Peonies and Garden Rose - A guest blog by our Designer Nicole

Peonies and Garden Roses    By Nicole Foy

Peonies are one of the most requested flowers for bridal bouquets but few people realize just how limited of a time frame they are available.  If you live in the Northeast, you have already seen them come and go in a matter of a week or two.  In terms of wholesale availability, they are available from about mid May to mid June.  They have been known to be available year round but the prices tend to differ dramatically from Spring to the other three seasons a year.  And with Peonies already being an expensive flower even when the are in season, many have asked if an appropriate visual, as well as more economic, substitution is available...

 

I have always suggested the garden rose, which differs from a traditional rose.  Garden roses are much more delicate and have fluffier petals much like the look of the peony.  They are also equally as fragrant which is one of the many appeals of both the peony and the garden rose.  Many love the vintage elegance of the peony and I have never heard someone argue that the garden rose doesn't hold its own in that department.  

Although garden roses do come with their own price tag that is slightly more expensive than the traditional rose, they are still a less expensive option, per stem, to the peony and are more easily accessible throughout the year.

To more pictures of our wedding design, be sure to check out our wedding website at www.perfectweddingflowers.com