Peony baskets in Shanghai: choosing from 15 stems to 555
Peony baskets in Shanghai are named by scale: most baskets in the grid list a stem count, from 15 to 555 peonies. Choice starts with size, then a single flower or a mix with hydrangea. A basket stands alone, with no vase needed.
The Basket of 555 Peonies tops the scale, built for a room, not a table. The Premium Basket of Hydrangeas and Peonies is the only one paired with another bloom; the rest are sized at 15, 29, 51 or 75 stems. Hydrangea drinks more water than peonies, and the whole basket ages at the pace of its shortest-lived flower.
Keeping a peony basket fresh
Woven baskets don't hold water, so each is lined with a waterproof liner. Stems usually stand in wet floral foam; some florists use wire mesh instead.
Water the foam daily in a thin stream over its whole surface, without tilting the basket. Keep it away from radiators, sun and ripe fruit.
A peony cut at the marshmallow stage opens within 24 to 48 hours in warm water and good light. Peonies are available for much of the year, but not all year round: European farms cut them from late April to June, Chile ships them from October to December.
The florist photographs the basket before the courier sets off, and delivery time is shown on the product card. See peonies in hand-tied bouquets, other flower baskets and delivery terms.