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7 Tips to Keep Peonies Fresh in a Vase Longer

Peony Vase
Blooming peonies are real eye-catchers, even in a vase. Photo: Getty Images/Tanya_F

June 12, 2025, 2:50 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Peonies may only display their full splendor for a short period, but their blooms are all the more impressive and truly eye-catching. They also look particularly beautiful as cut flowers in a vase. To enjoy them for a longer time, it’s important to follow a few tips.

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Filled, unfilled, pink, or white–the blossoms of peonies are truly special. To enjoy these beautiful flowers at home, you can place them as cut flowers in a vase. However, the beauty of peonies in a vase is fleeting. To keep them fresh for as long as possible, myHOMEBOOK shares seven tips.

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1. Pay attention to the buds when buying

When purchasing, pay attention to an important detail to later enjoy beautiful blooms: The buds should not be too small or completely green. Otherwise, the chances are low that the buds will open at all. Ideally, you should be able to already guess the flower color.

2. Remove leaves

To allow the peony blossoms to fully unfold in the vase, remove the leaves from the stem. This way, the plant can focus all its energy on the bloom. However, leave two or three leaves on the stem to ensure photosynthesis can occur.

3. Cut stems correctly

Before placing the peonies in the vase, cut the stems. To ensure the flower is optimally supplied with water, cut them at an angle with a sharp pair of scissors or a sharp knife.

Once the flowers are in the vase, cut them every two to three days for a long and beautiful bloom.

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4. Choose the right vase

The choice of vase is also crucial for the peonies to display their full splendor. It’s best to use a slightly taller vase so the stems don’t stick out too far. The larger the blossoms, the heavier they become and need appropriate support.

5. Not too cold water

After cutting the peonies and selecting the right vase, it’s time for the water. Fill the vase with lukewarm, not too cold, water and change it every two days. A splash of lemon juice in the flower water can also help extend their lifespan.

6. Choose a suitable location

To keep the flowers lasting long, they need a bright location. However, they should not be placed directly in the sun. It’s also important that the vase with the peonies is not exposed to drafts. Additionally, it’s advised not to place peonies directly next to a fruit bowl, as the emitted ripening gases can cause the flowers to wilt faster.

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7. Help blossoms bloom

If you’ve followed all the previous tips, the peonies should bloom in full glory. If they still don’t, it might be due to the sugary sap that peonies produce. This sap can stick to the buds, preventing them from blooming.

The sticky sugary sap can be easily removed. Simply add a little dish soap to water and swish the buds in it. Alternatively, you can help directly with your hands. Moisten your hands with lukewarm water and gently massage the outer blossoms with your thumbs.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

Topics #amazon #tracdelight
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