Peonies are the queens of the spring garden, beloved for their massive, ruffled blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow Their extravagant flowers have an old-world romance that makes them highly sought after, especially for weddings and special events But can you find peonies during the winter off-season? Specifically, is it possible to get peonies in February?
February falls outside the typical peony bloom season. You can get peonies in February from warmer places, but it will take work and cost money. How much do peonies cost when they’re not in season? Read on to find out where to find them in February.
When is Peony Season?
First let’s review when peonies normally bloom
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In the Northern Hemisphere, peonies bloom April through June.
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In the Southern Hemisphere, peonies bloom November through January.
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Peak bloom lasts about 1-2 weeks for each variety
In most places, February is the end of the peony season. The only ones that don’t do this are early-blooming types that do well in Zone 9–10 winter climates like California and Florida. Supplies are very limited then.
Why Peonies Are Rare in February
Here are the key reasons fresh peony blooms are hard to find in February:
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Winter dormancy – Peonies enter dormancy in fall and winter, with no new growth until spring.
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Limited supply – The only sources are warmer regions or the Southern Hemisphere. Much lower supply than peak season.
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High demand – Valentine’s Day drives up demand for all cut flowers. Peonies lose out to more available roses.
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Short vase life – Peony blooms last just 5-7 days in water. They don’t ship well over long distances.
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High costs – Out of season peonies must be shipped by air, making them very expensive in February.
Where to Find Peonies in February
While difficult and pricey, here are some options for finding peonies in February:
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Specialty importers – Companies like Florever import peonies from warmer equatorial regions like Israel.
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Southern Hemisphere – Some US flower sites import from South America, Australia or New Zealand.
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Pre-order from florists – Florists can pre-book orders with farms to ensure February delivery.
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Local nurseries or farmers markets—In warmer places like California, you might be able to find early blooms
When sourcing February peonies, expect to pay a premium. Standard peonies cost between $8 and $12 per stem, while rare heirloom peonies cost up to $25 per stem.
Order at least 2 months in advance for the best selection and pricing.
Alternatives for Off-Season Arrangements
Since peonies are so difficult to find in February, consider using other in-season flowers:
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Tulips – Available in a similar color range. Force bulbs for early blooms.
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Ranunculus – Provides that same lush, peony-like form.
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Roses – Classic red roses pair beautifully with peonies.
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Anemones – Delicate blooms with a cottage garden look.
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Carnations – Ruffled carnations mimic peonies on a budget.
Extending the Peony Season
To enjoy peonies for as long as possible during their peak season:
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Choose early, mid and late blooming varieties to extend the display.
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Cut and store unopened peony buds in the fridge to prolong vase life.
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Use flower food and refresh water to nourish cut stems.
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Press or dry peony blooms to preserve them.
While rare and expensive in February, peonies can be found with effort. For winter arrangements, look to tulips, anemones and other seasonal blooms to achieve a similar romantic style until peonies return in spring. With proper care, you can extend their floral display during peak bloom season.
When Are Peonies in Season?
In the US, peonies typically bloom in June, around the end of spring or beginning of summer. During this early summer lull, not many other plants are usually in bloom—spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips are done for the year, and summer annuals haven’t quite taken off yet. So peonies really shine and provide some beauty—and potentially profit—at a great time.
Peonies usually bloom in June, but the exact date depends on where you live and what kind you’re growing (more on this later). Peonies are perennial, so they come back year after year. That’s one of the reasons I grow them on my farm. In addition to being absolutely stunning, they require less effort over time compared to annual flowers.
Regions Where Peonies Grow
Peonies are native to the northern hemisphere, typically growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 (although some varieties may be able to handle warmer zones). Because they’re cold hardy, they typically grow better in the US northeast, midwest, and northwest. Some southern regions get too hot for peonies.
Outside of the US, peonies generally grow well in northern regions of Europe and Asia.
If you’re unsure if you can grow peonies in your area, check with local gardeners or garden centers. They’ll point you in the right direction!.
February Companion Plant – Peony
FAQ
Are peonies available in February?
Peonies bloom throughout late spring and early summer, from April to June.
Can you buy peonies all year round?
Peonies are often only available in spring, between April and June.
What month is best to buy peonies?
Part 1 – The Bloom Calendar: When Peonies Naturally Peak Spanning late April through early July in the Northern Hemisphere, this window showcases nature’s artistry at its finest. It is said that May is the best month for peonies because it has the most colorful and plentiful blooms of the season.
What flowers can you buy in February?
What flower is best in February? In addition to Irises, two other popular cut flowers used in floral designs during February are Rose and Tulip.
When do Peonies Bloom in the UK?
In the UK, peonies flower between late April and early June, with the month of May when they are at their best. Each flower lasts for seven to 10 days and one plant can grow multiple blooms. What flower is in season in February?.
Do Peonies Bloom in spring or fall?
Believe it or not, the time of year you plant your peonies can also have an effect on the bloom time. Most gardeners would agree that spring and fall are the best times to plant most plants. The peony is no different, but they do like spring and fall better than other times.
When should you buy peony flowers?
Quick Tip: Florists can often source peony flowers throughout the year, but you’ll pay quite a premium. Because the growing season varies all over the world, they can be flown and shipped everywhere as a cut bloom! If you want them for a wedding or upcoming event, the best months in the US are May and June.
Are peonies in season?
Peonies are a timeless symbol of beauty and elegance, with their fleeting bloom season making them all the more special. Whether you’re using them for weddings, gifts, or simply brightening your home, knowing when peonies are in season helps you make the most of their charm.
When should you plant peonies?
When should you plant peonies? In the fall, at least six weeks before the ground freezes. You can also plant peonies in the spring, but it might take a little longer for them to bloom. Are peonies in season in March?.
When do intersectional Peonies Bloom?
The blooming season for the intersectional peony falls a few weeks behind the other two variations, meaning it is more likely to bloom in the summer months. Growing intersectional peonies in addition to either of the other two other variations can provide you with peony blooms for a longer overall season.