peonies

We are very excited to announce that peonies from Holland are back in production. The season runs from April through early July. Dutch peonies have a larger bloom diameter and sturdier stems. There are also more colors to choose from during this quarter of the floral season. We will have coral, light pink, hot pink, white and red varieties.

Types of Blooms

Single: One or two layers of outer petals surrounding the stamen.

Semi Double: Two or more rows of outer petals with some irregularly shaped petals surrounding the center exposing the center of the stamen.

Double: Multiple rows of ruffled petals covering the stamen.

Bomb: Characteristics of a double peony with ruffled “bomb” or mound of petals in the center of the bloom.

Care and Handling 

Most peonies bloom quickly, in under a couple of days. We recommend storing peonies in the cooler until you are ready to design. Placing the flowers in warm water will speed up the blooming process, which is ideal if you need to work with them on short notice.

Dutch Peony Season

Dutch Season Varieties 2015

Top Brass
Festiva Maxima
Gardenia
Kansas
Bowl of Cream
Flame
Dr. Fleming
Alertie
Mother’s Choice
Pecher
Jules Elie
Sarah Bernhardt
Red Charm

Stay tuned for photos of each variety on our website’s floral catalog. Our experienced and knowledgeable account managers are available to answer questions. They can help you choose the varieties that are suitable for the type of floral designs you will create. 

Chilean peony season has begun, and we are excited for you all. Fall and winter weddings get a touch of elegance with an abundant bouquet of heavenly peonies. This season will last from November to early January. As the weeks advance, different varieties will rotate in and out of production, but you’ll get to see an array of colors—more than any other season.

We are starting November with four lovely peonies in white, coral and pink shades. Be sure to prebook peonies in advance being they are a popular item, especially for weddings. Always have a back up plan in mind using peonies for events. Depending on production, some varieties may or may not be in production. Check with your account manager every week to be sure the color you need will be available.

Coral Sunset is a lemonade pink color and a semi double bowl shape. It has a lengthy vase life lasting about one week.

Festiva Maxima is a pure white peony with some streaks of red. This is a popular variety for weddings especially around Christmas. The double shape overflowing in wispy petals gives bouquets an enchanting aesthetic.

Gardenia is double peony. The petals are a creamy white in the center and the layers around are a soft blush with darker tones of pink.

Kansas is an intense raspberry color, also a double peony shape. If you want your floral designs to pop and capture the eye, then Kansas is the perfect variety.

As the weeks progress, more varieties will become available. Follow us on social media for updates and pictures! Be sure to tag @VirginFarms on Instagram.

Most floral designers can agree that peonies are the highly regarded. A majority of brides dream of a lush, luxurious bouquet, and usually peonies are on the wish list. One detail to keep in mind is that peonies are seasonal. At Virgin Farms, we source peonies from three countries allowing us to offer them frequently throughout the year. The Chilean peony season is November through early January. Israeli season is Mid January through March, and peonies from Holland are available April through July.

This year, the first shipment of peonies from Chile arrives October 26th. Production has a significant effect on the varieties that will be available. Tentatively, we will have coral peonies for October 2015. As the weeks progress into November, other varieties will surge: Festiva Maxima, Kansas, Red Charm, Gardenia and Pecher. In late November, we should also have Mother’s Choice, Red Sarah, Sarah Bernhardt, Karl Rosenfield, Gilbert Barthelot, and Shirley Temple.

We have two useful charts for your reference. Download and keep them handy:
Chilean Peony Photo Chart
Chilean Peony Production Program 2015/2016

Follow us on social media for updates and photos!

Coral Charm Peony