How to Make Your Peonies Last Longer

There’s nothing quite like peonies in full bloom, when they are ruffled, romantic, and totally show-stopping. But they’re famously fleeting. Our studio is named after these icons for a reason: we adore them. And we know how to help them last.

Whether you’ve picked up a bunch from our flower bar, ordered one of our signature hand-tied bouquets, or taken part in a floral workshop, here are our best tips to keep your peonies looking beautiful for as long as possible.

1. Snip the Stems on Arrival

Peonies are thirsty flowers, especially as they begin to open. When you get them home, trim each stem at a 45-degree angle with sharp snips or scissors. This helps them drink properly and encourages a big, bouncy bloom.

🌸 Pro tip: If your peonies feel firm and tight (we call these ‘marshmallow buds’), a fresh trim and warm water can help speed things up.

2. Clean Your Vase Thoroughly

Always start with a squeaky-clean vase. Bacteria is a peony’s worst enemy as it clogs the stems and cuts their vase life short. Use hot water and soap before filling with clean, room-temperature water.

3. Strip the Leaves Below the Waterline

Peonies come with loads of leafy foliage. Strip off any leaves that would sit below the waterline, as these rot quickly and make the water murky. Clean water = happy peonies.

4. Keep Them Cool and Comfy

Peonies prefer a cooler room, away from direct sunlight, radiators, and fruit bowls (fruit gives off ethylene gas that makes flowers fade faster). Think gentle light and fresh air.

If you’re in a warm flat or studio, you can even pop your peonies in the fridge overnight to help them last longer (just keep them away from food).

5. Refresh Water Every 2 Days

Change the water completely every other day, give the stems a quick trim, and rinse out the vase. This keeps your peonies perky and prolongs their vase life.

Bonus: Want Them to Open Faster?

Here’s what to do if your peonies are still closed and you’re feeling impatient (we get it):

• Gently roll the buds between your palms to loosen the outer petals

• Place the stems in warm water in a sunny spot for a few hours

• Or, if you’re really in a rush, float the flower heads in warm water — but only for a minute or two

They’ll be in full bloom before you know it, and totally worth the wait.

Learn How to Care for Peonies Like a Pro 🌸

We teach all this and more at our flower arranging workshops in East London, where peonies often take centre stage. You’ll learn how to condition flowers properly, how to build your own bouquet or vase arrangement, and how to keep them looking gorgeous long after you leave.

See upcoming dates here: peoniesdobloom.as.me

Peonies Do Bloom is your go-to London florist for joyful floral design, creative workshops, and seasonal blooms. We specialise in flowers that feel special and fun.

Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for more tips, behind-the-scenes peony content, and floral inspiration.