US: “It looks like our best peony season yet”

"Quality is excellent this year. We did not lose any flowers to frost or a major freeze in lateMarch or early April. So the weather worked in our favor", says David Kaplan of Above All Flowers, who markets peonies from North Carolina, Oregon, and Alaska. "Also, due to less competition from abroad, U.S. peony prices are stable. So, so far, it is a very pleasing season as it looks like Above All Flower's best peony season yet."

© Above All Flowers

Early start to the season
"The main peony harvest in North Carolina began on April 19th and should continue through Mother's Day, possibly longer. Early varieties from the region started as early as April 5th. Oregon started this week and because of a fair amount of tunnels or greenhouses, we get an earlier start than nearby open field growers. Here, the season runs till early June. Then, the peonies from Alaska will take the season into late summer, typically through the end of August."

Good weather no loses
Fortunately, weather has been good, and Kaplan is pleased to see that no flowers have been lost due to the freeze or cold like in other years. "The North Carolina farm expects over 1.5 million stems—equivalent to about 15 full tractor-trailers—while the Oregon farm forecasts between 500,000 and 600,000 stems." And what about Alaska? "Alaska has a lot of small peony growers, but the volume is much smaller due to the time of the year and the high cost of transport."

© Above All Flowers

Challenges
According to Kaplan, labor continues to pose a challenge, especially in North Carolina. "Wages are high and farms are using H1B visa workers and other types of agricultural labor crews. Oregon, however, has experienced fewer workforce issues this season."

Varieties
In terms of variety, Above All Flowers offers around 15 types from North Carolina. "Here, Jules Elie, Sarah Bernhardt, and Festiva Maxima dominate in volume." From Oregon, over 30 varieties are available, with Coral types, Dutchess D'Amour, and various blush tones leading the sales. "These are particularly popular in the wedding market."

Surging popularity and demand
"Peonies are becoming, if not already, America's second most loved flower behind roses," says Kaplan. "Their popularity is fueled by everyday floral needs, weddings, events, and impulse buying. Demand is strong across e-commerce platforms, retail florists, and mass market chains. This year, growers also benefited from reduced competition from imports, due to higher international shipping costs, tariffs, and fluctuating exchange rates—factors that have helped keep U.S. peony prices stable."

Orders rolling in
According to Kaplan, Mother's Day orders have been robust, and sales continue to grow daily. He notes that while many orders are already locked in, both small and large buyers are still actively placing new orders.

E-commerce growing fast
Above All Flowers does not sell directly to consumers but distributes broadly across the floral industry. Their vertically integrated model delivers blooms via ground, air, and courier shipping, directly to resellers. "E-commerce is one of the fastest growing areas for our peonies."

A bloom rooted in history
Kaplan sums up the season with reflection and pride. "Peonies are a miracle flower that the world has fallen in love with. Their history goes back hundreds of years—from the 18th century in Europe to as early as 618 AD in China. And what could be better than a flower that reaches its natural peak during Mother's Day and the high-demand months of May and June? With favorable weather, a strong domestic market, and exceptional quality, 2025 may well go down as Above All Flowers' best peony season to date."

Click here for the peony catalog.