Peonies are the dreamy, fluffy stars of early summer gardens, and a lot of flower lovers love them. I don’t think I could ever believe someone who says they don’t love them! In fact, they’re one of the few types of flowers I still grow on my flower farm.
So it makes perfect sense that many people anxiously await peony bloom time each year. If you want to add peonies to your flower farm or if you’re a gardener who wants to add some of these beautiful plants to your space, this guide will help you figure out where and when they grow and bloom.
With their lush, ruffled blooms in shades of white, pink red and yellow peonies are one of the most beloved flowers of late spring. But is it possible to get peonies in the off-season winter months like February? Here’s what you need to know about peony availability and how to extend their beauty into the colder months.
When is Peony Season?
Peonies are a perennial flower that blooms in spring and early summer. The exact blooming time depends on your location:
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In the Northern Hemisphere, peonies typically bloom from April through June Some early blooming varieties emerge as early as March in the warmest zones.
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In the Southern Hemisphere, peony season is spring and early summer, spanning November through January.
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Peak bloom time lasts about 7-10 days for each variety. Planting early, mid and late season bloomers extends the peony display.
So in most regions, peonies are not naturally in bloom during February, which falls outside of peak peony season. The only exceptions are in very warm climates like Florida and California where some varieties may begin blooming in February. But supplies are limited.
Why You Usually Can’t Get Peonies in February
There are a few reasons peonies are scarce in February:
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Winter dormancy – Peonies enter a natural winter dormancy after the growing season ends. New growth halts until warming spring temperatures arrive. Plants have no flowers in February.
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Limited supply – The only peonies available in February are from warmer regions like Israel, or from the Southern Hemisphere. Supplies are low compared to peak season.
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High demand – Valentine’s Day fuels high demand for all cut flowers in February. Florists favor roses, limiting peony availability.
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Short vase life – Peony blooms are ephemeral, lasting only 5-7 days in a vase. They don’t ship well across long distances.
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High costs – Out of season peonies must be imported via air freight, making them very expensive in February.
Options for Getting Peonies in February
While not easy or cheap, there are some limited options for obtaining peonies in February:
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Order imported stems – Some flower importers like Florever can source peonies from warmer climates like Israel during winter months. Expect to pay premium prices.
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Pre-order from a florist – Check with local florists to see if they can specially import peonies for February delivery. Place orders 1-2 months in advance.
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Buy permanent botanicals – Look for realistic fabric, latex or dried peonies to create permanent floral arrangements.
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Grow tropical peonies – In USDA zones 9-11, tree peonies like ‘Copper Canyon’ may bloom in February with special care.
Alternative Flowers for February Arrangements
Since peonies are hard to source in February, consider using other in-season flowers:
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Tulips – Tulips come in a similar color range and make great substitutions. Force bulbs for early blooms.
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Ranunculus – The full, ruffled petals have a peony-like charm perfect for winter and spring.
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Anemones – These dainty blooms evoke cottage garden vibes with less fullness than peonies.
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Roses – Classic red roses pair beautifully with peonies but are easier to find in February.
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Carnations – Ruffled carnations offer texture and fullness like peonies and are budget-friendly.
Extending and Preserving Peonies
If you have access to fresh peonies outside of February, there are some tricks to make them last longer:
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Store unopened buds in the refrigerator to prolong vase life. Open indoors in bud vases.
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Use flower food to nourish cut stems. Make fresh cuts every few days.
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Air dry blooms upside down to preserve them. Display in a vase without water.
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Press peony blooms between pages in heavy books to flatten and dry them.
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Take photos and videos to capture ephemeral peony beauty at peak bloom.
While February peony arrangements may not be realistic, you can still enjoy their beauty during the growing season through preservation methods. And opt for accessible flowers like tulips and carnations to evoke peony flair in winter arrangements.
Regions Where Peonies Grow
Peonies are native to the northern hemisphere and usually do well in USDA hardiness zones 3–8. However, some types may be able to grow in warmer zones. Because they’re cold hardy, they typically grow better in the US northeast, midwest, and northwest. Some southern regions get too hot for peonies.
Outside of the US, peonies generally grow well in northern regions of Europe and Asia.
If you’re unsure if you can grow peonies in your area, check with local gardeners or garden centers. They’ll point you in the right direction!.
When Are Peonies in Season?
In the US, peonies typically bloom in June, around the end of spring or beginning of summer. During this early summer lull, not many other plants are usually in bloom—spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips are done for the year, and summer annuals haven’t quite taken off yet. So peonies really shine and provide some beauty—and potentially profit—at a great time.
Peonies usually bloom in June, but the exact date depends on where you live and what kind you’re growing (more on this later). Peonies are perennial, so they come back year after year. That’s one of the reasons I grow them on my farm. In addition to being absolutely stunning, they require less effort over time compared to annual flowers.
Planting Bareroots: Hydrangeas, Ferns, and Peonies! Lowes February Inventory! //FlowerFanatic
FAQ
Can you buy peonies all year round?
What months can you buy peonies?
Can you plant peonies in February?
Can you find peonies in winter?
When does peony season occur?
Several different things determine when peony season occurs. In general, peonies flower at some point in spring, with different types of peonies flowering at different times. Peony season for planting tends to be fall, but peonies sold in pots in garden centers can be planted in spring. Learn more about peonies season.
When do Peonies Bloom?
Peonies bloom from late spring through early summer, depending on your location and the variety of peonies you’re growing. Many nurseries offer early, midseason, and late-blooming varieties, allowing you to extend the peony season over many weeks and enjoy those lovely blooms for as long as possible!
Do Peonies Bloom twice in a season?
But peonies will only bloom in spring. They cannot be forced to bloom outside their natural window. And they can’t be tricked into blooming twice in a season. There are so many varieties of peonies and they all come in various colors. There really is a peony out there to suit everyone’s preferences.
When should you plant peonies?
Showy and fragrant, peonies will also make excellent cut flowers! While September is the best time to plant bare-root peonies (since they are dormant in the fall), container-grown peonies can be planted almost any time. If you are looking longingly at your neighbor’s peonies and wishing you had some right now, go for it!
How long does a peony Bloom last?
Each peony bloom will only last around 7 to 10 days, making it even more important to plan out which variety you need to plant. Pro tip—planting several different varieties of peony flowers can extend the amount of time you have blooming peonies in your yard!
When do Peonies Bloom in Australia?
When it comes to growing season and blooming season of flowers, there is a huge difference between northern and southern hemisphere. In Australia, peonies normally bloom from late October until mid December. Victoria and Tasmania are the best areas to grow because of the cold winters.