Freshly cut peonies will last much longer when placed in 1 location in the home

Despite their beauty, peonies are often known for being short-lived once cut. However, according to an expert, the location of your peonies at home could be the key to making the flowers last longer. While a sunny windowsill might seem like the perfect place to show off your bouquet, expert florist Elise Harlock – from Prestige Flowers – says this popular choice can actually do more harm than good.

"When you’re styling peonies around the home, be mindful that their position will determine how long they last,” Elise explained. "A bright, sunny windowsill will cause them to wilt quicker, so I would advise keeping them in the middle of a dining table or on a side table." She added: "This will ensure they are away from any big fluctuations in temperature but can still be admired.



" The fluctuating heat from sunlit windows, radiators, or draughty spots can shorten the lifespan of the delicate flowers. But, before you even decide on a spot, getting your vase and stems ready is crucial to preserving your bouquet. Harlock stresses the importance of cleanliness and technique from the moment the flowers arrive.

"When you have chosen your vase, give it a good clean to remove any dust or debris," she advised. "Then fill it two-thirds of the way up with fresh, lukewarm water." If your peonies arrive in bud form, which is often the case with fresh bouquets, handle them with care and give them a fresh cut before arranging.

Harlock said: "I would advise cutting around 3cm to 5cm from the bottom of each stem to freshen the ends up before arranging them in your vase. "Cut at a 45-degree angle so the bottom of the stems aren’t lying flat at the bottom of the vase and they can drink the water more effectively." While it’s tempting to keep all the foliage for a fuller look, submerged leaves can actually work against your bouquet.

Harlock explained: "If any leaves are below the water line make sure you remove them completely to stop any bacteria from building up." Any leaves left below the waterline will turn mushy in the water and will cause a build-up of bacteria inside of the vase and on the flowers. Even after the flowers are arranged and placed correctly, ongoing care is key.

Harlock advised: "Aim to clean and refill your vase every two to three days to keep bacteria at bay.".