The Season of Peonies in Massachusetts: Beauty in Bloom

Peonies are one of the most beloved flowers in the world- and for good reason. With their lush petals, intoxicating fragrance, and wide array of peony flower colors, they bring elegance and romance to any bouquet. Here in Massachusetts, the season for peonies is short but spectacular, making their arrival one of the most anticipated floral events of the year.

The Anticipation of Peony Season at Ward’s Florist

At Ward’s Florist, we wait for the arrival of peony season every year with genuine excitement. It’s a highlight of our floral calendar—a time when the shop fills with the sweet fragrance and vibrant peony flower colors we’ve been dreaming about all winter.

In late spring, flowering peony plants in local New England gardens come alive, their lush green foliage topped with buds that swell until they finally burst into full bloom. From quaint backyard plots to well-tended public gardens, peonies are a cherished sight across Massachusetts, adding romance and elegance to the landscape.

When those first flowering peonies begin to arrive from local growers in Massachusetts, it feels like the start of something magical. Our designers love crafting lush peony flower bouquets, experimenting with peony varieties from delicate blush singles to full, ruffled doubles in shades of pink, coral, white, and magenta. 

The season may be short, but it’s one we savor. Every stem is a reminder of why peonies hold such a special place in our hearts—and in the hearts of our customers. It’s more than just a flower; it’s a fleeting, beautiful moment that connects us to nature, the changing seasons, and the joy of fresh blooms.

When Peonies Bloom in New England

In Massachusetts and across New England, peony flowering typically takes place from late May through mid-June. Some years we are lucky to have them into the first week of July. During this brief window, flowering peony plants burst into life, producing blooms in shades ranging from delicate blush pink to vibrant magenta, snowy white, and even sunny yellow. These peony seasonal characteristics make them a true highlight of late spring gardens.

The most common peony scientific names you’ll encounter in Massachusetts gardens are Paeonia lactiflora (the herbaceous peony) and Paeonia suffruticosa (the tree peony). Each offers unique beauty—herbaceous varieties die back in winter but return with vigor in spring, while tree peonies feature woody stems that remain year-round.

Peony Varieties and Colors

Peony varieties come in an impressive range, including:

• Single peonies – featuring a simple ring of petals and a bright, open center.

• Semi-double peonies – with layers of petals that still allow the center to peek through.

• Double peonies – full, ruffled blooms that are the most lush and romantic of all.

Peony flower colors vary widely, from soft pastels to rich jewel tones:

• Blush pink & pale peach – perfect for romantic, airy arrangements.

• Deep magenta & crimson – dramatic and bold.

• Pure white – timeless and elegant.

• Coral and yellow – cheerful and unique.

At Ward’s Florist, we especially love designing a peony flower bouquet that showcases multiple peony varieties together, creating a stunning seasonal display.

When Peonies Are Out of Season in Massachusetts

Because the peony flowering season in New England is so short, many flower lovers want to enjoy them year-round. While we can’t grow fresh peony flowers locally outside late spring, Ward’s Florist can source them from other states and countries where the climate supports year-round production.

During the fall and winter months, we often receive fresh flower peony shipments from warmer regions like California and Alaska (summer peonies), as well as international growers in Chile, New Zealand, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Israel, and Japan.

• Chile & New Zealand – opposite growing seasons to the U.S., allowing us to offer fresh blooms during our winter months.

• Italy & France – famous for luxury-quality peonies in stunning peony flower colors, especially in late spring and early summer.

• The Netherlands – a world leader in floral exports, offering unique peony varieties not often found in the U.S.

• Israel – produces early-season blooms that arrive before our Massachusetts peony flowering season begins.

• Japan – home to exquisite tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) with a rich cultural history and incredible bloom form.

Thanks to these global connections, we can provide peony flower delivery almost any time of the year, even when Massachusetts gardens are bare.

 

Why Seasonal Peonies Are Special

While imported blooms are a wonderful option, there’s something magical about locally grown peonies in peak season. Their fragrance is stronger, the blooms are often larger, and they feel like a fleeting gift from nature. Ordering peonies during their Massachusetts bloom time means you’re experiencing them exactly as they were meant to be—fresh from the field to your vase.

Order Your Peonies Today

Whether you’re dreaming of a lush peony flower bouquet for a wedding, a thoughtful gift of fresh blooms, or simply want to treat yourself to these seasonal treasures, Ward’s Florist can help. We offer both local Massachusetts peonies in season and imported peony flowers when New England gardens have gone to sleep.

From the first tight buds to the moment they unfurl into full, glorious blossoms, peonies are a timeless flower worth savoring—whenever and however you can.

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