Peonies are the crown jewels of any garden or floral arrangement, adored for their lush blooms and vibrant colours. Their timeless appeal makes them a favourite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike.Ā
But while peonies are undeniably stunning, pairing them with the right plants and flowers can elevate their beauty to new heights. Wondering what goes well with peony?Ā
We explore 25 perfect companions that complement peonies in gardens and arrangements, helping you create visually striking combinations that truly shine.
1. Tulips
Tulips are the perfect partners for peonies in any spring garden. Their elegant, upright blooms offer a structured contrast to the soft, whole blossoms of peonies. Tulips can be chosen in various colours to complement or contrast with peony shades. Plant them alongside peonies to create a seamless transition of blooms, as tulips flower slightly earlier in the season and set the stage for peonies' grand entrance.
2. Daffodils
With their cheerful yellow and white hues, Daffodils brighten any garden and provide a lively backdrop for peonies. Their smaller, trumpet-shaped flowers are an excellent contrast to peonies' large, rounded blooms. Moreover, daffodils help deter pests like deer and rabbits, making them practical and beautiful companions.
3. Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra Spectabilis)
Bleeding hearts add a whimsical charm to any garden with their arching stems and delicate, heart-shaped flowers. Their soft pink or white blossoms echo the romantic nature of peonies, creating a harmonious and elegant pairing. They thrive in similar partially shaded environments, making them ideal neighbours.
4. Hostas
Hostas are the ultimate foliage companions for peonies. Their large, textured leaves provide a dramatic, lush backdrop that makes peonies stand out even more. Available in various shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns, hostas can be tailored to suit your garden's aesthetic.
5. Ferns
Ferns, with their feathery, delicate fronds, bring a touch of softness to any garden. When paired with peonies, they create an enchanting contrast, blending the boldness of peony blooms with the subtle texture of fern leaves. Their preference for cool, shaded areas complements the needs of peonies perfectly.
6. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heucheras are known for their stunning foliage, which ranges from deep purple to bright lime green. These low-growing plants add a splash of colour even when peonies aren't in bloom. Their compact size makes them ideal for filling in gaps around peonies without overwhelming the main attraction.
7. Delphiniums
Delphiniums are tall, striking plants with spires of blue, purple, or white flowers that add height and drama to peony beds. Their vertical growth habit contrasts beautifully with the round, lush blooms of peonies, creating a balanced and eye-catching display.
8. Daylilies
Daylilies are a versatile choice for gardens with peonies. Their long-lasting blooms and various colours can be selected to harmonise with or complement peony shades. Once peonies finish their season, daylilies keep your garden vibrant and lively.
9. Irises
Irises are classic companions for peonies. Their sword-like leaves and elegant, frilly blooms provide a sophisticated pairing. Both irises and peonies bloom in spring, creating a synchronised display that is colourful and refined.
10. Lavender
Lavender is an exceptional partner for peonies, not only for its soothing fragrance but also for its silvery foliage that contrasts beautifully with peony leaves. Lavender's drought-tolerant nature makes it an easy-care addition to peony gardens.
11. Lilacs
Lilacs are fragrant shrubs that pair wonderfully with peonies in larger garden settings. Their clusters of delicate blooms in pastel shades enhance the romantic vibe of peonies, creating a dreamy springtime display.
12. Garden Roses
Garden roses and peonies are a match made in floral heaven. Their similar bloom structures and overlapping shades make them look like they were meant to be together. Pairing them in garden beds or bouquets creates an opulent and luxurious feel.
13. Salvia
Salvia is a favourite among pollinators. Its tall spikes of purple and blue flowers add a vertical dimension to garden beds. Planted near peonies, salvia creates a striking contrast in both form and colour.
14. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are hardy and low-maintenance plants that add charm and ecological value to peony gardens. Their daisy-like flowers attract bees and butterflies, creating a thriving garden environment.
