Peonies thrive for longer if households make immediate pruning change

Blooming are usually one of the first signs of summer – the only pity is that the cut flowers usually only last less than a week. Fortunately, an expert has advised cutting them in a specific way to help them live longer.

Peonies typically bloom in May or June and can range in colour, from blush pink to deep purple. They have been associated in multiple cultures with prosperity and . In fact, their name comes from the legend. One myth tells of the nymph ‘Paeonia’, who was transformed into a red peony by Aphrodite due to jealousy.

These delicate flowers have always been ubiquitous in the UK as they prefer cooler temperatures, which means they’re well-adapted to the unpredictable British weather.

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In fact, they actually require a freezing period to grow to their full potential. This usually happens over the winter, when temperatures drop below a certain level.

The downside of this is that they don’t fare particularly well in the heat. Especially with the weather becoming warmer, peonies often need extra TLC to grow to their full potential.

If you have cut peonies in your home, a great way to counteract the heat is to make sure they’re as hydrated as possible. Expert florist David Denyer from recommends cutting them at a 45 degree angle.

David says: “Always cut peony stems at a 45-degree angle under running water. This practice is crucial because it helps prevent air bubbles from blocking water uptake, which can severely affect their longevity.”

The stem’s angle directly impacts its ability to intake water. He explains: “A clean, angled cut creates more space for effective hydration and keeps the stems from lying flat at the bottom of the vase, so they can take in water efficiently.”

Although, be careful not to leave them in too much water. David says to make sure to keep leaves above the water line, otherwise they can start to rot and turn the water cloudy.

Other ways to keep your cut peonies cool is to store them in shaded spots, away from windows and radiators. This allows for a slower, longer lasting bloom.

If you’re growing peonies outside, then you might need to take some extra steps to keep them cool. David says you can use ice cubes to help bring their temperature down.

This is best done between late November and February if you’re experiencing a milder winter. This allows your peonies to go through a chilling period, which produces healthier, fuller blooms.