How to Make Your Cut Peony Blooms Last: 7 Tips to Try

Peonies as cut flowers are among the most voluminous and unrivaled in the late spring display. With petal-packed blooms, a light fragrance, and a range of hues from the softest blush to scarlet, the beloved old garden perennials are a bouquet mainstay. Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe to explore ways to make cut peonies last longer in the vase and make the most of a short but bloom-filled season.

The Joy of Peonies in Late Spring and Early Summer

There’s something magical about late spring and early summer when gardens come alive with color. Peonies, with their big, fluffy blooms, take center stage, followed closely by fragrant heirloom roses. The mix of soft petals, bold colors, and different flower shapes makes this the perfect time to bring nature’s beauty indoors. But peonies, as stunning as they are, don’t last forever once cut. So, how do you make them stay fresh longer in a vase?

Peonies are showstoppers—their huge, delicate flowers smell amazing and look even better. A single stem makes a statement, but a whole bunch is pure luxury. They also add a soft, romantic touch to mixed bouquets. With the right care, peonies can last about a week to 10 days on the plant and around five to seven days (sometimes more!) in a vase.

Whether you’re cutting them from your own garden or buying them from a florist or market, a few simple steps can help them last longer. These dreamy flowers bring effortless beauty to any space, and with the right tricks, you can enjoy them for days.

Be Patient With Young Plants

Peonies aren’t in a hurry. If you’ve just planted them or moved them to a new spot, don’t expect flowers right away. Young peonies need time to settle in—sometimes a whole year or more before they really start growing strong.

First year: Mostly leaves, maybe a bloom or two if you’re lucky.
Second year: More flowers start appearing.
Third year: Now they’re showing off—big, beautiful blooms everywhere!

And if you started your peonies from seeds? Well, that takes even more patience—four or five years before you see any flowers.

But once they’re established, peonies are tough, long-lasting plants. Their roots grow deep, and once they start blooming, they’ll keep coming back year after year.

Harvest at the Right Time

Cutting peonies at the perfect moment makes all the difference. You want to catch them when they’re just about to open but not fully bloomed yet.

Best Stages to Cut:

For long-lasting flowers: Cut when the buds are soft and just starting to show color (like a marshmallow).
For instant beauty: Cut when they’re slightly open.

Avoid cutting buds that are still tight and hard—they might never open in the vase.

Best Time of Day to Cut:

Early morning is perfect—the stems are full of water, and the buds haven’t opened yet.
Evening is also good, once the heat of the day has passed.
Avoid midday—the sun and heat can stress the flowers.

Cut and Hydrate Properly

Once you’ve found the perfect buds, it’s time to cut them the right way:

Use sharp, clean scissors or pruners.
Cut stems at 12-18 inches long, just above a leaf node (that’s where leaves grow from the stem).
Cut at a 45-degree angle—this helps the stem drink more water.

Pro Tip: Bring a bucket of water with you and put the stems in right after cutting. Peonies wilt fast if they’re left out, and their sticky sap can clog the stems, making it hard for them to drink.

If you bought peonies from a store, get them in water as soon as you get home to keep them fresh.

Don’t Worry About Ants

If you see ants crawling on your peony buds, don’t panic! Peonies produce a sweet sap that ants love, but they don’t harm the flowers. In fact, they might even help by keeping pests like aphids away.

Gently shake the stems to encourage ants to leave.
Let cut flowers sit outside in water for 30 minutes—most ants will wander off on their own.

Prep and Placement for Long-Lasting Blooms

To keep your peonies looking fresh:

Keep them in water in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight and drafts.
Need to delay blooming? Store them in the fridge (they can last up to two weeks in the bud stage).
Florists often store them dry (no water) wrapped in newspaper to prevent mold.

When arranging:

Recut stems at an angle to help them drink better.
Remove leaves that would sit underwater—they’ll rot and make the water dirty.
Leave a few leaves at the top for a natural look, but trim extra ones so the plant’s energy goes to the flowers.