Can you really get any flower any time of year?
Dear Petal’s Edge,
I’ve met with a couple different florists for my wedding, and most of them are telling me that it’s not likely I will be able to get peonies for my September wedding. I know that peonies are a spring flower in the garden, but I thought that with modern technology and greenhouses that as long as I was willing to pay a high price for them, we can get them from somewhere in the world. What gives? Why are some flowers just not available at some times of the year?
– Allison W.
Dear Allison,
I’m sorry to say that what you’ve been hearing from the florists you’ve met with is true: regardless of how much you may be willing to pay, peonies are typically not available anywhere in the world in September. It’s not only the case for peonies; it is also true for tulips, ranunculus, anemones, sweet peas, and other flowers we associate with spring gardens. The reverse is true as well. For example, dahlias are one of the undeniable stars of late summer and fall, but you generally won’t find them until late spring or early summer.
Why is that? While modern technology has come a long way, there is still only so much we can do to outsmart nature. And even when we can, there’s another consideration: economics. Is the cost of creating the perfect greenhouse environment worth it if customers aren’t willing to pay what it takes to produce the flowers?
Some flowers require very specific growing conditions before they’ll bloom. Spring bulbs like tulips need to spend weeks in cold storage before they can be planted and forced into bloom. Other plants rely on the length of daylight to trigger flowering. (You should see what growers have to do to get poinsettias to bloom in time for Christmas!) And some flowers, like peonies, have a naturally short growing season or simply can’t be grown commercially in certain climates. While growers can use freezers, grow lights, thermostats, and greenhouses to stretch some seasons, there are still flowers that simply refuse to cooperate.
One of the biggest misconceptions couples have is that “in season” means a flower is only available when it’s blooming in their own garden. That’s no longer true for many flowers. Today’s flower market is remarkably global. Roses may be grown in Ecuador, carnations in Colombia, chrysanthemums in Holland, orchids in Thailand, and hydrangeas in Colombia or New Zealand before arriving at your florist just days later. Flowers are moving around the world every single day.
That’s why many flowers, including roses, lisianthus, orchids, carnations, stock, and hydrangeas, are available nearly year-round. If you’re willing to be flexible on the exact variety or shade, there’s an excellent chance your florist can source something beautiful no matter the season.
Peonies, however, are one of the exceptions.
People often assume that if they’re willing to pay enough, someone somewhere must be growing them. The reality is that peonies require a period of winter dormancy before they’ll bloom. Growers have extended their availability by sourcing them from different parts of the world, but there is still a point in late summer and early fall when commercial production essentially disappears worldwide. Mother Nature still gets the final say.
Another thing that surprises many couples is that “in season” doesn’t automatically mean “less expensive.”
Seasonality is only one factor that affects flower prices. Weather, shipping costs, worldwide demand, holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, labor costs, and even crop failures can all influence what flowers cost in a given week. A white garden rose in June may actually cost more than another premium flower in October simply because demand is so high.
Rather than falling in love with one specific flower, I always encourage couples to fall in love with a feeling instead. Think about the overall style you want your wedding to have—is it lush and romantic? Airy and garden-inspired? Modern and sculptural? When you focus on the look rather than a single bloom, your florist has much more flexibility to create something beautiful using the very best flowers available for your wedding date. More often than not, couples end up with designs they love even more than the inspiration photos they started with.
The good news is that September has no shortage of incredible flowers. Dahlias, Japanese anemones, celosia, zinnias, cosmos, and many beautiful roses are all at their peak, making it one of my favorite times of year to design weddings. Your wedding flowers can absolutely feel full, luxurious, and unforgettable, even without peonies! We have seen some micro climates entering the flower growing industry, so new things are popping up. Working closely with your florist ensure that season aside, your floral designs will look amazing.
I hope that helps! Best wishes with your wedding!
Do you have a question about flowers or wedding planning? Send us your question in the comment field or by email (to info@petalsedge.com, subject line “Ask the Florist”), and we’ll include it in a future round of Ask the Florist!
