Peony Season: Celebrating Indiana’s State Flower
Here in Indiana, we’re lucky to claim one of the most beloved blooms as our state flower—the peony. With their full, ruffled blooms and intoxicating scent, peonies are a true celebration of spring. As one of the most requested flowers for weddings and events, it’s no wonder why peonies are so beloved with their large, fluffy, marshmallow-like blooms. Peonies are available in an array of pinks, corals, reds, whites, and yellows. Many have a sweet fragrance and are long lasting in the vase!
We have sweet memories of peonies on the farm also. These flowers were originally planted on the farm near Grandma’s house and many childhood memories are filled with picking peonies and watching the ants “work” on the peonies. Their sweet fragrance filled the house as a vase was always on the table when it was peony season.
Today, there’s 78 peony bushes in the Pine & Posey garden (with more to be added possibly in the future). A little over a third of those are original peonies, aka “Grandma’s” peonies. I’m not sure when they were planted or exactly what varieties they are (I think some of them might be Shirley Temple) but I treasure these as family heirlooms and can’t get enough of these wonderful flowers as they start to bloom. My aunt saved them from the road redevelopment that went through the farm and replanted them at her house. A few years ago, we dug them up again and divided them and moved them back to the farm in the Pine & Posey garden.
FUN Facts!
Peonies can live for decades—sometimes even up to 100 years—with minimal care. Many of the peony plants blooming across Indiana today were likely planted generations before.
In the language of flowers, peonies symbolize romance, prosperity, and a happy marriage.
Ants are attracted to the sugary nectar, but don’t harm the blooms—in fact, they can help by keeping other pests away.
VARIETIES
We’re excited to share the peony varieties we have growing at the farm in 2025:
Pink Hawaiian Coral
The first to bloom with long lasting and super-ruffled flowers. These large blooms have yellow centers surrounded by coral petals that fade to a lighter shade with age.
Sarah Bernhardt
Huge, pink double blooms look like old-fashioned roses; they’re very fragrant too.
Sarah Bernhardt RED
The best of Sarah Bernhardt pink only red! These huge double peonies are fragrant while making a statement.
Gardenia
Red stems with giant creamy-white flowers. Petal tips have the slightest hint of cranberry. Blooms are fragrant.
Shirley Temple
Large, fluffy soft blush pink bloom that lightens to cream.
VASE LIFE TRICKS
Once you've brought these beauties into your home, here’s how to help them shine for as long as possible:
Buy the Marshmallow Stage: Look for the buds that are closed and feel like a soft marshmallow— these are just getting ready to opening! They'll last longer in the vase this way.
Trim and Refresh: Cut stems at an angle under running water and strip off any leaves that would sit below the waterline. Refresh the water every couple of days and recut stems for best results.
Cool & Comfy: Keep arrangements away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Peonies like it cool!
All these peony varieties have a wonderful vase life! You will easily get 5-7 days and many customers over the years get a week+ worth. We try to harvest once the buds start to color before they’ve really bloomed. Once in a vase with floral food, kept at room temperature, blooms will start to open. Please remember to clip the stems with a change to the vase water every couple of days and add more flower food to prolong the vase life of peonies and keep the petals vibrant and richly colored. Read more on fresh flower care here!
At Pine & Posey, we take pride in bringing the beauty of nature closer to you. Whether you're planning a special event or simply want to brighten your home with fresh flowers, our peonies reflect our commitment to quality and sustainability. Join us in celebrating the Indiana state flower, grown with love and care — Send an arrangement by shopping online now!