What To Plant With Peonies :Best Companion Plants

Peonies are long-lived perennials that will bloom every year. They love alliums, bearded irises, Siberian irises, and various small shrubs and trees. When planting peonies, choose plants that will last a while to create a lasting display.

Susan, who has a beautiful garden with peonies, recently asked for help on what to plant under her plants. Since the peonies have such a formal appearance and flower in early summer, she wanted to choose just the right thing to go with them. After careful consideration, we recommended a hardy geranium that will flower in the foreground.

The peony is a beautiful flower that can be found in many different colors. When it is newly planted, the peony will bloom almost immediately in a rosy-red color. Interestingly, the opposite colors of red and peach are both represented in this flower.

Types of Peony Flowers

There are six types of peony flowers in total- anemone, single, Japanese, semi-double, double, and bomb. The fragrance of the flower also varies depending on the type- some plants have intoxicating rose-like scents while others are lemony or have no scent at all. Herbaceous peonies ( Paeonia lactiflora) have scented flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white.

Herbaceous, tree, and itoh peonies are the three main types. Herbaceous peonies grow from a crown of roots each year and produce fresh growth in springtime. They will die back down in the fall but return again in the spring. Tree peonies have woody stems and branches and Itoh hybrids are a cross between herbaceous and tree peony plants.

Herbaceous peony

Herbaceous perennials are plants that die back to the ground every winter and then grow new stems and leaves from their roots the following spring. They have a large root system, as well as a crown (the part of the plant where the stem meets the roots) and buds. Most herbaceous peonies can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7, however, a number of gardeners have seen positive results with plants as far south as zone 8.

peony foliage

Peony plants are beautiful additions to any garden, but they do require some specific care. Peonies do not need to be watered once they have gone dormant and should only be watered weekly during the dry summer months. Make sure to give them one inch of water at each watering. The fourth year of growth is when plants really take off, so make sure to fertilize them then and continue fertilizing every spring.

perennial peonies

Peonies are a popular perennial flower that comes in a variety of colors including white, pink, and red. They are best known for their beauty and fragrance. Peonies thrive almost anywhere in the country as long as they have plenty of sunlight. It’s worth spending time upfront selecting the right companion plants to ensure your peonies look their best. There are many stories of forgotten plants blooming in the woods after being left alone for years.

Where to Plant Peonies

After its stunning bloom, the peony’s bushy clump of handsome glossy green leaves lasts all summer and turns purplish-red or gold in the fall. Plant white peonies with yellow irises and forget-me-nots; set off pink peonies with blue Nepeta or violets Mixed borders: Peonies with columbines, baptisias, veronicas, and irises.

When to Plant Peonies

Peony plants are beautiful and low-maintenance flowers that can be planted in the fall or spring. If planted in the fall, they will establish a strong root system before winter and bloom earlier the following spring. If planted in the spring, make sure to water them well until they become established.

There are a few factors to consider when planting peonies. The main thing to remember is that fall-planted peonies will typically bloom sooner and be more prolific than spring plantings. If you’re in a warmer climate, fall may be the best time for you to plant peonies. If you’re in a cooler climate, then spring might be better.

Categorie of companion plants as those that grow:

Companion plants are those that grow well together and help each other out. We categorize them into four types: bold foliage plants, glossy-leaved ferns, hellebores, and peonies. Bold foliage plants have large leaves and tend to be the showy type. They include plants like bear’s breech and canna lilies. Glossy-leaved ferns have leaves that are smooth and shiny. Some good examples are Korean rock ferns and Japanese tassel ferns. Hellebores are a large perennial plant with evergreen foliage. They typically bloom before peonies do in the springtime. Peonies are a popular garden flower that comes in a variety of colors. They have large blooms and foliage that dies down after flowering.

Under Peonies

Underneath your peonies, you will need to make sure that you have some ground cover plants. This is important so that the area does not become bare when the peonies die down in the fall. Good choices for ground cover plants include sage, thyme, hosta, and pachysandra. Once your garden bed is finished looking, take a moment to appreciate the foliage of herbaceous peonies- it is more beautiful than their flowers!

Side-by-Side with Peonies

Side-by-side with peonies showcases the different grades of peonies. Grade #1 peonies are on the left and grade #2 are on the right. Terminal buds will produce flowers and if you want to prolong the blooming season, leave side buds. Peonies are very yummy and long-lasting.

Over Peonies

The best time to plant peonies largely depends on your climate and the growing zone you are in. In general, the gardener’s rule of thumb has been to order peonies in spring and take delivery of them in fall at planting time. So, if you live in a cooler climate, experiment with both spring and fall plantings to see which works best for you.

List of Best companion plants for peonies

Azaleas

Azaleas are a type of shrub that is often used in landscaping. They are evergreen, meaning they retain their leaves throughout the year, and come in a variety of colors. When planting with azaleas, it is important to use shorter shrubs so that everything looks neat and tidy. Additionally, planting azaleas near peonies helps to conceal the base of the peony and keep everything looking nice.

