The Florist's Guide to Large Peony Varieties

Peonies are among the most coveted flowers in the floral industry, prized for their massive, voluptuous blooms and intoxicating fragrance. For florists seeking maximum visual impact, understanding the largest peony varieties is essential for creating show-stopping arrangements and meeting client expectations for luxury florals.

Understanding Peony Bloom Sizes

Peony blooms are typically categorized by diameter when fully open. Large varieties generally measure 6-8 inches across, while extra-large specimens can reach 8-10+ inches. The bloom size can vary based on growing conditions, plant maturity, and seasonal factors.

Top Large Herbaceous Peony Varieties

Sarah Bernhardt

This legendary variety remains the gold standard for large peonies. The soft pink, double blooms reach 7-8 inches across and feature densely packed, ruffled petals with a silvery edge. Sarah Bernhardt blooms in late season and offers exceptional longevity both in the garden and as cut flowers. The stems are sturdy enough to support the massive blooms, making them ideal for large arrangements and bridal work.

Bowl of Beauty

A striking Japanese-form peony with deep pink guard petals surrounding a center filled with creamy yellow petaloids. The blooms measure 6-7 inches across and create dramatic focal points in arrangements. This variety blooms mid-season and offers excellent stem strength with minimal fragrance, making it perfect for clients sensitive to strong scents.

Festiva Maxima

One of the most reliable large white peonies, featuring pure white double blooms with distinctive red flecks on some petals. The flowers reach 6-8 inches across and bloom early to mid-season. The strong, tall stems make these ideal for large-scale installations and wedding work where pristine white blooms are essential.

Red Charm

An early-blooming bomb-type peony with deep red, double flowers measuring 6-7 inches across. The rich color makes it invaluable for dramatic arrangements and Valentine's Day florals. Red Charm typically blooms 7-10 days earlier than most varieties, extending your peony season.

Duchesse de Nemours

This fragrant white variety produces crown-type blooms 6-7 inches across with a subtle yellow center that fades to pure white. The mid-season bloomer offers exceptional cut flower performance and is particularly valued for its sweet fragrance in bridal bouquets.

Kansas

A vibrant red double peony reaching 6-8 inches across with excellent keeping quality as a cut flower. The deep red blooms maintain their color well and provide strong stems suitable for large arrangements. Kansas blooms mid-season and offers good bud count per plant.

Tree Peony Giants

Shimane Hakugan (Island Snow)

This Japanese tree peony produces enormous semi-double white flowers measuring 8-10 inches across. The blooms feature prominent yellow stamens and slightly ruffled petals. Tree peonies bloom earlier than herbaceous varieties, extending your seasonal offerings.

Hana Kisoi (Floral Rivalry)

A spectacular coral-pink tree peony with blooms reaching 8-9 inches across. The semi-double flowers have a luminous quality that photographs beautifully and creates stunning focal points in high-end arrangements.

Sourcing and Seasonality

Domestic Sources

Peak peony season runs from late April through June, with Alaska extending the season into July. Develop relationships with local growers for the freshest blooms and best stem strength. Many wholesale markets offer pre-orders for specific varieties.

International Sources

New Zealand and Chilean peonies are available during the Northern Hemisphere's off-season (October through March), though at premium pricing. These imports typically have shorter vase life due to shipping time.

Storage and Conditioning

Cut peonies at the "marshmallow" stage when buds are soft but not yet open. Store stems in clean, cool water and condition by recutting stems underwater. Large blooms may require individual support in arrangements to prevent drooping.

Design Applications

Bridal Work

Large peonies serve as exceptional focal flowers in bridal bouquets. Their romantic, garden-grown appearance pairs beautifully with roses, sweet peas, and delicate foliage. Consider the weight of large blooms when designing hand-tied bouquets.

Event Centerpieces

Use large peonies as anchor flowers in low, lush arrangements. Their substantial size means fewer stems are needed to create impact, though the cost per stem is typically higher.

Installation Work

Large peonies excel in statement pieces and backdrop arrangements where scale is crucial. Their photogenic quality makes them ideal for events that will be extensively photographed.

Maximizing Vase Life

Large peony blooms require extra care to maintain their beauty. Change water every 2-3 days, trim stems regularly, and remove any foliage below the waterline. Support heavy blooms with floral foam or grids to prevent stem breakage. Properly conditioned large peonies can last 5-7 days in arrangements.

Pricing Considerations

Large peony varieties command premium pricing due to their size, seasonality, and popularity. Expect to pay 20-40% more for extra-large varieties compared to standard sizes. Factor this into your pricing structure for premium arrangements and communicate the value to clients who may be unfamiliar with the rarity and desirability of these spectacular blooms.

Understanding and utilizing large peony varieties will elevate your floral designs and satisfy clients seeking the ultimate in luxury florals. Their brief but spectacular season makes them particularly precious, ensuring continued demand for these garden treasures.