Tree peony: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Paeonia × suffruticosa
Tree peony (Paeonia × suffruticosa, family Paeoniaceae) usually lasts 3–5 days in a vase. In season: Spring. Fragrance: light. Typical role in a design: focal flower.
- Botanical name
- Paeonia × suffruticosa
- Family
- Paeoniaceae
- Accepted name
- Paeonia × suffruticosa Andrews
- Role in a design
- Focal flower
- Vase life
- 3–5 days
- In season
- Spring
- Fragrance
- Light
- Colours
- pink, red, white, yellow, purple
- Meaning
- Wealth and honour — the "king of flowers" in China
- Type
- Cut flower
- Pets
- Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Tree peony
- Botanical name
- Paeonia × suffruticosa
- Family
- Paeoniaceae
- Aliases
- None
- Native origin
- China and temperate Eurasia
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems.
- Stem length
- 50–70 cm
- Natural colours
- Pink, Red, White, Yellow, Purple
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in spring
- Commercial supply
- Peak in spring
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 3–5 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Buy in soft bud and keep cool; open blooms are short-lived and the petals bruise at a touch, so deliver quickly and handle by the stem.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Focal flower in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Buy in soft bud and keep cool; open blooms are short-lived and the petals bruise at a touch, so deliver quickly and handle by the stem.
For florists
Try Tree peony in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Buy in soft bud and keep cool; open blooms are short-lived and the petals bruise at a touch, so deliver quickly and handle by the stem.
- Tree peony is mildly toxic to cats and dogs: remind clients with pets to keep it out of reach.
- Tree peony is short-lived (about 3–5 days): when mixed with longer-lasting stems, deliver the same or next day.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ! | Lasts only about 3–5 days — make up the day before or on the day. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ! | Lightly scented — fine in moderation. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ! | Mildly toxic if eaten — advise keeping it out of reach. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ! | Short-lived (about 3–5 days) — deliver the same or next day. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as tree peony and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Lily of the valley | Filler flower | 4–7 days |
| Clematis | Filler flower | 4–6 days |
| Chinese iris | Line flower | 3–6 days |
| Canterbury bells | Line flower | 5–8 days |
| Sweet flag (acorus) | Foliage | 7–14 days |
| Eucalyptus | Foliage | 10–14 days |
Substitutes
When tree peony is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
FAQ
How long does tree peony last in a vase?
Usually 3–5 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is tree peony in season?
In season in spring; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep tree peony fresh?
Buy in soft bud and keep cool; open blooms are short-lived and the petals bruise at a touch, so deliver quickly and handle by the stem.
What does tree peony symbolise?
Wealth and honour — the "king of flowers" in China. Flower meanings are popular conventions and vary between cultures.
What colours does tree peony come in?
Naturally in pink, red, white, yellow, purple (not counting dyed stems).
Is tree peony toxic to cats or dogs?
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
What can I use instead of tree peony?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Anemone, Rose, Tulip, Iris.
Related guides
In season at the same time
TulipChamomilePeony (herbaceous)Silver wattle (mimosa)Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)BupleurumCanterbury bellsCherry blossom