Bearded Irises

Bearded Irises are beautiful flowers that come in many colors. They are perennial flowers, which means they will come back year after year with very little maintenance. They make a great companion plant to your peonies and can really help to brighten up the garden. Planting them is easy and they will quickly become a staple in your garden.

Siberian Irises

Siberian irises are a type of perennial flowering plant that is known for their vibrant color range. Streaked with complementary colors that give them a particularly mystical, awe-inspiring aesthetic, they are long-lasting blooms and low maintenance. They can be found in gardens and flower beds all across the country.

Columbines

The Columbine is a dainty perennial that can be found in gardens across the country. In full bloom, it has 2 petal layers and its clusters of small, yellow buds radiate from the flower’s center. Its contrasting color scheme is a great complement to any garden and can brighten up any landscape.

Alliums

Alliums are flowers that typically come in shades of blue or purple. They have tall, skinny stems, which makes them difficult for squirrels and deer to damage. Alliums provide a unique look in any garden and due to their beauty, they are becoming more popular every year.

Roses

The rose is the most popular flower in the world and can be found in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They are well-known for their fragrance and make an excellent addition to any garden. Roses love warm regions and grow well with peonies. Most issues when growing roses are aesthetic, such as pests or diseases that affect the appearance of the plant.

Bleeding Heart

The bleeding heart is a perennial flower that gets its name from the shape of its blooms. They are heart-shaped and typically have pink petals, although some variants have white or red petals. The flowers grow toward the bottom of the plant and are generally sun and heat tolerant. They are also deer resistant, making them a great choice for landscaping projects in areas where deer are common.

Foxgloves

Foxgloves are a type of flower that can be found in many gardens. They are purple or light pink, and their petals have a distinct bell shape. Bumblebees are attracted to these flowers, and they grow best when they have ample space around them. You can buy foxglove seeds on Amazon by clicking here.

Hydrangeas

There are many different types of hydrangeas, but all of them share some common features. They have small clusters of color, usually pink, purple, or a mix of these colors. In order to keep them looking full and beautiful, they only need regular watering and adding mulch. They are perfect for peonies because they are big and colorful with blooms that last long-term.

Plantain

Plantain is a unique flower that has a cone-like shape. They are usually dark purple, but the outer layer has orange buds. It will only flower once and it will also bear fruit!

Lavender

Lavender is a flower that can be found in many colors such as purple, blue, and white. It has a small, round shape and is fuzzy in texture. Lavender is well known for its unique aroma and oil. It requires a lot of water at one time but can go for some time without being watered. Lavender produces small purple flowers that are fuzzy in texture.

Daffodils

Daffodils are a popular spring flower that has two layers of petals. The bud is cone-shaped and the wider petal is usually showier. They are relatively easy to care for but should be fertilized in late fall or early winter. When planted together, daffodils and peonies make a beautiful combination. Daffodils are definitely worth considering as plants for your garden.

Camellias

Camellias are flowering plants in the Theaceae family. They are closely related to tea plants and some Camellia species are used to produce tea. The flowers of Camellias look very similar to roses, but they have a perfect semicircle petal arrangement. Camellia shrubs can grow between 6 and 12 feet in diameter and some varieties can reach up to 30 feet tall.

Pincushion Flower

Pincushion flowers are a type of flower that comes in a variety of colors, including cool colors like blue and purple. They often attract butterflies and other insects. They are also drought-resistant and don’t require much maintenance. In terms of peonies, there are six types: single, Japanese, semi-double, double, bomb and anemone. The fragrance of these flowers can also vary.

Geraniums

Geraniums are a type of flower that comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors. They are popular plants for gardens and yards because they are resilient and can endure periods of drought. Additionally, they come in a variety of types, including zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums, regal geraniums, and Martha Washington geraniums.

Peonies flower garden

When planting peonies in your flower garden, try to mix different colors together for a beautiful effect. A good combination is white and golden-yellow flowers. If you want your peonies to bloom in succession, here are four fabulous varieties to choose from. These plants will bloom one after the other so you can enjoy their beauty for weeks on end. For a slightly different look, try some of these tree peonies that will bloom in succession. With their delicate petals and lovely fragrance, they are sure to add charm to any garden. Peony flowers have been enjoyed by multiple generations, so plant them in your yard today and experience their magic for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I plant with my peonies?

Peonies are best planted in the spring when there is still some snow on the ground. They should be planted 1-2 inches deep and 6-12 inches apart.

Can you plant peonies and lavender together?

Yes, you can plant both together.

How do you use peonies in the landscape?

The use of peonies in the landscape can vary depending on a number of factors. Peonies are great for hanging baskets, as they like to have a good deal of sunlight and water. They are also perfect for the front of a border, as they bloom in late summer and early fall.

Can you plant hostas and peonies together?

Yes, you can plant hostas and peonies together. The key is to make sure that the two plants have similar needs and are planted in a location where they will not compete for water or nutrients.

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