Peonies vs. Roses

If you’ve ever pointed at a rose-like flower and later realized it was actually a peony, you’re not alone. Although some rose varieties appear like large, busy peonies, they are quite different. Let’s explore peonies vs. roses!

What Are Peonies?

Peonies are flowering plants that many use in flower arrangements. They are native to different parts of the world, including some regions in Europe, the western region of North America, and Asia. There is some controversy around just how many peony species there are, but a generally accepted number is 33. These perennial plants are available in a wide range of colors and get quite big, with some as much as 10 inches wide.

These plants live a long time, reaching well over 100 years! When cut, they are excellent for use in bouquets because of how long-lasting they are, especially when placed inside a cooled environment, like a refrigerator. When the weather gets hot, peonies are most beautiful. Aside from the different peony species, these flowers can be classified into three main categories.

These categories include herbaceous peonies, tree peonies, and Itoh peonies. Herbaceous peonies are a cost-effective choice for gardens that produce a lovely fragrance. Tree peonies are best suited for environments with cooler weather conditions (but not so cool that you deal with premature frost). The flower buds of these flowers are beautifully delicate, and you can select from a great range of colors. Itoh peonies are a hybrid of the other two peony types!

What Are Roses?

Roses, like peonies, are flowering plants and vary wildly in color and shape. Whereas some grow in the wild, others have been carefully cultivated. There are over 300 species of roses and from those 300 species, thousands upon thousands of cultivars have been created. Roses are one of the most popular flowers used on a variety of occasions.

Red roses signal romance and are often given to romantic partners during special occasions. Yellow roses signal friendship and are used in congratulatory and celebratory bouquets for loved ones. White roses are used in wedding bouquets, perfectly complementing a traditional wedding dress.

Roses make up the Rosaceae family, and many opt for these varieties in flower arrangements and in personal gardens. There’s no shortage of rose varieties to select from and while some have the appearance of the typical thorned, closed red rose, others are extra showy and packed with petals, causing those who are unfamiliar with these varieties to wonder what type of flower they are looking at.

Peonies vs. Roses: The Differences

When considering peonies vs. roses, you should know peonies are seasonal and roses can grow year-round. Whereas peonies need a field environment and cool temperatures to blossom, roses can thrive in a greenhouse, making them readily available throughout the year.

Size

When looking at peonies and roses, an untrained eye may confuse the two, depending on the varieties. For instance, some garden rose varieties resemble peonies so much that those interested in adding them to special occasion bouquets often confuse the two. These two types of flowers bloom extravagantly, but peonies are especially known for how large they can get.

While this can be a plus in some floral arrangements, it could lead to an imbalanced appearance if not arranged cohesively with other flowers. This is why arrangements are left to florists, who know how to pair peonies and roses with other flowers, especially when you’re interested in having both in a single arrangement.

Fragrance

With garden roses, there is a greater variety to select from than there is with peonies. Whereas roses tend to have a subtler and more delicate presence within a floral arrangement, peonies are like their much bolder sister who walks into a room and demands attention. Placed just right, peonies make the right statement.

Although bold in appearance, these flowers don’t have strong fragrances. Those who bask in the scent experience of flowers are better off with specific garden rose varieties to make a bouquet tantalizing for multiple senses. However, if subtlety is more your style, select your garden rose varieties carefully and include peonies to let the visual appeal of an arrangement speak for itself.

Timeline

Peonies are more fragile when it comes to timing their blooms right after they’ve been cut. When they’re shipped out to florists, they are barely in the bud stage. Unfortunately, not all peonies bloom after this stage depending on how well the supplier handles them. The season has to be just right as well. Roses are a lot more hardy, and they typically get shipped when they are barely starting to open. When they’re treated just right, their blooms are reliable and, of course, gorgeous.

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