Companion Plants with Peonies: A Guide to Beautiful Garden Combinations

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Peonies are beautiful and beloved flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. These lush, fragrant blooms come in a variety of colors and can add a touch of elegance to any garden. However, choosing the right companion plants for your peonies can be tricky. In this guide, we will explore some of the best companion plants for peonies, and how to create beautiful garden combinations.

Companion Plants with Peonies

1. Roses

One of the most classic and timeless garden combinations is peonies and roses. Both of these flowers are showstoppers on their own, but when combined together, they create a stunning display of color and fragrance. Consider planting pink or white peonies with yellow or peach roses, or red peonies with white or pink roses.

Tip:

Plant your roses and peonies close together, but make sure they have enough space to grow without competing for resources.

2. Hostas

Hostas are shade-loving plants that make great companions for peonies. Their large leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the delicate peony blooms. Plus, hostas are low-maintenance plants that require little attention. Plant hostas around the border of your peony bed for a simple and elegant look.

Tip:

Choose hostas with leaves that complement the color of your peonies. For example, plant blue-green hostas with pink or white peonies, or yellow-green hostas with red peonies.

3. Alliums

Alliums are tall, dramatic plants that add a vertical element to your garden. They also bloom in late spring and early summer, making them great companions for peonies. Plant alliums behind your peony bed for a beautiful contrast of textures and colors.

Tip:

Choose alliums with flowers that complement the color of your peonies. For example, plant purple alliums with pink or white peonies, or white alliums with red peonies.

4. Salvia

Salvia is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that blooms in early summer. Its vibrant blue or purple flowers make a striking contrast against the soft pastels of peonies. Plant salvia in front of your peony bed for a pop of color.

Tip:

Choose a variety of salvia that complements the height of your peonies. For example, if you have tall peonies, choose a taller variety of salvia.

5. Irises

Irises are another classic companion plant for peonies. Their tall, spiky blooms add height and texture to your garden. Plant irises behind your peony bed for a beautiful display of color and texture.

Tip:

Choose irises with flowers that complement the color of your peonies. For example, plant blue or purple irises with pink or white peonies, or yellow irises with red peonies.

6. Daylilies

Daylilies are low-maintenance perennials that bloom in midsummer. They come in a variety of colors, from bright yellows and oranges to soft pinks and purples. Plant daylilies in front of your peony bed for a beautiful display of color and texture.

Tip:

Choose daylilies with flowers that complement the color of your peonies. For example, plant yellow daylilies with pink or white peonies, or purple daylilies with red peonies.

7. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are delicate, shade-loving plants that bloom in late spring and early summer. Their heart-shaped blooms add a touch of romance to your garden. Plant bleeding hearts around the border of your peony bed for a soft and elegant look.

Tip:

Choose bleeding hearts with flowers that complement the color of your peonies. For example, plant pink bleeding hearts with white or pink peonies, or red bleeding hearts with red peonies.

8. Baptisia

Baptisia, also known as false indigo, is a tall, bushy plant that blooms in early summer. Its blue or purple flowers make a great companion for pink or white peonies. Plant baptisia behind your peony bed for a beautiful contrast of colors and textures.

Tip:

Choose a variety of baptisia that complements the height of your peonies. For example, if you have tall peonies, choose a taller variety of baptisia.

9. Russian Sage

Russian sage is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that blooms in midsummer. Its lavender-blue flowers make a great companion for pink or white peonies. Plant Russian sage in front of your peony bed for a pop of color.

Tip:

Russian sage can be invasive, so make sure to plant it in a contained area or in a pot.

10. Catmint

Catmint is a low-maintenance plant that blooms in late spring and early summer. Its lavender-blue flowers make a great companion for pink or white peonies. Plant catmint around the border of your peony bed for a soft and elegant look.

Tip:

Catmint can attract bees, so make sure to plant it away from areas where people gather.

11. Coneflowers

Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are hardy perennials that bloom in midsummer. They come in a variety of colors, from bright pinks and oranges to soft yellows and whites. Plant coneflowers in front of your peony bed for a beautiful display of color and texture.

Tip:

Choose coneflowers with flowers that complement the color of your peonies. For example, plant pink coneflowers with white or pink peonies, or yellow coneflowers with red peonies.

12. Liatris

Liatris, also known as gayfeather, is a tall, spiky plant that blooms in midsummer. Its purple or white flowers make a great companion for pink or white peonies. Plant liatris behind your peony bed for a beautiful contrast of colors and textures.

Tip:

Choose a variety of liatris that complements the height of your peonies. For example, if you have tall peonies, choose a taller variety of liatris.

13. Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that blooms in midsummer. Its yellow, pink or white flowers make a great companion for pink or white peonies. Plant yarrow around the border of your peony bed for a soft and elegant look.

Tip:

Yarrow can be invasive, so make sure to plant it in a contained area or in a pot.

14. Dianthus

Dianthus, also known as pinks, are low-maintenance perennials that bloom in early summer. They come in a variety of colors, from bright pinks and reds to soft whites and pastels. Plant dianthus in front of your peony bed for a beautiful display of color and texture.

Tip:

Choose dianthus with flowers that complement the color of your peonies. For example, plant pink dianthus with white or pink peonies, or red dianthus with red peonies.

15. Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum is a low-growing plant that blooms in midsummer. Its white, pink or purple flowers make a great companion for pink or white peonies. Plant sweet alyssum around the border of your peony bed for a soft and elegant look.

Tip:

Sweet alyssum is a great groundcover plant that can help keep weeds at bay.

Choosing the right companion plants for your peonies can be a fun and rewarding experience. By using some of the combinations mentioned above, you can create a beautiful and cohesive garden that will be the envy of all your neighbors. Remember to choose plants with flowers that complement the color of your peonies, and to plant them close enough together to create a full and lush display.

FAQ

Q1. Can I plant vegetables with my peonies?

A1. While it is possible to plant vegetables with your peonies, it is not recommended. Vegetables require different soil conditions and nutrients than peonies, and may compete for resources.

Q2. How much sun do peonies need?

A2. Peonies prefer full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. If you are planting your peonies in a shady area, make sure they receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.

Q3. Should I deadhead my peonies?

A3. Yes, deadheading your peonies can help promote new growth and prevent disease. Remove spent blooms by cutting the stem just above the first set of leaves.

Q4. When should I fertilize my peonies?

A4. Fertilize your peonies in early spring, just as the shoots begin to emerge from the ground. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Q5. Can I divide my peonies?

A5. Yes, you can divide your peonies every 3-5 years to promote new growth and prevent overcrowding. Divide your peonies in the fall or early spring, when the plant is dormant.

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