Peony Costs – Are Peonies More Expensive Than Roses?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Peonies are a type of flower that can be found in many parts of the world. These flowers usually grow well in Asia, Europe, and North America. Peonies belong to the flowering plant family Paeoniaceae which is also known as “Paeoniflora” or simply ‘paeons.’

Peonies are in high demand all season long, but there’s a lot to consider when purchasing them. The cost of peonies depends on the type, their colors, as well as how many you want, what time of year it is, and where you purchase them from. So how much do peonies cost and are they really more expensive than roses?

How much do peonies cost?

Peonies cost somewhere between $2 per packet of seeds to as much as $4 to $10 per stem, depending mostly on the time of the year, which means these aren’t very expensive flowers. As an example, during the peak of the season (between April and June), the stems will be priced lower, at about $3 to $5 per stem.

The price of peonies can be nearly double during the offseason, ranging anywhere from $10 to $15. The offseason is considered the time between June and April.

The price of the flowers can be affected by the color that you choose. Oftentimes, whites are more expensive than pinks – but if you purchase wholesale, there may not be much of a difference in cost between these two colors.

A pack of 500 poppy flower seeds can retail for $4 to $7, while a Japanese Tree Peony in full bloom may cost you upwards of $27, sometimes even $40 if it’s available locally at all that is.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a rose, a sunflower, or a winter plant.

It is not unheard of to spend a small fortune on flowers for your wedding. One member from Weddingbee.com said she had paid $144 for 5 perfect peonies, 12 cabbage roses, and 10 ranunculi in her lush floral bouquet alone. Another forum user was quoted prices as high as $200-$250 for about a bouquet full of charm, of 18-20 stems.

Peony flowers are typically mixed with other popular flowers like roses and ranunculus. The average price depends on the florist you go to, but it can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the style you go for.

Here’s what to expect in terms of prices, depending on the season and the color:

Are peonies more expensive than roses?

In general, peonies are often more expensive than roses. Several factors contribute to the higher cost of peonies compared to roses:

1. Seasonal Availability: Peonies have a relatively short blooming season, typically in late spring to early summer. They are available for a limited time, which can make them more expensive when they are in demand.
2. Limited Growing Regions: Peonies are cultivated in specific regions, and not all areas can grow them. This limited geographic availability can contribute to their higher cost.
3. Labor-Intensive Cultivation: Growing and harvesting peonies can be labor-intensive, as they require specific care and handling to produce high-quality blooms.
4. Variety and Quality: There are various varieties of both peonies and roses, and some peony varieties are more expensive due to their uniqueness or rarity.
5. Size and Quality: Larger and more mature peony blooms tend to be more expensive, as they are considered higher quality.

Roses, on the other hand, are more widely cultivated, available year-round, and come in a wide range of varieties and colors. They are often considered more affordable and are frequently used in floral design and bouquets for various occasions.

Peony bouquets – details

These stunning five to 10-foot-tall flowers are native to Asia and North America. These plants will have large, fragrant flowers that come in colors including pink, white, and yellow but you can go with any color scheme imaginable, looking amazing in any vase or bouquet.

These flowers will often blossom to the end of the spring and you will find that there are more than 200 different types on sale. The most popular ones you’ll see at a market include Shirley Temple, Sarah Bernhardt, and Duchess to Nemours (along with many other varieties).

The best time to find these flowers is when they are in season. During this time you can find them at local farmer’s markets and even at specialty grocers such as Trader Joe’s.

Peonies aren’t only common at weddings. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for these flowers to be ordered for a funeral and other occasions as well.

Any additional costs to consider?

You might have to pay additional costs for flower delivery if your order does not reach the website’s minimum order requirement when buying online, so make sure to take note of this before placing orders.

Future brides can have custom peony bouquets that are personalized to their specific needs and desires. These customized arrangements can include the various colors of fresh-cut peonies, including white, pink, purple-violet blueish-purple, as well as other flowers like hydrangeas. The average cost for these luxurious arrangements starts at $75 depending on how many flowers the customer wants in their arrangement.

Peonies can vary depending on the season

These flowers may seem fragile but they actually thrive in the frigid air. They often do well in areas such as Vermont and many other deep Southern states, so don’t forget to measure how much rainfall you get every week. If there is less than an inch of rain within a given week, it’s best to water them to make sure that their roots are getting enough moisture.

Experts recommend planting these flowers in direct sunlight, but you can also protect them from the afternoon hot with a little shade.

You can find peonies all year round. However, the best time to get them is between April and June since they may not have been freshly stocked at your local florist during the winter months.

When buying flowers for a special occasion, it is important to know whether or not they are in season. If you purchase during the off-season and need them processed via special order then there may be minimum quantities that must be met before the order will be processed.

Is there any way to spend less?

Before you start shopping, do your research. If you are looking for flowers in bulk (more than 20), then find a store that offers the best wholesale price. You can also save money by buying them from stores that offer discounted plants.

To cut down on the big florist fees, you could even try to put the bouquet of peonies together yourself.