PEONY season is finally here (hurrah!) – and so if you want to ensure your flowers bloom, you’ve come to the right place.
Peonies are a favourite amongst many flower enthusiasts, known for their gorgeous blooms and fragrant aroma.
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However, their beauty can often be short-lived if they are not properly cared for.
So if you want to get your money’s worth, then you’ll need to listen up and take notes.
And don’t worry, you won’t need to break the bank on expensive flower food – in fact, here are some handy and totally free hacks that will ensure your peonies ‘thrive’ this spring.
According to florist David Denyer, from Eflorist, there’s one simple task you can do every day to extend their display for as long as possible.
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Change the water
It won’t take you a minute and according to David, the secret lies in simply changing the water daily, as he explained: “Fresh water is crucial for keeping them happy and healthy.”
Changing the water of your peonies on a daily basis helps to prevent the water from becoming stagnant, which can lead to wilting and premature drooping.
Get cutting
As well as this, David recommended trimming the stems at a 45-degree angle under running water each time you change the water.
He shared: “This practice is crucial because it helps prevent air bubbles from blocking water uptake.”
With a clean, angled cut, the peony stems will be able to absorb water more efficiently, which will keep your peonies hydrated and looking fresh for longer.
Without this step, your blooms may struggle to stay upright and vibrant.
Cold water only
As well as this, David shared the importance of using cold water when refreshing your vase, as he added: “Peonies just love the cool side of life.”
The temperature of the water helps to slow the bloom process, meaning your flowers will last longer.
The 5 best flowers to help bees to thrive
Nature experts at Faith In Nature have shared the 5 best flowers Brits can plant in their gardens to help bees thrive.
Rebecca Miller, Fabulous’ Associate Editor and keen gardener explains why “bees are brilliant”.
“They are vital. They pollinate our food and play a crucial role in our ecosystem. But climate change, the increasing use of pesticides and loss of habitat means bees are endangered. No matter how big your garden or outside space is, you can plant a flower or two to help bees.”
Lavender
Lavender can thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It’s fragrant and flowers all-summer-long meaning it’s a big hit with bees – especially bumble bees.
Sunflowers
This cheery flower giant are bee-magnets. And if you look closely at a sunflower head, the big ‘flowers’ are actually a cluster of small flowers, called an inflorescence which attract pollinators.
Ideally, grow sunflowers in groups to provide nectar and pollen for as many bees as possible. At the end of summer, collect the dried seeds from the sunflower heads to feed the birds or plant next year.
Heather
These abundant, bell-shaped blooms are brimming with nectar and pollen – which is good news for bees.
Cornflowers
A vivid blue wildflower, cornflowers are often planted alongside other meadow blooms, like ox-eye daisies and poppies.
They grow on tall stems and are packed with nectar, making them particularly attractive to bees. Cornflowers bloom for a long time and are simple to grow, so they’re perfect for first-time gardeners and experienced alike.
Crocuses (and snowdrops)
Later this summer, when you’re starting to plan for your Spring displays, consider crocuses and snowdrops.
They provide bees, such as the queen buff-tailed bumblebee and male hairy-footed flower bees, with vital early pollen as they emerge from their winter hibernation.
It’s also vital to keep the leaves above the waterline to avoid rotting, which can not only cloud the water but also cause harm to the plant.
This daily attention to their care not only ensures a longer lifespan but helps maintain the vibrant look of your peonies for days on end.
Put them in the right place
But that’s not all, as lastly, David advised displaying your peonies in a cool, shaded area in your home.
Peonies just love the cool side of life
David Denyer
He revealed that “peonies thrive best in cooler conditions,” and claimed that direct sunlight and heat from appliances can speed up the blooming process and cause your flowers to wilt prematurely.
Therefore, for the best results, stop putting them next to your microwave or by a windowsill that gets a lot of sunlight and instead place your peonies in a room with indirect light and steady airflow.
By following these small but essential tasks, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of your pretty peonies for much longer – and it won’t cost you a penny extra.
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