Has anyone had peonies in March/April?

Funnily enough, I went to my florist meeting today and the picture I took with me had peonies. I've actually swapped them out for avalanche roses but my florist didn't seem to think peonies in April would have been a problem. Saying that, they do import a lot of flowers directly in for their business (they're a wholesaler aswell) so I guess they could import if the UK growers aren't ready. Have you seen Ranunculus? They're smaller but beautiful!!

Colombian garden roses are an alternative to paeonies and may have better availability x

David Austin roses are another great alternative too.

I would have thought they could have used imported ones? My (small) florist said I could have out of season flowers as she can get imported ones if necessary.

I love peonies, but with a winter wedding, they're pretty much out unless we get New Zealand ones that tend to be available in November-ish! I'd sooner go with seasonal flowers and they might not be available even if we did go for them. I think peonies are fairly sensitive to the weather, at least when I've grown them! I think at the start of the season it will all depend on the weather, so it's worth having a plan b to avoid last minute stress. This blog site is from the US but was helpful for me:

http://lovelylittledetails.com/2010/11/10/when-life-cant-give-you-peonies-3/

Almost forgot - this site helped give an idea of when some popular flowers are in season:

http://www.trianglenursery.co.uk/Weddings.aspx

http://www.trianglenursery.co.uk/wholesale-flower-guides.aspx

edit: the second link is better!

I'm getting married in April and my florist has told me the same and so I think I will be swapping mine for Ranunculus.

Hi Sarah-March-2013,

I got married on April 20th this year and I had peonies in my bouquet ?

/real-weddings/francesca-barry_157

https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-picture/bridal-bouquet-and-button-holes_2930128.htm

They are my absolute favourite!!

Fran x