Flower of the Week: Peonies and the Secret Language of Flowers

his week, peonies are blooming — and with them comes a quiet kind of magic.

In the Victorian language of flowers, peonies spoke of bashfulness, romance, and prosperity. Their abundant petals and delicate fragrance made them symbols of love that’s both tender and full-hearted. To give a peony was to say something you couldn’t quite put into words — a shy declaration, a hopeful gesture, or a celebration of what’s to come.

Their beauty is matched only by their brevity. Peony season is heartbreakingly short, typically running from late April to early June in the UK. For just a few weeks, these extravagant blooms take centre stage, then vanish again until next year. It’s no wonder they’re one of the most sought-after flowers for weddings — not just for their beauty, but for what they represent: the fleeting brilliance of a perfect moment.

As wedding season begins in earnest, peonies become a bride’s dream flower. They pair meaningfully with themes of love, luck, and new beginnings, and their generous blossoms bring softness and romance to bouquets and arrangements. But beyond the altar, they also speak to anyone wanting to mark a milestone, offer an apology, or simply share something heartfelt.

At Hip Poppy, we love that peonies are more than just beautiful. They’re flowers with meaning — and meaning matters.

Catch them while you can.