The good news is that you really can buy peonies in November. And you can get some gorgeous colors, such as coral and burgundy, says Carol Caggiano, spokeswoman for the Society of American Florists.
The bad news is that, in November, most peonies are flown in from New Zealand. The price is about double what you'd pay when they're in season locally, she says.
Expect better deals: In May, when peonies are in season, you can find them for about half of what you'd pay in November, Caggiano says.
What is a bargain now: Chrysanthemums. "You'll see some varieties not normally available, and the color range is spectacular," Caggiano says. Everything from deep purples to bronzes to rusts and deep burgundies, she says. This time of year, they're usually at the peak of their season, "and usually they're at their best, as far as quality."