Peonies don’t last, and that’s the point
Peonies don’t arrive quietly. One day they’re not there, and the next they’re everywhere. Their season is short, intense and impossible to ignore. From late spring into early summer, peonies mark the moment when everything feels lighter, fuller and more alive.
At My Peony Society, we see peonies as more than flowers. They represent seasonality, timing and the beauty of not rushing what’s meant to unfold.
Credit: @seedflora
There is a moment every spring when everything changes.
The light softens, the days stretch, and suddenly — peonies appear.
Peonies don’t whisper. They arrive full, layered and unapologetic. Their season is short, but unforgettable. From late spring into early summer, peonies mark the point where nature goes all in.
At My Peony Society, peonies are more than flowers. They represent seasonality, intention and the beauty of waiting for the right moment.
Credit: @florariairis
Why peonies bloom when they do
Peonies follow their own rhythm. They need contrast to perform.
- cold winters to fully rest
- warming temperatures to wake up
- longer daylight to trigger flowering
- well-drained soil to stay healthy
That’s why peony season peaks in May. When conditions align, peonies respond with abundance. Depending on climate and variety, blooming may start earlier or later — but the balance is always the key.
How to plant peonies the right way
Peonies are long-term plants. Treat the start seriously.
The best time to plant peonies is autumn, allowing roots to establish before winter dormancy.
What matters most:
- full sun (at least six hours a day)
- fertile, well-drained soil
- generous spacing
- shallow planting (buds just below soil level)
- Once planted, peonies prefer not to be moved.
Common peony problems (and easy fixes)
- no blooms → often planted too deep or not enough sun
- powdery mildew → improve airflow and spacing
- drooping stems → discreet support works wonders
Most issues disappear when conditions are right.
Peonies as cut flowers
For indoor blooms, timing is everything.
- cut early in the morning
- choose buds that feel soft but are still closed
- remove lower leaves
- refresh water regular
Peonies often open even more beautifully indoors than in the garden.
Why we keep coming back to peonies
Because they don’t last forever.
Because they force us to slow down.
Because they prove that waiting is part of the beauty.
That’s the philosophy behind My Peony Society.
