1. Choosing flowers and buds

The first step to making peonies last longer is selecting the right peony stems. While fully open peonies dazzle with their beauty and fullness, if you want them to stay fresh as long as possible, it’s best to choose blooms with buds that are slightly open but not yet fully blossomed.

2. Trimming peonies

The next step is properly trimming the peony stems before placing them in a vase. Trimming is important because it allows peonies to absorb water and nutrients more effectively.

Peony stems should be cut a few centimeters from the ends, at an angle of about 45°, using a sharp knife. Always use a sharp (to avoid crushing the stems) and, most importantly, clean tool.

When trimming peonies, immediately remove any leaves that would end up below the waterline as well as wilted leaves. This prevents the leaves from falling into the water and decaying.

3. Water in the vase

To keep peonies fresh for longer, you should change the water in the vase frequently and top it up in between. Remember that the water should be clean and fresh, preferably at room temperature. Peony stems should be submerged about 10–12 cm in the water.

Unfortunately, many people skip another important step: cleaning the vase. Before placing your flowers inside, make sure the vase you’ll use for peonies is free of any dirt or residue.

You can also add special flower food to the water, which helps extend the life of cut peonies. The conditioner will keep the peonies looking beautiful for longer and help the water stay as clean and bacteria-free as possible.

4. Where to place a vase with peonies?

Peonies thrive best in a cool environment, so keep them away from heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or direct sunlight. It’s also better not to place them next to fruit. To help peonies last longer in a vase, the best choice is a cool spot in your home.

5. Proper arrangement of peonies

The final step to prolonging the freshness of cut peonies is arranging them correctly in the vase. Peonies do best in large, wide vases, where they not only last longer but also look their most beautiful.

In summary, to make peonies last longer in a vase, you should:

1. Cut the stems at an angle

2. Use a sharp, clean knife for trimming

3. Keep the vase and water clean

4. Remove wilted leaves from the stems

5. Place peonies away from ripening fruit, drafts, sunlight, and heat sources

6. Change and top up the water regularly

7. Use flower food

With these simple steps, cut peonies will delight the eye and add charm to your home for many days.