Flower of the Month July - Peony (Paeony)01 July 2012 PEONIES are always popular with our customers. Any man looking to impress his lady should give a bunch of peonies to win her heart! You might be familiar with the pale pink and white flowers – especially “Sarah Bernhardt” which is always popular – but peonies also come in gorgeous shades of coral pink, soft lemon, and pale peach. Peonies represent high summer as European-grown flowers have quite a short season, peaking from May to July. If you’re having a winter wedding, but have your heart set on peonies, don’t despair! We can get them for you in the middle of winter from farms in Chile and New Zealand. (But do save up; it costs a lot to buy a plane ticket for a bunch of flowers.) Dennis’ expert tip: Peony buds usually pop open pretty fast, once the flower stems are in water. If yours are looking reluctant, you can help them by gently dipping the tighter buds in just-warm water first, and putting the vase in a warmer room. The huge flowers will soon burst into full bloom.