Why white suits Irish occasions
A white peony photographs well against a church doorway, a marquee wall or a dark hedge, which is why it turns up so often at late-spring weddings, First Communions and Confirmations. In the language of flowers white blooms traditionally stand for purity and new beginnings, and the peony adds generous fullness and scent to that idea.
White varieties worth knowing
True pure white is less common than it looks. Many whites open with a blush or a splash of crimson at the centre and fade cleaner as they age.
- 'Duchesse de Nemours' is a classic double with a creamy centre and a sweet scent.
- 'Festiva Maxima' is a large double white flecked with red in the middle.
- Single white forms show their golden stamens and suit informal planting.
These are herbaceous peonies from the Chinese peony group, Paeonia lactiflora, which flower around late May and June in most of Ireland.
Keeping white blooms looking white
Pale petals show every bruise, so handle stems by the base and avoid cramming them tightly in the vase. Strip leaves below the water line, recut the stems at an angle and top up with clean, cool water. A spot away from radiators and fruit bowls extends their time, because ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas that ages flowers faster.
In the garden, white peonies can look dingy after heavy rain, so plant them where a shower will not pound the heads into the ground: close to a wall or beside sturdy neighbours works.
If a dog gets at the vase
White petals drop quickly and land on floors where dogs and cats find them. Peony is on the ASPCA list of plants that cause illness in dogs, cats and horses, so a high shelf is the safest home for the vase.
