Just the thing for those who can’t quite hang on ‘til peony season, ranunculi are an early spring flower. Their plump petals mean it’s easier to mistake them for peonies, but they don’t dominate as much in bouquets. Think of them as the peony’s daintier cousin.

With their almost spherical arrangement of petals, garden roses are an ideal swap for peonies. There are also hundreds of varieties in every colour going, plus they smell gorgeous too. Our faves include David Austin’s Patience, Juliette and Charity varieties.

They’ve got a bad rep for being ‘filler’ flowers, but carnations, when you consider them, are quite beautiful – especially if you choose a fluffier variety. It’s their frilly, flouncy petals that remind us of peonies but unlike peonies, they’re easy on the wallet and they last a long time.

Thanks to their vibrant papery petals poppies rival peonies for drama.

The soft petals of anemones (not the kind you get under the sea!) have the same impact as peonies in a bouquet. They’re striking and pretty all at once.

If you weren’t looking closely, you might mistake a camellia for a peony. Similar in volume and colour, (and loveliness) camellias have the advantage of being late bloomers, so when peony season is over they’re a perfect follow-up.

Gorgeous fluffy, ruffled petals and vibrant colours mean the begonia can match the peony in drama and impact. They come in all sorts of shades too, adding bursts of colour to any bouquet.

Rivalling the peony in size and star quality, hydrangeas are a garden showstopper. Their large fluffy heads boost the wow factor of a bouquet, and unlike the fleeting peony, they’re available most of the year.

Dahlias are enjoying something of a renaissance, proving popular on Instagram, and we’re here for it. These beauties bring colour and texture to bouquets just like peonies do. Plus they come in all shapes and sizes too: little balls, beautiful water lily-Esque types

We especially love the Cafe Au Lait variety.

Handily, dahlia season overlaps with the end of peony season and they go through until the first frost hits, which is usually mid-late October.

Forget the usual supermarket bunch – we’re talking double tulips. Double the petals, double the wow. A striking alternative to peonies these blooms are chic as can be.