What's the best way to keep my peonies alive for longer?

I found a capful of vodka or bleach (surprising I know) goes a long way to extend my cut flowers. Also make sure there are no leaves in the water.

Based on the advice of http://thecraftedlife.com/how-to-make-peonies-last-longer/, the following 5 ways will help keep cut peonies alive longer:

1. If you don’t have plant food (that comes with most flowers), you can add a bit of sugar to your water.

2. Peonies are affected by the heat. At night, place them in the fridge, or outside (if it’s cooler) to keep them from opening further.

3. Cut the stems at an angle, under water, every other day. This allows for the flower to absorb more water.

4. Replace the water every two days; you’ll notice the water getting a bit brown even after 1 day.

5. Use cold water when refilling the vase. If you need your blooms to open up quickly for a photo shoot or event, warm water will open them up in no time.

Another tip– you can also find cheaper peonies directly from the grower. Check your surrounding area for farms! I went to two about 40 minutes outside of Portland that were packed full of different varieties, plus the price was about half of what you pay for in stores.

And if you really want your peonies to last forever, I recommend pressing a few of the petals to turn into dried flower coasters!

http://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/flower-arrangements/tips/a2236/peony-flower-care/

Have only the stems submerged in water. Add a bit of bleach to keep bacteria at bay. Add plant food or a spoon full of sugar. Cut stem tips every other day at a 45 degree angle. Keep in a cool place. I love them, too!

When the season is over for this lovely plant, cut it down, to about 6" from soil, and cover with leaves, and then put a pail of more leaves over them. Keep them covered until the first of May. (I always put some bricks on top of the box, just to keep it more secure). This will be fine, just make sure they are covered, and packed in leaves. This is like assurance to them, and protection for the winter. I do this also to many of our roses, and fine bushes as well. This will be a very diff. winter, so give them extra care, blessings as you save your bushes. J.

Putting cut flowers in 7Up instead of water extends their life treamendously. Got this trick from a restaurant we frequent. Asked how they kept their cut flowers looking so good for two weeks. They shared their secret.

cut the flowers when the buds are just stating to open place refigerate over night then arrange keep as cool as possible and away from apples and potatoes

I'm with you! I LOVE peonies!! My absolute favorite! There used to be a Peony candle, by Village I believe, that smells just like a fresh peony, but I was told it is a retired scent. :(

Peonies look like antique roses when you dry them. Just cut them before they start to lose their petals and hang upside down in a dry place. They will shrink into a rose form.

When the peonies start to "shed"--let them! Catch the petals or scoop them up; put in a low wide container. Lovely potpourri that will last for several days.

I put ice cubes in the water every day. I also change the water every other day.

I live in Alaska and have never covered my peonies for Winter. I planted some new ones in a raised bed with other perennials that I may mulch this fall. It is best to cut them before they fully open, then cut them under water at a slant and put them in water with a little bleach and 7up, no leaves in the water and change every other day or daily.

My favorite flower!!

O wow! The kind in your yard? Or the medical stuff? lol