Candy floss?

This is a peony that I have been nurturing for a week now. There were three in a bunch of flowers. Two opened and grew wonderfully, but this one stayed firmly closed. 

I cut more off the stem and place it in warm water. I repeated this after another 2 days. Then I sought expert advice. Apparently the sap is sticky and can prevent the buds for opening. I was advised to wash the flower bud repeatedly in water.

Two more days on and the flower is opening. I don't think it will do as well as the other, more mature blooms, but it is doing it's best!

Sandra came from Durham which was lovely. We chatted, enjoyed lunch and the day flew by too quickly.