Seasonal Alternatives to Peonies
High summer calls to the sad end to peony season. Our beloved pink, coral, red and white friends will have exploded their petals in to confetti over every surface and we restart the waiting game until next year.
Peonies are without a doubt one of the most beautiful flowers. With their soft scent and unrivalled big fluffy heads, they really add something special to an arrangement. It’s no wonder they’re a favourite for many people. But trust me when I say there are PLENTY of gorgeous alternatives. Here’s some for you to consider if your getting married outside of peony season and you had you heart set on them…
English garden roses
These gorgeously ruffled, highly scented beauties are sure to turn heads for summer weddings. They come in an array of colours, matching those of peonies too, lovely pink, coral, cerise, crimson, blush, white - I could go on! But they’re a stunning choice mirroring that real powder puff look off a peony.
Dahlia
From late summer into autumn you cannot go wrong with a gorgeous dahlia. Coming in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours there’s truly one for everyone. They’re not as close a match in look as the garden rose but their full shape is sure to make an impact!
Tulips
Hear me out, we’re not talking your supermarket tulip or the ones you’ll frequently find in your average garden. We’re talking gorgeous voluptuous double tulips. The layers upon layers of petals in a double tulip is a fantastic dupe for a that classic peony look. These ‘Vogue’ double Smith and Munson tulips are to die for.
Image credit: Smith and Munson
Ranunculus
From winter to spring these beauties are the go to. Their stunning ruffles are just unlike any other flower. Though a little smaller than a peony they still pack a punch and bring an absolutely gorgeous look to any arrangement. Plus they come in so many colours you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Hydrangea
These are available for much of the year but peak over summer into early autumn. Totally gorgeous for that big plush marshmallowy head of goodness. Really giving you that impact that a peony offers. Plus it comes in so many gorgeous pinky and white shades like you find from peonies. Plus gorgeous blues, purples and more too! Such a beautiful bloom.
What do you think? Have any of these beauties tempted you or will you be sticking faithful to peonies? Whatever you choose it’s so important to work with the seasons to get the best from your flowers. If you are after some advice about what’s in season or you’re not sure what to go for I am always happy to talk flowers and make some suggestions for you.