How to plant, grow, and take care of your own peonies

Peonies live for decades in the right spot. Where to plant them, when, and how to cut them for the vase.

Start with the right stems

Buy flowers that are just opening, with firm heads and green, upright leaves. Strip every leaf that would sit under the water line and cut each stem at an angle with a sharp knife.

1. Fill a clean vase with cool water and flower food.
2. Cut two centimetres off every stem, under running water.
3. Keep the vase away from radiators, sunlight and the fruit bowl.
4. Change the water every two days and trim again.

When to plant

Autumn is best, six weeks before the ground freezes, so the roots settle before spring.

A bouquet should look like it was picked from a garden that morning, not built in a factory.

Why choose peonies over other flowers?

They open slowly, smell wonderful and come back every year. Few flowers give so much for so little.