Peonies in Singapore

Peonies with delivery in Singapore: varieties, a symbol of wealth, and year-round supply

In Singapore the peony means more than a pretty flower. In Chinese culture it is the "flower of riches and honour" (富贵花), a symbol of prosperity — which is why peonies are snapped up for Chinese New Year alongside orchids and lucky bamboo. The large, densely packed, fragrant head speaks for itself: it goes to weddings, milestone birthdays, and significant gifts. We built the catalogue around that taste and around the local logistics.

The category covers single-variety bouquets from 9 to 51 stems, mixed arrangements with roses, hydrangea, and eucalyptus, and hatboxes for corporate and wedding orders. Nothing grows locally in the tropics — every stem is imported, and that brings an unexpected advantage: supply comes from both hemispheres almost year-round.

Which varieties to choose

We work with several sources: Dutch peonies at the May–June peak, French garden varieties on long stems, and Southern Hemisphere peonies from New Zealand and Chile that arrive in November–December. Below are the varieties most asked for in Singapore.

• Sarah Bernhardt — soft salmon-pink, large head, lasting fragrance. One of the most recognised wedding varieties in the world; the default request for celebrations in Singapore.
• Coral Charm — coral fading to peach as it opens, semi-spherical in the early stage. Looks well in modern arrangements for hotels.
• Red Charm — deep, saturated red, double bomb form. Especially sought for Chinese New Year — red is the colour of luck here.
• Duchesse de Nemours — pure white with a cream centre. A fit for the bridal bouquet and white ceremonial work.
• Bowl of Beauty — pink outer petals, cream-yellow centre. Anemone form — an unconventional, visually interesting choice.
• Coral Sunset — coral shifting to peach-yellow. One of the most photogenic varieties, a frequent pick for wedding shoots.

Occasions and seasonality

The main peony moment in Singapore is Chinese New Year (January–February). Southern Hemisphere peonies cut in November–December land neatly in that window, and red varieties are especially prized as a sign of prosperity for the year ahead. The second peak is the Dutch season of May–June, which coincides with weddings and Mother's Day.

Beyond that, peonies are chosen for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, business openings, and event styling in the hotels of Marina Bay and along Orchard Road. Wedding work is a big chapter of its own: the bridal bouquet, table styling, arches. Thanks to supply from two hemispheres, fresh peonies are available in Singapore far longer than in countries with a single season.

Freshness and logistics

Peonies reach Singapore only by air, through the cargo hub at Changi Airport (SIN). Dutch varieties come from the Aalsmeer and Royal FloraHolland auctions; New Zealand and Chilean stems arrive on direct flights in the southern season. Until assembly, flowers are held in cold storage at +4…+6°C, and we don't break the cold chain before the recipient's door.

Peonies are delivered at the "marshmallow bud" stage — still closed; opening takes 2–4 days depending on temperature. In a hot Singapore room without air-con the process speeds up, so if you need open peonies for a set date, tell us when you order. At +18°C under air-conditioning a peony opens fully in about 3 days.

"A peony in Singapore needs double the planning: the variety is imported and the heat rushes the bud. A bride who calls the day before the wedding is always stressful. The rule is simple: order a week ahead, receive 4–5 days before, let it mature in an air-conditioned room. For Chinese New Year I'd book red peonies early — they go fast as a symbol of luck."

— Tan Mei Hua, florist, Singapore, 14 years in the trade

Delivery specifics in Singapore

Singapore's climate is hot and humid all year: daytime +31–33°C, humidity 70–90%. For an open peony this is the main risk — warm, damp air speeds petal drop, and direct sun can scorch a delicate bud in a day. We build event lots with time to spare and keep the flowers cold until assembly to slow the opening.

We deliver peonies across all parts of Singapore: Orchard, Marina Bay, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, Tiong Bahru, Holland Village, Bukit Timah, Katong, Sentosa, Bishan, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, Tampines, Jurong, Woodlands, Punggol, Sengkang. Payment is in Singapore dollars (S$, SGD). For weddings, a minimum of 7–10 days. For Chinese New Year we recommend booking your date early: peony demand and the Southern Hemisphere supply coincide, and the best material goes first.

Care at home

Peonies in a closed bud keep well at +4°C for 5–7 days. To speed opening, move them to an air-conditioned room at +18–20°C. Cut the stems at a 45° angle, remove the lower leaves, use cool water and change it daily — in the tropics it spoils quickly. A Chrysal sachet speeds opening and extends the flower's life.

Don't place peonies near fruit — ethylene from ripe bananas and mangoes causes premature petal drop. Keep the bouquet away from direct sun and hot outdoor air, in the coolest air-conditioned room. Open, at +18–22°C, a peony lasts 5–7 days. Message our manager and we'll help match the variety and stem count to the occasion and budget.