Peonies are the dreamy, fluffy stars of the early summer garden and a favorite for so many flower lovers. If there’s anyone who says they don’t absolutely adore them, I’m not sure I could ever believe them! In fact, they’re one of the few types of flowers I grow on my flower farm today.
So it makes perfect sense that many people anxiously await peony bloom time each year. Whether you’re a flower farmer interested in adding peonies to your flower farm or you’re a gardener wanting to add some of these beauties to your space, this resource will help you understand where and when peonies grow and bloom.
Peonies are the queens of the spring garden, beloved for their massive, ruffled blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow Their extravagant flowers have an old-world romance that makes them highly sought after, especially for weddings and special events But can you find peonies during the winter off-season? Specifically, is it possible to get peonies in February?
February falls outside the typical peony bloom season. But with some effort and expense, you can source peonies in February from warmer climates. Read on for tips on where to find peonies in February and how much they cost out of season.
When is Peony Season?
First let’s review when peonies normally bloom
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In the Northern Hemisphere, peonies bloom April through June.
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In the Southern Hemisphere, peonies bloom November through January.
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Peak bloom lasts about 1-2 weeks for each variety
So in most regions, February is firmly in the peony off-season. The only exceptions are some early blooming varieties in Zone 9-10 winter climates like California and Florida. Supplies are very limited then.
Why Peonies Are Rare in February
Here are the key reasons fresh peony blooms are hard to find in February:
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Winter dormancy – Peonies enter dormancy in fall and winter, with no new growth until spring.
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Limited supply – The only sources are warmer regions or the Southern Hemisphere. Much lower supply than peak season.
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High demand – Valentine’s Day drives up demand for all cut flowers. Peonies lose out to more available roses.
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Short vase life – Peony blooms last just 5-7 days in water. They don’t ship well over long distances.
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High costs – Out of season peonies must be shipped by air, making them very expensive in February.
Where to Find Peonies in February
While difficult and pricey, here are some options for finding peonies in February:
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Specialty importers – Companies like Florever import peonies from warmer equatorial regions like Israel.
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Southern Hemisphere – Some US flower sites import from South America, Australia or New Zealand.
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Pre-order from florists – Florists can pre-book orders with farms to ensure February delivery.
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Local nurseries or farmers markets – In warmer climates like California, early blooms may be available.
When sourcing February peonies, expect to pay a premium. Prices typically range from $8-12 per stem for standard varieties up to $25+ for rare heirloom peonies.
Order at least 2 months in advance for the best selection and pricing.
Alternatives for Off-Season Arrangements
Since peonies are so difficult to find in February, consider using other in-season flowers:
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Tulips – Available in a similar color range. Force bulbs for early blooms.
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Ranunculus – Provides that same lush, peony-like form.
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Roses – Classic red roses pair beautifully with peonies.
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Anemones – Delicate blooms with a cottage garden look.
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Carnations – Ruffled carnations mimic peonies on a budget.
Extending the Peony Season
To enjoy peonies for as long as possible during their peak season:
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Choose early, mid and late blooming varieties to extend the display.
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Cut and store unopened peony buds in the fridge to prolong vase life.
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Use flower food and refresh water to nourish cut stems.
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Press or dry peony blooms to preserve them.
While rare and expensive in February, peonies can be found with effort. For winter arrangements, look to tulips, anemones and other seasonal blooms to achieve a similar romantic style until peonies return in spring. With proper care, you can extend their floral display during peak bloom season.
When Are Peonies in Season?
In the US, peonies typically bloom in June, around the end of spring or beginning of summer. Typically, there isn’t much else blooming during this early summer lull—spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips are done blooming for the season and summer annuals haven’t quite taken off yet. So peonies really shine and provide some beauty—and potentially profit—at a great time.
While peonies typically flower in June, the exact timing depends on your specific location and the varieties 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.
Regions Where Peonies Grow
Peonies are native to the northern hemisphere, typically growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 (although some varieties may be able to handle 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!
February Companion Plant – Peony
FAQ
Are peonies available in February?
Peonies bloom throughout late spring and early summer, from April to June.
Can you buy peonies all year round?
Peonies are often only available in spring, between April and June.
What month is best to buy peonies?
Part 1 – The Bloom Calendar: When Peonies Naturally Peak
Spanning late April through early July in the Northern Hemisphere, this window showcases nature’s artistry at its finest. Among these months, May is renowned as the prime time for peonies, offering the most vibrant and abundant blooms of the season.
What flowers can you buy in February?
What flower is best in February? In addition to Irises, two other popular cut flowers used in floral designs during February are Rose and Tulip.
When do Peonies Bloom in the UK?
In the UK, peonies flower between late April and early June, with the month of May when they are at their best. Each flower lasts for seven to 10 days and one plant can grow multiple blooms. What flower is in season in February?
Do Peonies Bloom in spring or fall?
Believe it or not, the time of year you plant your peonies can also have an effect on the bloom time. Most gardeners would probably agree that spring and fall are the ideal planting seasons for a majority of plants, and while the peony is not different, they do have a preference between spring and fall.
When should you buy peony flowers?
Quick Tip: Florists can often source peony flowers throughout the year, but you’ll pay quite a premium. Because the growing season varies all over the world, they can be flown and shipped everywhere as a cut bloom! If you want them for a wedding or upcoming event, the best months in the US are May and June.
Are peonies in season?
Peonies are a timeless symbol of beauty and elegance, with their fleeting bloom season making them all the more special. Whether you’re using them for weddings, gifts, or simply brightening your home, knowing when peonies are in season helps you make the most of their charm.
When should you plant peonies?
The ideal time to plant peonies is in the fall, usually at least six weeks before the ground freezes. Peonies can also be planted in the spring, but they may take a bit longer before they start producing flowers. Are peonies in season in March?
When do intersectional Peonies Bloom?
The blooming season for the intersectional peony falls a few weeks behind the other two variations, meaning it is more likely to bloom in the summer months. Growing intersectional peonies in addition to either of the other two other variations can provide you with peony blooms for a longer overall season.