Peonies

Peony in the JohEle catalog is a seasonal cut, not a year-round stand-in for peony chrysanthemum. Fourteen names are listed, in bunches of 5: Sichuan White, Hanzhong Pink, Sara Pink, Batsra, Fuji Fushia, Duchess Cream, Cream Bowl, Queen Red, Magic Red, Sunset Coral, Angel’s Cheeks, Plates, Baek Beauty, and Halo Green. The names carry origin and color. They are not collapsed into one “pink peony”.

The supply window is short and sits in spring. Outside that window the category does not promise stock. For the journey the bud is cut at a firm, marshmallow stage. An open peony does not survive a flight. A bud that is too green may never open for the florist, so the stage is agreed against the day of use.

The head is heavy and the stem is soft. Buds should not press each other in the carton. On arrival, recut and stand them in cool water, out of drafts and sun. Vase life is shorter than chrysanthemum. For wholesale, that is the normal cost of the texture.

Write the variety name, the bunch count, and the event date. Seasonal volume is better gathered early. In the peak week a lot finishes faster than the list is updated.