Florist Guide to Peony Varieties for Mother's Day
Peonies are a classic, timeless flower, often associated with love, beauty, and femininity. Their lush blooms and rich colors make them the perfect choice for Mother’s Day arrangements. Below is a flower shop guide to some of the most popular peony varieties to help you select the best ones for Mother's Day.
1. Sarah Bernhardt
Type: Double Color: Soft pink with creamy undertones Fragrance: Sweet and subtle Description: One of the most iconic peonies, Sarah Bernhardt is known for its large, full blossoms that are soft pink in color with a creamy interior. This variety is incredibly popular for Mother’s Day bouquets because of its romantic and delicate appearance. Its sweet fragrance adds a luxurious touch to any arrangement, making it perfect for honoring a special mom.
2. Festiva Maxima
Type: Double Color: White with red flecks Fragrance: Strong and sweet Description: Festiva Maxima is a stunning white peony with red flecks or streaks in the petals, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness. Known for its strong fragrance, this variety creates a beautiful contrast in bouquets with its pristine white petals and vibrant red highlights. It’s an excellent choice for mothers who appreciate traditional, elegant flowers.
3. Coral Charm
Type: Semi-double Color: Coral-pink transitioning to peach Fragrance: Light and refreshing Description: Coral Charm offers a beautiful coral-pink color that transitions into a soft peach hue as it matures. Its semi-double blossoms are less dense than fully double varieties, giving it a lighter, airy look. This peony variety exudes warmth and joy, making it ideal for celebrating the loving spirit of Mother's Day.
4. Bowl of Cream
Type: Double Color: Creamy white Fragrance: Light, fresh Description: Bowl of Cream is a stunning peony with large, creamy white blooms that are perfect for Mother’s Day. Its delicate and elegant look makes it ideal for creating soft, romantic arrangements. The light, fresh fragrance adds to its appeal, and its classic beauty pairs well with other soft-colored flowers.
5. Shirley Temple
Type: Double Color: Light pink with a hint of white Fragrance: Mild Description: Named after the famous child star, Shirley Temple peonies have fluffy, pale pink petals with a soft, almost white center. These blooms are not only beautiful but also symbolize youth and innocence, making them perfect for Mother's Day bouquets. Their delicate appearance and mild fragrance add charm to any arrangement.
6. Kansas
Type: Single Color: Deep red with hints of burgundy Fragrance: Bold and sweet Description: Kansas peonies offer a bold contrast to softer pink and white varieties. With their deep red, almost burgundy color, they stand out beautifully in bouquets. This variety is perfect for moms who love rich, vibrant colors and bold blooms. The sweet fragrance also makes Kansas a standout choice for Mother's Day.
7. Juliette
Type: Semi-double Color: Soft peachy-pink Fragrance: Mild and fresh Description: Juliette peonies feature soft peachy-pink flowers that gradually turn to pale pink as they bloom. Their semi-double petals create a lush, voluminous look without being too heavy. The mild fragrance and soft color make Juliette a graceful addition to any Mother's Day floral arrangement.
8. Red Charm
Type: Double Color: Bright red Fragrance: Slightly sweet Description: Red Charm is one of the brightest and boldest red peonies available, making it an excellent choice for mothers who love vibrant and striking flowers. This variety offers full, double blooms that make a statement in any bouquet. Its deep red color symbolizes love and passion, making it perfect for expressing admiration and affection on Mother's Day.
9. Cora Louise
Type: Semi-double Color: Light pink with lavender undertones Fragrance: Soft, pleasant Description: Cora Louise is a semi-double peony with a delicate light pink hue and subtle lavender undertones. This variety offers a soft, romantic look with a refreshing fragrance. It’s an elegant choice for creating gentle, pastel-toned bouquets for Mother’s Day, bringing a sense of calm and tranquility to the arrangement.
10. Duchess de Nemours
Type: Double Color: Ivory white with a hint of yellow Fragrance: Sweet, fresh Description: The Duchess de Nemours peony features ivory-white blooms with just a touch of soft yellow at the center. It’s a very traditional variety with a stunningly fragrant, sweet scent. Its refined and classic beauty makes it a wonderful option for Mother's Day, symbolizing elegance and grace.
Tips for Designing Peony Bouquets for Mother's Day
Mix with greenery: Adding soft greens like eucalyptus or ferns will enhance the lush beauty of peonies and provide a balanced look.
Pair with other flowers: Peonies pair beautifully with roses, ranunculus, and hydrangeas. The combination of textures and colors can create a harmonious and luxurious bouquet.
Consider color symbolism: Soft pinks and whites symbolize femininity, while red peonies represent love and passion. Choose colors that best reflect your relationship with your mother or the sentiment you wish to convey.
Vase selection: Peonies have large blooms, so use a wide-mouthed vase to display them beautifully. A simple glass or ceramic vase works wonderfully for a timeless look.
Peonies are an excellent choice for Mother's Day due to their stunning blooms and symbolic meanings. Whether you’re selecting a soft, romantic variety like Sarah Bernhardt or a bold statement flower like Kansas, these blooms are sure to impress. By understanding the different peony varieties and their unique characteristics, you can create a personalized and meaningful bouquet that will brighten your mother's day and show your love and appreciation.
