How To Preserve Peonies

If you’ve ever been gifted a stunning bouquet of peonies or cut some from your garden, you know how fleeting their beauty can be. Learning how to preserve peonies is the best way to hold onto that lush, romantic look for weeks, months, or even years. This guide will walk you through simple and effective methods that anyone can do at home.

We’ll cover everything from drying peonies to pressing them. Each technique has it’s own charm and is suited for different types of projects. Whether you want to create lasting dried arrangements or flat peonies for crafts, you’ll find the right method here.

Preserving peonies successfully starts with picking the right blooms. Timing and preparation make all the difference in your final result.

Choosing and Preparing Your Peonies

Not all peonies are equal when it comes to preservation. Follow these tips to start with the best possible flowers.

Pick at the Right Stage: Choose peonies that are just beginning to open, in the “marshmallow” stage. Avoid buds that are too tight or flowers that are fully open and shedding pollen.
Cut and Condition: Use sharp shears to cut stems in the morning after the dew has dried. Immediately place them in a bucket of cool water for several hours to let them drink fully.
Remove Excess Moisture: Gently shake off any water droplets and check for insects. You want the petals as dry as possible before preserving.

Method 1: Air Drying Peonies

Air drying is the simplest and most traditional method. It requires little equipment and gives peonies a lovely, vintage appearance.

Prepare the Stems: Strip off all the leaves from the peony stems. Leaves retain moisture and can cause mold.
Bundle and Hang: Gather 3-5 stems together and tie them securely with a rubber band or string. Hang them upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area like a closet or attic.
Wait Patiently: Let the peonies dry completely for 2-4 weeks. They are done when the stems snap and the petals feel papery.

Method 2: Using Silica Gel for Perfect Shape

Silica gel is a desiccant that pulls moisture out while maintaining the flower’s three-dimensional shape and color beautifully. You can buy it at craft stores.

Select a Container: Find an airtight container big enough for your peony without crushing it.
Add a Base Layer: Pour an inch or two of silica gel crystals into the bottom of the container.
Place the Flower: Set the peony face-up on the crystals. Carefully pour more gel around the sides and between the petals, supporting the natural shape.
Bury and Seal: Gently cover the entire flower with at least an inch of gel. Seal the lid tightly and leave it undisturbed for 7-10 days.
Remove Gently: After the time has passed, slowly pour off the gel and lift the peony out. Use a soft brush to remove any remaining crystals.

Method 3: Pressing Peonies Flat

Pressed peonies are perfect for framing, scrapbooking, or making cards. This method flattens the flower completely.

Using a Flower Press

Disassemble the peony by carefully separating the petals and layers.
Arrange the petals and smaller sections on the press’s blotting paper, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Close the press tightly and check after about 3 weeks. They may need longer depending on humidity.

Using Heavy Books

Layer sheets of parchment or wax paper inside a heavy book.
Place your peony petals or a whole, flattened bloom between the paper.
Close the book and stack more books on top for added weight. Leave for 4-6 weeks.

Method 4: Preserving Peonies in the Microwave

This is a quick method that uses silica gel and your microwave. It’s great for a single bloom you want to preserve fast.

Place your peony in a microwave-safe container filled with silica gel.
Put a small cup of water in the back corner of the microwave to prevent over-drying.
Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes at a time, checking frequently. Let it cool completely in the closed container before removing.

Caring for Your Preserved Peonies

Once preserved, your peonies need proper care to last. Here’s how to keep them looking their best.

Avoid Sunlight: Display them out of direct sunlight, which causes colors to fade quickly.
Control Humidity: Keep them in a dry environment. High humidity can cause rehydration and then mold.
Dust Gently: Use a hairdryer on a cool, low setting or a soft makeup brush to remove dust.
Consider a Sealant: For dried peonies, a light spray with clear floral sealant can help protect them from shattering.

Creative Uses for Preserved Peonies

Your preserved peonies are ready to be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Create a lasting dried flower arrangement in a vase.
Make a shadow box frame with pressed peonies and other botanicals.
Design unique greeting cards or bookmarks with pressed petals.
Incorporate dried peonies into a wreath for your front door.
Use them as a beautiful, natural decoration for gift packages.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to fix common preservation issues.

Mold: This is caused by moisture. Always ensure flowers are dry before preserving and use a completely dry container. If mold spots appear, you can sometimes gently remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, but prevention is key.
Color Fading: All preserved flowers fade over time, but darkness is their friend. Display them away from bright windows to slow the process.
Shattering Petals: If petals are falling off, they may have been too dry when preserved or handled too roughly. A floral sealant spray can help bind them.
Drooping Heads: For air-dried peonies, ensure they are hung upside down immediately. If they still droop, the stem may have been too woody; try using floral wire for support next time.

FAQ: Your Peony Preservation Questions Answered

Can you preserve peonies with hairspray?

Hairspray is not recommended as a primary preservation method. It can make petals sticky and attract dust. It’s better as a light final sealant on already-dried flowers, but a proper floral sealant is more effective.

What is the best way to keep peonies fresh before preserving?

Keep cut peonies in a cool place, in fresh water, and recut the stems daily. The longer they stay fresh before you preserve them, the better they’re color and form will hold up.

How long do preserved peonies last?

With proper care, air-dried or silica gel peonies can last 1-3 years. Pressed peonies, kept out of light and moisture, can last for decades.

Can I preserve peony buds?

Yes, but they can be tricky. Buds are very dense and may rot or dry unevenly. Your best bet is to use silica gel for buds, as it draws moisture out more reliably than air drying.

Do preserved peonies smell?

The preservation process removes most of the natural fragrance. They will retain a very faint, hay-like scent, but not the strong, sweet perfume of a fresh peony.

Preserving peonies allows you to extend the joy of their brief season. With these straightforward methods, you can capture there delicate beauty and enjoy it long after your garden has gone to sleep. Experiment with different techniques to find your favorite, and soon you’ll have a collection of timeless blooms to cherish.