It’s that beautiful time of year when peonies are in bloom so I want to share 6 simple ways to make peonies last longer for you.

This time of year our kitty likes to curl up under the peony bush for naps. If I was small enough I’d do the same thing.

I love peonies!

They’re definitely in my top three favorite flowers.

So much to appreciate about this stunning flower. The scent, the fullness, the colors, I could go on and on.

Seeing as I’m obsessed with them and I know I’m not alone, let’s talk about how we can make peonies last longer after they’ve been cut.

6 Simple Ways to Make Peonies Last Longer

I only have one peony bush, sniff, sniff, but it’s glorious. Thanks Mom!

My mother split her peony bush several years ago and gave me a chunk of it. They love sun and don’t mind the freezing cold Michigan Winters.

Mine is a light pink, however you can find peony bushes in yellow, white, hot pink and even salmon.

Here are my tried and true ways to make cut peonies last as long as possible.

1. Cut Them in Marshmallow Stage

This may be the most important step and one I only learned of a few years ago.

Some call peonies that are just beginning to open, marshmallow heads. You want to cut the peony stem when the bloom is just starting to open.

If you squeeze it, the peony bud may feel like a stale marshmallow at this stage.

If you cut the peonies too soon, while in the hard bud stage, (see the above photo) it will not open. One of the ways you’ll know the flower is in the marshmallow stage is the green sepals are pushing down and just starting to open away from the bud.

It usually take 2 days for them to go from marshmallow bud to full bloom.

Cut peonies, or any flower in the early morning. Do not cut them in the heat of the day when they may be dehydrated.

Never cut a peony at the very base of the stem because the plant needs the leaves for photosynthesis throughout the Summer.

Remember it will come back next year.

2. Immediately Place Stems In Water

Don’t forget this step! Your peonies need access to water at all times if you want to keep them strong and to last.

If the cut stem is exposed to the air for any period it make take in air instead of water. This can inhibit the intake of water to the stem and dehydrate the flower.

The peonies in the photo below were some that I left on the bush for the garden view, but it rained and they’re heads got soaked.

When this happens they bow to the ground and I cut them and take them in to enjoy.

 

3. Prepare Your Vase Water

Add a spoonful of sugar and a drop of bleach to your vase water.

The sugar feeds your blooms and keeps them perky. The drop of bleach will help kill any bacteria trying to grow in the water,

4. Trim Greenery from Stem

Remove the lower leaves from your peony stem with a sharp shears.

Leaves can add bacteria to the water in your vase as they decompose.

5. Cut Peony Stem Again with a Knife

Right before you plunge your peony stems into your prepared water, cut the tips of the stem.

This time cut them with a knife. You don’t want to crush the stem as a shears may do which impedes their ability to take in water.

Not only that, cut them on a slant to allow the maximum amount of stem to bring in water.

The peony stems ability to take in water is one of the factors that will make it last as long as possible.

6. Change Water & Clean Vase After a Few Days

Keeping the water in your vase fresh and clean goes a long ways to help maintain your peonies.

By dumping out the old water every few days bacteria is kept at bay. Don’t forget to clean out your vase with dish soap and water before you add new, clean water.

FLORAL TIP: Ants love peonies so give them a shake after you cut them. Also wash your peonies off after you bring them inside just in case you may have missed an ant.

Budget-friendly vase ideas for your peonies.

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