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As it is the height of Peony season, make sure you fill your vase with these beauties whilst you still have the chance!  Blooming during early summer, they are one of the most popular flowers in Britain for early summer weddings.  Buy good quality ones and they will open to the size of a tea plate and with care will last in your home up to 2 weeks.

When you receive your Peonies you may find that some of them aren't opening.  This is because there is a sap that can stop them from blooming.  To help remove the sap hold the Peony head under a tap of warm (not hot) water to remove the sap.  They are hardier than you think!

Peony facts

We love to find out about the flowers we use - here are some interesting facts:

• The Peony can reach 25cm in diameter when full open.  That's nearly the width of a ruler!
• The Peony is available to perform self-pollination.
• The Chinese boil and fry peony petals for a crunchy snack.
• Peonies are native to Asia, Europe and Western North America.
• According to traditional Chinese medicine they heal inflammation.
• Peonies are poisonous to dogs and cats and can cause stomach upset.
• Peonies are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage.
• The Peony is a perennial plant that can survive up to a 100 years.
• The most popular variety of Peony, the pink Sarah Bernhardt was introduced in 1906 after the beloved French actress.