Peonies in the vase: tips for cutting

Peonies from your own garden also make the gardener's heart beat faster in the vase. We show what to watch out for with peonies in the vase.

The idea is interesting and the implementation simple: Why should you look at the flowers of the Peonies (Paeonia) do not bring it into your own house to enjoy it just as much as in the garden. In this article, we explain how the demands of the peony change as a cut flower in the vase.

Peonies for the vase

The time window for a rustic peony in a vase can be very tight. After one day, the flower will spring from the bud and after another three days the fallen petals will wet the table. the lactiflora- Peonies and some modern hybrids, on the other hand, shine with their shelf life of 10 to 14 days. There are also several popular cuts

Paeonia lactiflora- Varieties such as 'Lady Alexandra Duff' with its half-double to double white-pale pink flower, 'Sarah Bernardt' with a double bright pink flower, 'Karl Rosenfield' with a double crimson red flower, 'Madame Claude Tain' with a double pure white flower and 'Jan van Leeuwen' with an open white flower with a golden wreath of filaments in Japanese Style.

When to cut peonies for the vase?

The peonies should grow three to four years before the stems are cut for the vase. At this point, too, only two to three stems should be removed and no more than a third of the shoots should be cut off. The reason is that peonies need their foliage for nutrition. The exact time to cut the stems is determined by the flower buds. If these are still closed and green, they are better left alone. Cutting them off at this stage can prevent the buds from opening in the first place. As soon as the buds have a strong color and begin to open, the promising harvest can begin and the peonies can be cut off for the vase.

How deep to cut peonies for the vase?

Peonies are placed in the vase with a stem about 20 cm long. The vases should not be too shallow, as very short stems increase the risk that the flowers will unfortunately not start to bloom at all. It is also advisable to leave two or three leaves on the stem in addition to the flower bud so that it can be used the photosynthesis of the plant still works and the nutrient uptake from the vase fertilizer can take place.

Skilfully cut into peonies

Any cutting work on the peony should be done at an angle and with a sharp knife or scissors. If frayed tissue can be seen on the cut - which happens with a blunt knife - it should be cut cleanly again shortly afterwards. The cut surfaces of the stems should be as large and sloping as possible so that the peonies can absorb enough water.

Peonies in the vase: care for them and change the water

The stems of the peony are very sensitive to pressure, so it is best not to tie them. Long stems in a shallow vase may kink and wilt from the weight of the flower. Therefore, the slightly higher vase is placed in a bright place that experiences little draft. The reason for this is that the wind swirls and carries away the moisture in the plant more quickly and in this case the peony uses more water to get new, cooling perspiration moisture produce. In addition, peonies are very thirsty, so the water level should be checked and changed at least every other day. Regularly changing the water generally serves to prevent too many bacteria from building up in the water, which can impair the water absorption of the stems.

Tip: In order for your peonies to bloom beautifully, the right substrate is crucial. We recommend our peat-free Plantura organic potting soilthat optimally supplies your plants for a lush display of flowers.