If you've ever waited all year for a single flower, it's probably the peony. In Sydney, peony season is short, unpredictable, and completely worth the wait — which is exactly why we get so many questions about it every spring. Here's everything you need to know.

When is peony season in Sydney?

Locally-grown Australian peonies bloom for a brief window each year — typically from late October through to early December, with the peak of the season landing in November. Because the season only lasts around four to six weeks, and can shift slightly depending on the weather, availability changes fast. If you have your heart set on peonies for a specific date, it's worth ordering early rather than leaving it until the week of.

If you're after peonies outside of this window, we also bring in imported peonies from the Netherlands, available roughly from late April through to mid-June — perfect timing for anyone wanting peonies for a Mother's Day arrangement or an early-winter wedding. They're grown to the same high standard, though naturally they come at a higher price point given the distance they travel and are worth booking ahead for.

Between the local season (October–December) and the Dutch import season (late April–mid-June), peonies are available in Sydney for a good stretch of the year — just not year-round, which is part of what makes them so special.

How to choose the perfect peony

Not all peonies are created equal, and knowing what to look for makes a real difference to how long they'll last once they're home.

The trick florists use is called the marshmallow test. Gently press a bud between two fingers:

• If it feels hard, like a marble, it's too early — the bud won't open properly once cut.
• If it feels soft and giving, like a marshmallow, with a hint of colour just starting to show, that's the sweet spot. These buds will open slowly and beautifully over the following days.
• If it's already fully open and loose, you're looking at the final days of its life — lovely for an event that same day, but not one to buy for later in the week.

When in doubt, ask your florist which stage the bunch is at — a good florist (us included) will always tell you honestly.

How to care for your peonies at home

With the right care, a bunch of peonies can easily last 5 to 10 days. A few simple habits make all the difference:

1. Trim the stems at an angle with sharp, clean scissors as soon as they arrive, and re-trim every couple of days.
2. Remove any leaves that sit below the waterline — leaves left in water encourage bacteria, which shortens vase life.
3. Change the water every two days, giving the vase a quick rinse each time.
4. Keep them cool — out of direct sunlight, away from heaters, and away from draughty spots.
5. Let them open gradually at room temperature; if you'd like to slow them down (say, ahead of an event), a cool spot or the fridge overnight can buy you extra time.

Our favourite way to enjoy them

Peonies are stunning on their own in a simple vase, but they also pair beautifully with seasonal blooms like tulips, ranunculus, and garden roses for a fuller, more textured arrangement — something we love building into our spring bouquets each year.

As we mentioned in our recent website update, we're working on making it easier to search and shop by flower type, so keeping track of when your favourite blooms — peonies included — are back in season will only get simpler.

Peony season doesn't last long, so if you've been waiting for the right moment, November in Sydney is it. Come by our Glebe studio or order online while they last.

Want peonies for your next order?

Because the season is so short, we don't keep a fixed peony design listed on the website — instead, we make each one to order while they're available. If you'd like peonies for an upcoming date, get in touch with us directly and we'll put something beautiful together for you.