Flowers That Look Like Peonies

If you love the lush, romantic look of peonies but want more bloom time or easier care, you’re in luck. There are many stunning flowers that look like peonies to consider for your garden.

These lookalikes offer a similar feel with their full, ruffled blooms. They can give you that peony style from spring right through to fall. Let’s look at some of the best options to create that gorgeous, full garden look.

This list covers annuals, perennials, and even shrubs. Each one brings its own peony-like charm to your borders and bouquets.

Double-Flowered Tulips

Often called peony tulips, these are a spring favorite. They have multiple layers of petals that create a wonderfully dense, cup-shaped bloom. They are a fantastic way to get that peony effect early in the season.

Varieties to Try: ‘Angelique’ (soft pink), ‘Monte Carlo’ (sunny yellow), ‘Black Hero’ (deep maroon).
Care: Plant bulbs in the fall. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Peony Perk: The incredible, heavy blooms look just like small peonies on a stem.

Roses (Certain Types)

Not all roses mimic peonies, but some types are perfect doubles. Garden roses, English roses, and some floribundas have that desired full, quartered bloom center.

Varieties to Try: ‘Juliet’ (apricot), ‘Boscobel’ (salmon pink), ‘The Alnwick Rose’ (soft pink).
Care: Needs at least 6 hours of sun. Regular feeding and pruning are key for health.
Peony Perk: Many offer a repeat flowering habit, giving you multiple flushes of peony-like blooms.

Double-Flowered Ranunculus

These are a top choice for cut flower growers. Ranunculus boast tightly packed petals on straight stems. They come in almost every color imaginable and are a great peony substitute in arrangements.

Varieties to Try: ‘Tecolote’ series offers a wide color range. ‘Cloni Success’ is another excellent series.
Care: Plant the odd-looking claws in fall or early spring. They like cool weather and plenty of sun.
Peony Perk: The flower form is remarkably similar, often mistaken for a peony in bouquets.

Double-Flowered Camellias

This evergreen shrub provides glossy foliage and stunning winter-to-spring blooms. The formal double varieties look incredibly like peonies, which is why they are sometimes called “peony camellias.”

Varieties to Try: Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’ (light pink), ‘Kumasaka’ (rose-pink).
Care: Prefers partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil. Protect from harsh morning sun in winter.
Peony Perk: Blooms when little else is flowering, providing that peony look in the off-season.

Double Impatiens

For shady spots, double impatiens are a wonderful solution. Their rose-like blooms cover the plant in color all summer long. They really brighten up dark corners with a soft, full texture.

Varieties to Try: ‘Rockapulco’ series or ‘Fiesta’ series.
Care: Thrives in full to partial shade with regular water. They are tender annuals in most climates.
Peony Perk: A shade-loving plant that finally gives you that lush, double-flower effect without sun.

Double-Flowered Begonias

Both tuberous and fibrous begonias have double forms that resemble small peonies. They are prolific bloomers and excellent for containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds.

Varieties to Try: ‘Nonstop’ series (tuberous), ‘Doublet’ series (wax begonia).
Care: Enjoy partial shade and consistent moisture. Tuberous types need to be lifted in fall in cold areas.
Peony Perk: Provides constant color and that full-petaled look from spring until frost with minimal fuss.

Garden Peonies vs. Their Lookalikes

It’s helpful to know what your gaining (and maybe missing) when you choose a lookalike. Here’s a quick comparison.

Bloom Time: Peonies bloom for 7-10 days, typically in late spring. Many lookalikes, like roses and begonias, bloom for months.
Plant Longevity: Peonies can live for 50+ years. Most lookalikes are annuals or shorter-lived perennials, though shrubs like camellias are also long-lived.
Scent: Many peonies are fragrant. Not all lookalikes have a scent, so check the variety if fragrance is important to you.
Care Level: Peonies are generally low-care once established. Some lookalikes, like roses, require more regular maintenance.

How to Use These Flowers in Your Garden

You can use these plants to create a garden that feels full of peonies, even when they’re not in season. Here’s a simple plan.

1. Create Successional Bloom

Plan your planting so something is always in flower. Start with double tulips in spring, followed by peonies and roses in early summer. Then let ranunculus, begonias, and impatiens take over for summer and fall.

2. Mix Them in Borders

Plant peony lookalikes alongside your actual peonies. This extends the visual impact of the bed. The similar flower forms create a cohesive, romantic theme throughout the garden.

3. Focus on Containers

Many lookalikes, like double begonias and ranunculus, thrive in pots. You can group several containers together for a stunning patio display. This is perfect if you have limited garden space.

4. Prioritize Cutting Gardens

If you love fresh bouquets, plant rows of ranunculus, double tulips, and certain roses. You’ll have a long season of peony-like flowers to cut and bring indoors. They make amazing centerpieces.

Caring for Your Peony Lookalikes

While each plant has its own needs, a few general tips will help them all thrive. Healthy plants produce the best, most peony-like blooms.

Know Your Sun: Match the plant to the light. Roses need full sun, while impatiens need shade. Getting this right is the first step to success.
Feed for Flowers: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one formulated for blooming plants. This encourages those big, lush flowers you want.
Water at the Roots: Avoid overhead watering which can damage delicate petals. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are ideal for keeping leaves dry and preventing disease.
Deadhead Regularly: Remove spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms instead of setting seed. This keeps the show going all season.

Common Questions About Peony Lookalikes

What is the most peony looking flower?
Double ranunculus is often considered the closest lookalike, especially in cut flower form. Certain garden roses and double tulips are also remarkably similar.

Are there any perennials that look like peonies?
Yes! Peonies themselves are perennials. Other perennial lookalikes include some roses (if they are hardy in your zone) and double-flowered hardy geraniums, though they are smaller.

What flower looks like a peony but blooms all summer?
Double-flowered begonias and double impatiens are excellent choices for non-stop summer blooms. Some modern rose varieties also repeat flower all season.

Is there a bush that looks like a peony?
The camellia shrub, especially the Camellia japonica types with double flowers, is the most notable bush that resembles a peony. Some viburnum species also have similar looking flower heads.

Can I grow these if peonies won’t grow in my climate?
Absolutely. Many lookalikes are more adaptable. For hot climates, try double roses or ranunculus in the cooler season. For very mild winters, ranunculus and camellias are fantastic options where herbaceous peonies might not get enough chill hours.

Choosing flowers that look like peonies opens up a world of possibilities for your garden. You can enjoy that luxurious, full-petaled aesthetic for a much longer period. By mixing a few of these plants into your beds and pots, you’ll create a stunning, romantic garden that turns heads from spring straight through to autumns first chill.