Best Companion Plants For Peonies: 21 Stunning Picks
Create a blooming paradise with peonies and their perfect companions for color, texture, and garden harmony.
Image: HearthJunction Design Team
Peony Companion Plants: 21 Stunning Partners for All-Season Blooms
Peonies are the brilliant centerpiece of countless gardens, renowned for their massive blooms, lush foliage, and timeless charm. But even these show-stopping perennials benefit from thoughtful companions. Pairing peonies with the right plants creates a tapestry of color, interest, and structure that extends the beauty of your landscape far beyond peony season.
Why Pair Peonies With Companion Plants?
Designing a garden with peony companions is about more than just aesthetics. Strategic plant pairings offer:
- Continuous color: As peonies fade, companion plants step up, ensuring your borders never look bare.
- Varied textures and forms: Mixing leaf shapes, plant heights, and growth habits adds dimension to your garden beds.
- Pest and disease management: Some companions deter pests or attract beneficial insects that help protect peonies and neighboring plants.
- Improved microclimates: Low-growing companions can shade the ground, retaining soil moisture and moderating temperatures around peony roots.
Planning Your Peony Companion Combinations
Before selecting companion plants, consider these key design concepts:
- Bloom timing: Pair early-blooming peonies with late-bloomers to prolong the gardenâs flower show.
- Color harmony: Choose hues that complement or contrast your peonies for maximum impact, from soft pastels to bold jewel tones.
- Foliage contrast: Select companions with interesting leavesâfine, ferny, bold, or variegatedâfor texture even after blooms fade.
- Height and structure: Layer tall, mid-sized, and low plants for depth and to mask bare peony stems later in the season.
- Peony type: Herbaceous, intersectional (Itoh), and tree peonies may each suit different partner plants based on their stature and needs.
Top 21 Companion Plants for Peonies
Letâs explore the best perennials, annuals, and groundcovers to pair with peonies for a continuously blooming, healthy, and visually dynamic garden.
1. Coneflower (Echinacea)
Why pair? Coneflowers provide a vibrant burst of color in midsummer after peonies finish blooming. Their upright habit and daisy-like flowers attract pollinators and create vertical interest. Purple, white, and yellow varieties offer plenty of choice for color schemes.
2. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Why pair? This low-growing annual spills softly around peoniesâ feet, blanketing the soil with a fragrant carpet of tiny white, lavender, or pink flowers. Alyssum both suppresses weeds and keeps the soil cool and moist.
3. Pansy (Viola)
Why pair? Pansies bloom early, often overlapping with peonies to create a seamless transition in color. Their cheerful faces and wide range of hues add whimsy at the front of peony borders or in containers.
4. Anemone (Anemone sylvestris)
Why pair? Spring-blooming anemones offer delicate white flowers before peonies appear, while fall-blooming types add late-season interest. Their lacy foliage provides a soft contrast to peony leaves.
5. Catmint (Nepeta)
Why pair? Catmintâs long-lasting violet-blue flower spikes and soft, gray-green foliage are the perfect foil for pink, white, or red peony blooms. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, and its extended bloom helps mask spent peony foliage.
6. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
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Why pair? Salvia produces upright spikes of purple, blue, or pink flowers from late spring to early summer, attracting bees and butterflies. Its vertical form complements the rounded shape of peony blossoms.
7. Allium
Why pair? Ornamental alliums bloom with dramatic spherical clusters atop tall stems just as peonies open. Their architectural presence brings height and a modern feel, while also helping repel certain pests.
8. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Why pair? Columbines flower just before peonies, with nodding, spurred blooms in a rainbow of colors. Their airy habit and attractive foliage fill gaps in the border and invite early pollinators.
9. Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
Why pair? With grass-like foliage and slender blooms, Siberian iris adds verticality and elegance beside peonies. Both thrive in similar sun and soil conditions, and iris flowers coincide with or follow peony blooms for continued interest.
10. Foxglove (Digitalis)
Why pair? Foxglovesâ tall, spiked flowers tower over peonies, drawing the eye up and giving the garden a romantic, cottage feel. They attract hummingbirds and play well with peoniesâ rounded flower forms.
11. Ladyâs Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
Why pair? Ladyâs mantle forms generous mounds of scalloped leaves and sprays of airy yellow-green flowers. Its foliage conceals declining peony leaves and complements peony colors with its soft tonality.
12. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Why pair? With velvety, silver leaves, lambâs ear forms a tactile, drought-tolerant mat at the base of peony plants. Its foliage persists through the season, providing lasting interest after peonies fade.
13. Geranium (Cranesbill)
Why pair? Hardy geraniums bloom for weeks, offering clouds of blue, pink, or purple flowers and finely cut foliage. Their mounding habit is ideal for filling in between peonies and softening bed edges.
14. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Why pair? Shade-loving bleeding heart opens with arching stems of heart-shaped flowers in spring, overlapping with the early peony show. As the bleeding heart dies back, peony foliage takes over to fill the space.
15. Astilbe
Why pair? Astilbeâs feathery plumes and fern-like leaves thrive in part shade or moist soil, making it a top choice for woodland peony beds. It flowers after peonies, ensuring season-long blooms.
16. Coreopsis
Why pair? Sunny, daisy-like coreopsis flowers in yellow, orange, or pink complement the boldness of peonies. They bloom heavily through summer, bringing continuous color and attracting pollinators.
17. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Why pair? Heuchera offers striking foliage in hues from burgundy to lime, and delicate flower wands. Its compact form is perfect in front of peonies or as edging in mixed borders.
18. Hosta
Why pair? In partially shaded gardens, hostas provide bold, textural contrast and ground cover under tree peonies. Their foliage persists long after peonies are done, keeping the planting full.
