A Guide to Peony Varieties Used by Florists

Peonies are one of the most beloved and versatile flowers used by florists around the world. Known for their large, soft petals and captivating fragrance, peonies are often used in bouquets, wedding arrangements, and floral decor. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect for different floral designs. In this florist guide, we'll explore the different peony varieties that florists commonly use, highlighting their unique characteristics and best uses.

1. Sarah Bernhardt

Color: Soft Pink
Bloom Type: Double
Fragrance: Light, sweet

One of the most iconic peony varieties, Sarah Bernhardt is known for its classic, soft pink color and large, lush blooms. The double blooms have numerous layers of petals, creating a voluminous, full look that makes them ideal for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and large floral arrangements.

Best Uses:

• Wedding bouquets and arrangements

• Bridal flowers and corsages

• Elegant centerpieces

Florist Tip: Sarah Bernhardt peonies are perfect for romantic, vintage-inspired floral designs due to their soft, feminine appeal.

2. Coral Charm

Color: Coral to Salmon Pink
Bloom Type: Semi-Double
Fragrance: Light, fresh

Coral Charm is a stunning variety of peony with a unique coral-pink color that changes as the flower matures. When the blooms first open, they are a soft coral shade, and as they age, they turn to a warm salmon pink. The semi-double blooms are slightly less full than those of the Sarah Bernhardt, but they are still lush and attractive.

Best Uses:

• Wedding bouquets and floral arrangements with a pop of color

• Summer and spring floral designs

• Centerpieces with a warm, coral tone

Florist Tip: Coral Charm is perfect for modern, tropical, or beach-themed weddings due to its vibrant color and unique hue that adds warmth to any arrangement.

3. Festiva Maxima

Color: White with Red Flashes
Bloom Type: Double
Fragrance: Strong, sweet

The Festiva Maxima is a classic peony variety known for its pure white blooms with deep red flecks at the center. These striking flowers have a wonderful, strong fragrance, which makes them particularly appealing for any flower arrangement that seeks a traditional yet bold look.

Best Uses:

• Classic wedding bouquets and centerpieces

• Memorial bouquets

• Elegant arrangements with a contrast of white and red

Florist Tip: The strong fragrance of Festiva Maxima makes it a favorite for creating luxurious, traditional designs with a vintage touch.

4. Bowl of Beauty

Color: Pale Pink with White and Yellow Centers
Bloom Type: Semi-Double
Fragrance: Light, sweet

The Bowl of Beauty peony is known for its stunning combination of soft pink petals and bright white and yellow centers, creating a beautiful contrast. The semi-double flowers have a more airy look than double blooms, which makes them perfect for contemporary, light-filled designs.

Best Uses:

• Wedding bouquets with a modern, fresh look

• Elegant floral arrangements for spring and summer events

• Floral crowns and smaller arrangements

Florist Tip: Bowl of Beauty is ideal for light, airy designs and works beautifully in arrangements where you want a soft, romantic feel combined with a touch of bright color.

5. Gardenia

Color: White
Bloom Type: Double
Fragrance: Strong, sweet

The Gardenia peony is renowned for its creamy white color and its luxurious, full double blooms. The large, rounded flowers are perfect for creating dramatic floral designs. The strong, sweet fragrance adds to their appeal, making them a favorite for weddings and other special occasions.

Best Uses:

• Wedding bouquets for a luxurious, timeless look

• High-end floral arrangements

• Floral decor at upscale events

Florist Tip: Gardenia peonies are ideal for weddings with an elegant, classic theme and can be paired with soft greenery or other white flowers for an understated yet luxurious arrangement.

6. Pink Hawaiian Coral

Color: Light Coral-Pink
Bloom Type: Semi-Double
Fragrance: Light, subtle

The Pink Hawaiian Coral is another stunning coral variety of peony. This flower features a soft coral-pink color and semi-double blooms that are slightly more open than fully double blooms. It has a light fragrance and is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to more tropical or exotic floral arrangements.

Best Uses:

• Tropical-themed weddings or events

• Summer floral arrangements

• Bouquets with soft pink and coral tones

Florist Tip: This variety is ideal for beach weddings or tropical-themed events, where its delicate hues bring a soft yet vibrant look to the overall design.

7. Karl Rosenfield

Color: Red
Bloom Type: Double
Fragrance: Light, fresh

The Karl Rosenfield is a deep red peony with large, fully double blooms that make a striking statement in any arrangement. The red color is bold and vibrant, which makes it perfect for adding drama and sophistication to wedding flowers or any floral display.

Best Uses:

• Bold, dramatic wedding bouquets

• Red-themed floral arrangements

• Centerpieces for formal events

Florist Tip: Karl Rosenfield works well in both modern and classic designs. Combine it with white or cream flowers for a high-contrast, elegant arrangement.

8. Shirley Temple

Color: Light Pink with White
Bloom Type: Double
Fragrance: Light, sweet

The Shirley Temple peony is a stunning variety with delicate pale pink and white blooms that are soft and full. These flowers have a classic, timeless look, making them an excellent choice for weddings and formal occasions. The double blooms are large, providing volume and elegance to any arrangement.

Best Uses:

• Wedding bouquets and centerpieces

• Elegant floral designs

• Classic, vintage-inspired arrangements

Florist Tip: Shirley Temple is perfect for creating soft, romantic designs, particularly in pastel color schemes. It pairs beautifully with other light-colored flowers like roses and baby’s breath.

9. Cora Louise

Color: Light Pink with White Edges
Bloom Type: Semi-Double
Fragrance: Light

The Cora Louise peony is known for its soft pink color and white edges, giving it a delicate and romantic appearance. The semi-double blooms open up to reveal a subtle yet beautiful design, and it has a sweet fragrance, though not as overpowering as other varieties.

Best Uses:

• Romantic wedding bouquets

• Spring and summer floral arrangements

• Soft, feminine designs

Florist Tip: Cora Louise is great for creating delicate, pastel floral designs, especially when paired with other soft-toned flowers like peonies, roses, and hydrangeas.

10. Lemon Chiffon

Color: Pale Yellow
Bloom Type: Semi-Double
Fragrance: Light, citrusy

The Lemon Chiffon peony has a soft, buttery yellow color with a subtle citrusy fragrance. The blooms are semi-double, providing a light, airy look, which makes it ideal for adding a soft, sunny touch to any floral arrangement.

Best Uses:

• Spring and summer weddings

• Bright, cheerful floral designs

• Bouquets and arrangements with soft yellow tones

Florist Tip: Lemon Chiffon peonies pair beautifully with other light-colored flowers like white roses or greenery for a fresh, lively look.

Peonies are beloved for their beauty, fragrance, and versatility, making them a staple in floral arrangements for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic, romantic flower like Sarah Bernhardt or something bolder like Karl Rosenfield, there’s a peony variety to suit every design. Florists use peonies to create stunning bouquets, centerpieces, and arrangements, and their wide variety of colors and shapes ensure that they can meet any design vision. With the right selection of peonies, florists can create unforgettable floral creations for weddings, events, or special occasions.