Tips for Taking Care of Fresh Peonies in Summer

Peonies are, simply, cinematic. Lush, layered, and unapologetically beautiful, they bloom like a love letter to early summer. But if you’ve ever brought home a bundle of these soft-hearted showstoppers only to watch them wilt by day two, you’re not alone. Peonies may look effortless, but they thrive best with a little thoughtful care.

Whether you're picking them up from a trusted Bridgeport flower shop or arranging them as a centrepiece for a sun-drenched brunch, here’s how to keep those dreamy petals fresh for longer.

Start With the Right Source

Great care starts before the bouquet even touches your counter. Buying from a local florist Bridgeport CT ensures your peonies haven’t spent days in shipping trucks or storage coolers. You’re getting them closer to the source, which means more time with their beauty at its peak.

If you're gifting or decorating with flowers this season, florists in Trumbull, CT, can help you out with the freshest stems and seasonal pairings.

And if your blooms are arriving at someone else, a reliable flower delivery Bridgeport CT service can help ensure they show up looking garden-fresh, not jet-lagged.

Trim, Hydrate, Repeat

Once your peonies arrive, don’t just drop them in a vase and hope for the best. Trim each stem at a diagonal under running water, removing any leaves that would sit below the waterline. This helps prevent bacterial buildup and keeps the water clear, allowing the flowers to thrive.

Change the water daily if you can. Peonies drink deeply in summer, and clean water makes all the difference.

Keep Them Cool, Keep Them Happy

Peonies aren’t fans of heat, even if they’re technically flower summer plants. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near appliances that give off warmth (we’re looking at you, stove and toaster). If your AC is on, all the better; cooler rooms extend their vase life.

Want to stretch their bloom time even more? Pop them in the fridge overnight. It sounds extra, but trust us, it works.

Loosen Up Your Arrangement

While it’s tempting to pack peonies tightly for that full, plush look, remember: they need room to breathe. Air circulation between blooms helps prevent wilting and browning.

If you’re creating a peony flower arrangement, let each stem have its moment. Add texture with gentle accents like eucalyptus or waxflower, but don’t crowd them. Peonies were born to be the main character.

Choose Your Vase Wisely

A wide-mouthed, weighted vase works best for peonies. These blooms are top-heavy, and a narrow neck can crush their open faces. Think structure, but soft. A little glass drama. Something that supports the stem without taking away from the spotlight.

It’s the difference between a “pretty bouquet” and one that stops people in their tracks.

Pair with Intention

Peonies are stunning solo, but they thrive in the company of the right companions. Pair them with soft garden roses or sprigs of baby’s breath for a dreamy, cloud-like feel, or go bold with contrast, like deep greenery or ranunculus in citrus shades. Mixing textures makes your summer flower arrangements feel like they belong in a slow, golden afternoon. Just remember: peonies love a little breathing space, even when sharing the spotlight.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Ants (At First)

If your peonies are fresh from the garden, you might notice tiny ants on the buds. They’re not harming the flower; they’re helping it bloom by nibbling away the sugary coating. Rinse them gently before arranging—no need to panic.

End-of-Life Care (AKA Letting Go Gracefully)

Eventually, even the best-cared-for peonies will begin to fade. And that’s okay. Let them dry naturally and keep them in a bundle as a memory, or press the petals into a journal page. Peonies are fleeting, but that’s part of the magic.

And when you’re ready for the next arrangement? A peony flower arrangement in new colours or pairings can bring back that same joy, just with a fresh twist.

Final Thoughts

Peonies aren’t fussy, they’re just misunderstood. Give them a little love, a clean vase, and a bit of cool air, and they’ll glow up like the floral poetry they are. Whether you're decorating your own space or gifting it to someone lucky, the secret is simple: care for it gently and consistently. Because nothing softens a summer room quite like peonies in full bloom, visit Fruits and Flowers to check out our full collection.