19. Ornamental Grasses
Why pair? Grasses such as Molinia or Panicum lend movement and fine texture while hiding fading peony stems. Their soft plumes and sway harmonize with static peony blooms.
20. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Why pair? Daylilies burst into bloom just as peonies finish, filling in gaps with vibrant color and lush foliage that obscures peony stems as they go dormant.
21. Yarrow (Achillea)
Why pair? Yarrowâs flat-topped blooms and feathery leaves offer an airy counterpoint to peony mounds. Itâs drought tolerant and ideal for sunny, well-drained beds.
Pro Tips for Successful Peony Combinations
- Match plants with similar sunlight and soil needs; most peonies favor full sun and well-drained, fertile soil.
- When spacing, give each plant enough room for mature size to reduce crowding and encourage good air circulation.
- Consider adding spring bulbs (like tulips or daffodils) for early color before peonies emerge.
- Use evergreen shrubs or groundcovers for winter interest after peony foliage dies back.
Table: Quick Reference for Peony Companions
| Plant | Bloom Season | Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coneflower | Summer | 2-4 ft | Pollinators, late color |
| Sweet Alyssum | Spring-Summer | 6-12 in | Edging, groundcover |
| Pansy | Spring | 6-9 in | Containers, early color |
| Anemone | Spring/Fall | 12-18 in | Groundcover, extended bloom |
| Catmint | Spring-Summer | 12-24 in | Weed suppression, pollinators |
| Salvia | Late Spring | 18-24 in | Vertical accent, pollinators |
| Allium | Late Spring | 2-3 ft | Architectural interest, pest deterrence |
| Columbine | Spring | 1-2 ft | Early color, pollinator habitat |
| Siberian Iris | Spring | 2-3 ft | Vertical structure, color |
| Foxglove | Early Summer | 2-5 ft | Cottage style, height |
| Ladyâs Mantle | Summer | 1-2 ft | Foliage contrast, edging |
| Lamb’s Ear | All season | 6-12 in | Texture, drought tolerance |
| Geranium | Spring-Summer | 12-24 in | Groundcover, prolonged bloom |
| Bleeding Heart | Spring | 1-2 ft | Shade gardens, early interest |
| Astilbe | Summer | 1-2 ft | Shade, moist soil |
| Coreopsis | Summer | 1-2 ft | Continuous bloom, pollinators |
| Heuchera | All season | 8-18 in | Foliage color, edging |
| Hosta | All season | 1-3 ft | Shade, foliage contrast |
| Ornamental Grasses | Late Summer/Fall | 2-4 ft | Movement, softening spent stems |
| Daylilies | Summer | 1-3 ft | Succession blooming |
| Yarrow | Summer | 1-2 ft | Airy texture, drought tolerance |
Common Peony Pairing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Overcrowding: Avoid planting companions too tightly; adequate spacing ensures airflow and prevents fungal diseases.
- Mismatched light or water needs: Pair only those that thrive in the same conditions as peonies, primarily full sun and moderate water.
- Ignoring bloom time: Ensure a sequence of flowering plants so the border never looks bare.
- Choosing aggressive spreaders: Avoid plants that might choke out peony roots or compete for nutrients (e.g., invasive groundcovers).
Peony Planting Design Ideas
- Layered border: Place peonies in mid-border with taller foxgloves or grasses behind, and groundcovers or low perennials like alyssum or geranium in front.
- Cottage style: Combine peonies with columbine, dianthus, and foxgloves for a romantic, informal look.
- Modern edge: Pair white peonies with alliums and catmint for a striking, structured bed with bold contrasts.
- Shade garden: Grow under tree peonies with hostas, bleeding hearts, and astilbes for soft color and texture in part shade.
Peony Companion Planting FAQs
Q: Can I plant peonies and roses together?
A: Yes, peonies and roses can complement each other beautifully in well-spaced borders; both prefer full sun and rich soil. Just leave enough air circulation to prevent mildew and fungal issues.
Q: Are there any annuals that work well with peonies?
A: Absolutely! Sweet alyssum, pansies, and annual salvias are top choices for color and ground cover during and after the peony bloom.
Q: Will companion planting help with peony pests?
A: Some companion plants, like alliums and catmint, can deter pests and attract beneficial insects, creating a healthier, more resilient garden ecosystem.
Q: Can I grow peonies in containers with companions?
A: Yes! Choose compact companions (like dwarf geraniums or pansies) with similar sun and water requirements. Ensure the container is large enough for the peonyâs roots and has proper drainage.
Q: How can I hide peony foliage as it dies back?
A: Plant companions such as daylilies, ornamental grasses, or groundcovers like ladyâs mantle to conceal fading peony leaves and maintain garden fullness.
Q: Do ants harm peonies or their companions?
A: No, ants are not harmful to peonies. They are attracted to the sweet nectar on peony buds and can help ward off other pests, forming a beneficial relationship with your plants.
Conclusion: Design for a Season of Color and Joy
Peonies are undeniably a gardenâs crowning glory, but the magic multiplies when paired with the right plants. By mixing and matching from these 21 stunning companion plants, youâll enjoy waves of color, fascinating textures, and a thriving, harmonious landscape from springâs first blush to autumnâs last glow. Start experimenting and watch your peony beds transform into a living, breathing masterpiece year after year.
References
- https://www.epicgardening.com/peony-companion-plants/
- https://ar.pinterest.com/pin/17-perennial-ground-cover-plants-that-will-come-back-every-year–529735974936509896/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@powers_plants/video/7430463759065369899
- https://garden.org/thread/view/101034/Companion-plants/
- https://www.aol.com/ants-actually-help-peonies-experts-160100399.html
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