15. Alliums
Alliums add a touch of whimsy and architectural interest to peony plantings with their unique globe-shaped blooms. Their tall stems and rounded flowers create a fun visual counterpoint to the softness of peony blooms.
16. Forsythia
Forsythia shrubs bloom with bright yellow flowers early in spring, complementing peonies with a burst of contrasting colour.
17. Azaleas
Azaleas offer dense blooms in shades of pink, red, and white that enhance peony beds with vibrant spring colours.
18. Camellias
Camelliasā glossy leaves and delicate blossoms create a sophisticated pairing with peonies in both gardens and arrangements.
19. Anemones
Anemones, also known as windflowers, provide dainty blooms in shades that complement or contrast with peonies, adding a naturalistic charm.
20. Astilbe
Astilbeās plume-like flowers come in pink, white, or red and blend beautifully with peonies while thriving in similar conditions.
21. Foxgloves
Foxgloves bring vertical interest with their tall spires of bell-shaped flowers, offering a cottage garden feel.
22. Poppies
Poppies add a bold touch with their bright, papery blooms, creating a striking visual combination with peonies.
23. Creeping Jenny
This low-growing plant with bright green foliage spreads beneath peonies, filling gaps with vibrant color.
24. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum provides a delicate carpet of tiny, fragrant blooms that enhance the base of peony plantings.
25. Lambās Ear
With its velvety, silvery leaves, lambās ear adds soft texture and visual contrast beneath peonies.
Design Tips For Pairing Peonies And Companions
- Consider Spacing: Ensure enough room between plants to allow airflow and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to fungal issues.
- Coordinate Bloom Times: Pair peonies with plants that bloom at different times to create a garden that offers continuous visual interest throughout the season.
- Balance Heights: For a layered look, use taller companions like delphiniums in the back and shorter plants like coral bells in the foreground.
- Play with Colors: Create harmony by pairing complementary colours (e.g., pink peonies with lavender) or add drama with contrasting hues (e.g., white peonies with deep purple salvia).
Incorporating Peony Companions Into Floral Arrangements
Peony companions don't just work wonders in gardensāthey also elevate floral arrangements. For example:
- Romantic Bouquets: Pair peonies with roses and lilacs for a lush, fragrant arrangement perfect for weddings or anniversaries.
- Spring Bloom Boxes: Combine tulips, daffodils, and bleeding hearts for a cheerful and colourful display.
- Elegant Centerpieces: Add structure and texture with ferns, lavender, and alliums in peony-based centrepieces.
At The Daily Blooms, we specialise in designing bloom boxes that showcase peonies and their ideal companions, creating arrangements that are as meaningful as beautiful.
Conclusion About What Goes Well With Peonies
Peonies are stunning, but pairing them with the right companions amplifies their beauty and impact. Whether designing a garden or creating a floral arrangement, choosing complementary plants like tulips, ferns, and lavender can add depth, texture, and continuous blooms throughout the season.Ā
Companion planting also benefits the overall health of your garden by attracting pollinators and reducing pests.
At The Daily Blooms, we design breathtaking floral compositions featuring the finest fresh flowers or dried and preserved arrangements. Whatever the occasionābe it a celebration, a garden, or a special giftāflowers add a touch of magic.
Order today and let your floral creations bloom with elegance and charm!
Frequently Asked Questions About Peony Companion Plants
What Goes Well With Peonies In A Garden?
Peonies pair beautifully with tulips, daffodils, ferns, and lavender. These plants enhance peonies' beauty and support healthy garden ecosystems.
Can Peonies Grow With Other Flowers?
Yes, peonies thrive alongside flowers like irises, daylilies, and delphiniums. Choosing the right companions can improve both aesthetics and plant health.
Are There Any Plants To Avoid Near Peonies?
Avoid overly aggressive plants that compete for nutrients, such as invasive ground covers. Ensure companion plants have similar soil and light requirements.
What Flowers Go Well With Peonies In Bouquets?
In bouquets, roses, tulips, lilacs, and lavender complement peonies beautifully, creating elegant and fragrant arrangements.
