Alec White, nurseryman and peony expert of Primrose Hall Peonies shares his predictions for the peonies that will be seen at the Royal Wedding in May and gives his reasons for singling out these specific peony varieties. Primrose Hall is one of the UK’s largest growers and only UK specialist peony grower.

“If I were a betting man I would put my money on at least one of these stunning varieties of peonies featuring in the Royal Wedding. Meghan Markle is a self-confessed peony lover, sharing many images of the stunning blooms when she had social media accounts. Everyone knows women of taste don’t change the flowers they love overnight.” –Alec White LLB LLM MCIHort

Peonies are more popular now than ever. There is no flower that holds more romance and symbolises true love more than a peony. If you are looking for something with a touch of excitement and passion, is special and genuinely romantic then it has to be a peony.

Peonies have long been seen as a romantic plant, said to bring good fortune and a happy marriage. Just like any emerging romance, peonies take a little time to establish but once established they explode with colour, scent and majestic flowers. They are certain to cause a stir in any setting and capture the attention of the beholder. Now that peonies have been confirmed as the chosen flower of the Royal Wedding, they are set to be more popular than ever. So time to get ahead of the crowds and start growing your own, why not start with one of the below in your own garden.

The list below are Alec’s top picks for the peonies that are more than likely to appear in either one of or all of the bouquets, church displays or reception flowers for the Royal Wedding.

¥    Festiva Maxima AGM – gorgeously scented, large blooms that are creamy/dreamy white sometimes with a flash of crimson

¥    Duchesse de Nemours AGM - one of the very best, pure white, frilly and highly scented.

¥    Coral Charm - great colour and size of bloom; bright pink, fading to coral, then lemon then off-white - absolutely stunning

¥    Sarah Bernhardt AGM - absolute wedding classic, sugar pink with a crimson edge on the outer petals. Really reliable and great cut flower which holds it shape.

¥    Claire de Lune - makes a beautiful scented, pale lemon, very delicate cut flower; gorgeous

¥    My Love - double flower in blush pink/white, huge flowers, very romantic

Once established a peony plant will live for many decades, sometimes for 100 years and with each year will produce more and more flowers in the same way as a relationship matures and blossoms with the passing of every year. Peonies are surprisingly hardy, they will survive whatever life has to offer including frost, snow and the occasional trampling by children or pets.

Peonies are for everyone, they are really easy to grow despite the fact that they look so delicate and regal: it’s part of their hidden charm. So give a peony plant to a newly married couple and watch it flower as their love deepens or why not give your partner a peony as a token of your enduring love.

For more information on peonies or to purchase one of these gorgeous plants visit www.primrosehallpeonies.co.uk or you can visit Primrose Hall Peonies at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from 22nd – 26th May 2018.