CARING FOR PEONIES

New Zealand peonies captivate with their soft layers of petals, intricate multi-layered structure and graceful beauty as they unfold. Proper care from the moment they arrive is essential to keeping them fresh, encouraging beautiful blooms and preserving their natural shape.

1. Care for Flowers as Soon as They Arrive

Gently remove the packaging and check the condition of the stems and buds. With clean, sharp scissors, trim about 2–3 cm diagonally from each stem, then place the flowers in a vase of clean water. Remove any leaves below the waterline to discourage bacterial growth.

2. Use a Clean Vase and Suitable Water

Wash the vase before arranging the flowers. Change the water every 1–2 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy. You may add a professional flower-food solution according to the manufacturer's instructions to support water uptake and maintain freshness.

3. Keep Away from Direct Sunlight and Heat

Place the vase in a cool, airy location, away from direct sunlight, cooking areas, heating appliances and hot airflow. High temperatures can cause flowers to open faster and shorten their display life.

4. Do Not Place Flowers Near Ripening Fruit

As apples, bananas, pears and avocados ripen, they release ethylene — a naturally occurring plant gas that can accelerate aging in many cut flowers. Keep peonies away from ripe fruit and other sources of ethylene to reduce the risk of premature fading.

5. Note the Natural Sticky Secretion on Buds

Peony buds sometimes develop a sticky natural secretion, commonly called bud nectar. It can make the outer petals adhere slightly to one another, making it harder for some buds to open under certain conditions.

You can gently rinse the buds with a light stream of cool water to remove surface secretions, without rubbing or pressing on the petals. Then let the flowers develop naturally in suitable conditions. Do not force buds open or pull their petals apart by hand, as this may bruise or damage the blooms.

6. Be Patient as the Flowers Open

Peonies may be delivered in tight bud to make transport and storage easier. Opening speed depends on the cultivar, the maturity of the bud and ambient temperature. Keep the water clean, position the flowers somewhere cool and let the buds open naturally.

7. Care for Your Flowers Every Day

Check the water level frequently, clean the vase during water changes and recut stems when necessary. Remove yellowing leaves or damaged flowers, and avoid touching the petals unnecessarily to preserve their delicate surfaces.