Peonies are a gardener’s delight, offering large, fragrant blooms that signal the arrival of spring. To maximize their impact, strategic companion planting can extend the season of color and create a more visually appealing garden. Experts agree that combining peonies with the right flowers not only enhances aesthetics but also leverages complementary growth conditions.
Extending the Bloom Season
The key to successful companion planting lies in timing. Some plants bloom before peonies, creating anticipation, while others follow, ensuring continuous color. Laura Janney, an award-winning landscape designer, notes, “Peonies are large perennials, so they work best in the back or mid-layer of a garden bed. Their foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for other plants.”
Early Spring Color: Daffodils and Lilacs
To kick off the spring display, consider daffodils. These bulbs offer bright, early color and don’t compete with peony roots. Nicole Dillon, owner of Breemar Flower Farm, explains, “Bulbs are great because they don’t interfere with the peony’s root system.” Deer resistance is an added benefit.
Another excellent choice is lilacs. These fragrant shrubs bloom just before peonies, providing a fragrant prelude. Janney suggests planting peonies in front of lilacs to conceal bare lower branches.
Mid-Season Harmony: Hydrangeas and Salvia
As peonies fade, hydrangeas take center stage. Their large, showy blooms in various colors ensure continuous interest. Janney emphasizes, “Hydrangeas work well because just when peonies are done blooming, the hydrangeas will start, so you will always have something going in a similar shape.”
Salvia, with its tall spikes of purple-blue flowers, also extends the color palette. It thrives in similar conditions as peonies and can screen spent blooms.
Late Spring and Summer Interest: Catmint, Foxglove, Bearded Iris, and Delphinium
For continuous color through summer, catmint provides low-growing, purple blooms that contrast beautifully with peony foliage. Foxglove, with its whimsical, cottage-garden appeal, adds vertical interest. Note : Foxglove is toxic to pets, so caution is advised.
Bearded iris, planted in clumps, blooms simultaneously with peonies, allowing for coordinated color schemes. Finally, delphinium offers tall clusters of brilliantly colored flowers that create an excellent backdrop for peonies. Caution : Delphinium is also toxic to animals and humans.
Companion planting with peonies is a simple yet effective way to create a stunning, long-lasting spring garden. By carefully selecting plants with similar needs and complementary bloom times, gardeners can enjoy a vibrant and colorful display from early spring through summer.
