The Popularity of Peonies is Due to Several Rasons

Peonies are adored in the UK. They are a staple of any florist and are included in so many flower delivery bouquets. It is rare to see one without them. They are also super popular as a wedding flower, so much so that peony-based wedding bouquets can cost a pretty penny. But how did this even come about? Why are peonies the UK’s favourite flower? Well, we did some digging, and it turns out there are a few reasons:

- Social media
Peonies have always been popular in the UK, but a recent social media boom has put them in the top spot. Image sharing sites like Instagram and Pinterest have been overwhelmed with people sharing their beautiful peony displays, and the trend has caught on from there. At last count, there were around 2.5 million posts on Instagram with the #peony, which we think you will agree, is a lot. Thanks to this incredible social media promotion have led to a massive uptick in peonies being requested from flower shops and in flower delivery.

- Short season
Another reason why they are so popular is that they don’t hang around for long. Peonies tend to bloom in the UK for only a couple of weeks, which means they are rare and hard to get hold of. Naturally, this exclusivity makes them all the more desirable. It also explains why people will pay big bucks for a bouquet containing these beautiful, delicate flowers.

- Wedding flowers
One of the most popular uses of peonies in the UK, and part of the reason, they have been such a hit on social media, is their use in wedding bouquets. Peonies tend to bloom in the peak wedding season. And because they are so beautiful and desirable, they make a wonderful wedding arrangement. And as with so many things, the more people that discover this little flower, the more people that want it for their own special day. Another reason they are so popular for this specific usage is that peonies historically represent love, romance, elegance, and wealth in the British tradition, so make a natural wedding flower. Plus, their pink colour is the colour of love, so it all just fits together to create the perfect wedding bouquet.

- Smell amazing
So they look beautiful, and they represent happiness, love, and good luck. What more could you want from a flower? Well, how about a beautiful fragrance. Peonies are widely considered to be one of the most pleasant smelling flowers around. They have a delicate scent that is fresh and invigorating. They are often used in potpourri and perfumes, as well as fresheners for the home. Different varieties have different fragrances, with pink and white double peonies having the strongest scent.

- Good luck symbol
In lots of cultures, Peonies are considered a symbol of good luck. Although they actually have a slightly sombre story in the Greek tradition, with Peon (after whom Peonies are named) being turned into a peony to save him from Zeus’s anger. In Asian traditions, however, Peonies are viewed as a symbol of luck, wealth elegance and poise, as well as virility and marriage, so there are lots of symbols behind this beautiful flower, just pick your favourite.

- Beautiful looking
Last but not least, peonies are simply beautiful to look at and can bring joy to those who gaze upon them. They make a great addition to flowers by post, wedding bouquets, and so much more.