or hallway.
What do peonies symbolise?
Peonies, a signifier of good fortune and a happy marriage, are a 12th wedding anniversary symbol, making them a lovely gift for couples to celebrate this special milestone. Their timeless allure and rich symbolism continue to stand strong, making them a favourite in both home decor and among the top choices for bridal bouquets nationwide.
Searching for more gift-giving inspiration? Shop the best online flower delivery services, gifts for best friends, bridesmaid gifts, and gifts for her. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.
Ahead, our full edit of the best peony bouquets to choose from this season.
Why we love it: Bloom & Wild has a well-earned reputation as one of the best online flower delivery services in the UK, offering a variety of stunning blooms that remain fresh for days. Featuring British-grown peonies, freesias, and chasmanthium, this sweet-scented bouquet will bring any space to life with a splash of colour that lasts well into the summer.
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Why we love it: For a floral gift that really stands the test of time we'd make a beeline to Bunches, whose long-lasting pastel peonies arrive in bud so they can be enjoyed for as long as possible after they’ve been gifted.
Why we love it: With its dense, spiralling petals, this peony bouquet looks gorgeous in a clear vase and comes in a range of colours, including our favourite, this classic blush-toned number as pictured here.
Why we love it: The handiwork of Your London Florist for Selfridges, these cream peonies are every bit as beautiful as more pigmented blooms. The bouquet features 16 stems that arrive in tight buds, allowing you to watch the petals gradually unfold.
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Why we love it: This beautifully hand-tied bouquet combines pink peonies with charming carnations, roses, purple allium, and fresh foliage, all offered at a reasonable price. Sent ready-arranged by Beards & Daisies, you simply need to trim the stems and enjoy. You can also choose to add a special gift, such as a bottle of Prosecco, truffles, or a vase.
Why we love it: Few things are more beautiful than a bouquet filled with fluffy, sweet-smelling flowers. Brightened with bursts of deep purple and lilac, this summer-ready bouquet is the perfect gift for loved one this season.
Why we love it: Available in sets of 10, 20, 30, or 40 stems, these flamingo-hued peonies from Flowerbx are expertly hand-arranged in London, making a beautiful gift. Delivered as buds, they typically take around two days to bloom at home. Flamingo peonies are one of the brand’s most distinctive varieties, featuring vibrant coral petals that gradually soften to a muted tone, sometimes fading to a delicate ivory as their vase life comes to an end.
Coral Charm Peonies Fresh Bouquet
Why we love it: These coral peonies are so understated in their beauty. 16 stems are just waiting to unfurl into the most vibrant flowers. Opt for a simple glass vase and let the ruffled petals speak for themselves.
Why we love it: Forgoing soft rose hues for bold tones of red and hot-pink, Moyses Stevens Flowers offers a fresh take on the peony bouquet – the pops of seasonal foliage perfectly offset the deep rich tones.
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Why we love it: Peony bouquets don't get much more opulent than this. Hand arranged by Flowerbx in London, these show-stopping florals are available in a choice of 10-40 single stems.
Why we love it: If you’re looking to send more than just fresh flowers, head over to Bloom & Wild. The brand is a one-stop-shop for everything from scented candles to champagne and chocolates, along with an extensive selection of letterbox flowers.
Why we love it: For a subtler approach to the trendy pink peony bouquet, consider Moyses Stevens Flowers' white blooms. Their lively blossoms defy the plant’s fleeting nature with absolute elegance.
Why we love it: Available in a range of beautiful shades — from coral to porcelain white — these fresh peonies arrive as open-state buds. Peonies respond quickly to heat, so they tend to open faster on warmer days. To slow their blooming and extend their vase life, the brand recommends keeping them in cool water and a cool room.
Why we love it: Wild at Heart has been around since 1994, now offering nationwide shipping on nearly all bouquets – and same day delivery in London. We love the brand's artistic approach to floral arrangements as seen here by mixing everyday florals with unique blooms, like peonies, jasmine and nigella.
Why we love it: Available with next day delivery, this whimsical arrangement features powder-puff peonies in pinks and whites that will burst with fragrance once they're placed in water.
