Peony

I met with a bride a few days ago and she showed up with a handful of pictures of peonies. This is all she wanted. Boy, I felt awful when I had to tell her that I could not guarantee her most desired flower for her wedding day. I believe a lot of the popularity of the peony is due to bridal magazine's and advertisers overwhelming use of the flower. I am told this flower is available from March through June from a domestic and internatonal market. I have a problem with that. I can't find a single wholesaler in my area who will guarantee a peony by the time June rolls around. I find the best months for peony are April and May. However, I have had them at the end of May and they were so tight they were about the size of a golf ball. I say wait until April even though they are available sooner because you run the risk of the tight golf ball instead of the georgeous softball sized peony you see in pictures everywhere. If you just have to have this flower plan a spring wedding in April or May for your best chances of large, open peonies. To help cut cost instead of all peonies you could have a few peonies with other flowers. Peonies hold up very well in bridal bouquets.

Availability- March - June on domestic and internatonal markets

Colors- white, pink, burgandy and rose

Cost-$$$$$