Tree peonies flower from the last week in September to the third week in November. Herbaceous peonies flower from the last week in October to mid-December. They peak during the second half of November

Canterbury: Craigmore Homestead, RD2 Timaru. Tel 03 6122 9840, fax 03 612 9890.

Marsal Paeonies, Old South Road, R D Dunsandel. Tel and fax 64 3 325 4003.

The Terraces, Leithfield, Amberley RD1 North Canterbury. Garden attached to peony nursery is open by appointment or on special open days in flowering season.

Otago: The Peony Gardens, 231 Lake Hayes Road, RD1 Queenstown. Tel and fax 03 442 1210.