Peony Companion Plants

Creating a beautiful garden is about putting the right plants together. Choosing the right peony companion plants is the key to vibrant garden harmony all season long. It’s not just about looks, though that’s a big part. The best companions help your peonies stay healthy and bloom their best.

They can support those heavy flowers, attract helpful insects, and fill in gaps when peonies are done. Let’s look at how to build a stunning and supportive plant community around your peonies.

This list focuses on plants that share a peony’s needs. They all enjoy full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. More importantly, they bring different strengths to the garden partnership.

Classic Supporting Players

These plants are time-tested partners. They bloom alongside peonies or just after, extending the show.

Nepeta (Catmint): Forms a soft, billowing mound of gray-green foliage and lavender-blue flowers. It’s perfect for hiding peonies’ lower stems, which can get leggy. It’s also drought-tolerant once established.
Salvia (Perennial Sage): Offers spiky flowers in blue, purple, or white that contrast beautifully with peony blooms. They attract tons of pollinators and have a long flowering period.
Iris (Bearded Iris): Shares the same sun and soil needs. Its vertical sword-like leaves and intricate blooms complement the rounder form of peonies. They often bloom in tandem for a spectacular display.
Alliums (Ornamental Onions): Their bold, spherical purple flowers add architectural interest. They bloom with late peonies and their seed heads provide structure after petals fall.

Foliage Fillers for Lasting Beauty

Peony foliage is great, but it can be susceptible to mildew later in summer. These plants provide reliable, beautiful leaves.

Heuchera (Coral Bells): Offers a stunning array of colored foliage—purple, silver, lime, amber. They fill the base with color even when nothing is in bloom and thrive in the same conditions.
Hosta: An excellent choice for peonies in partial shade. Their broad, textured leaves create a lush underplanting. Just ensure the soil is well-drained to keep both plants happy.
Artemisia: Its silvery, filigreed foliage lights up the garden and pairs wonderfully with every peony color. It’s a great neutral that ties different elements together.

Late Season Stars

These plants take over the spotlight after peonies have finished their spring performance.

Phlox (Garden Phlox): Comes into its own in mid to late summer with fragrant, clustered flowers. It helps maintain color and interest in the border long after peonies are done.
Asters: Provide a crucial late-season nectar source for butterflies. Their daisy-like flowers in blues, pinks, and purples create a vibrant autumn display.
Sedum (Stonecrop): ‘Autumn Joy’ is a classic. Its succulent foliage looks good all summer, then develops rosy flower heads in fall that attract bees.

Practical Partners for Plant Health

Some companions offer direct benefits beyond beauty.

Spring Bulbs (Daffodils, Tulips): They bloom before peonies emerge, making use of the space. Their dying foliage is hidden by the growing peony shoots.
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis): Its scalloped leaves catch water droplets beautifully. It fills space quickly and its chartreuse flowers are a lovely foil.
Geranium (Hardy Cranesbill): Many varieties form tidy mounds that suppress weeds. They offer a long season of bloom and often have attractive fall foliage color.

How to Plant Your Peony Companions

Follow these steps for a successful planting. It’s easier than you think.

Timing is Everything: Plant in early fall or spring. This gives plants time to establish roots before summer heat or winter cold.
Respect the Crown: Never pile soil or plant directly on top of the peony’s crown (the fleshy root where eyes are). This can cause rot. Keep a clear space of about 6-12 inches around the base.
Consider Mature Size: Check the final spread of your companion plant. Place it so it won’t smother the peony when both are full grown. Taller plants go behind, shorter in front.
Plant Properly: Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s root ball. Place it at the same depth it was growing in its pot. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch Mindfully: Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the area to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Again, keep it away from direct contact with peony stems.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

A few wrong choices can cause problems. Steer clear of these.

Avoid Aggressive Spreaders: Some mints or gooseneck loosestrife can quickly overtake your peony, competing fiercely for nutrients and water.
Skip the Thirsty Neighbors: Plants that need constant watering (like some ferns) can create soggy soil conditions that lead to peony root rot.
Don’t Create Shade: Avoid planting fast-growing shrubs or tall grasses that will eventually shade out your sun-loving peony.
Watch the Nutrients: Heavy feeders, like some roses, might compete to much with your peonies if planted to close together.

Designing for Continuous Color

Think about the entire growing season, not just spring. Here’s a simple plan for a peony bed.

Early Spring: Daffodils and tulips bloom at the peony’s feet.
Late Spring: Peonies and Iris take center stage, with Nepeta and Salvia beginning.
Early Summer: Peony flowers fade, but Salvia, Nepeta, and Hardy Geraniums are in full swing.
Mid to Late Summer: Phlox and Sedum carry the color forward.
Fall: Asters and Sedum provide the final act, with Heuchera foliage still looking sharp.

This layered approach means something is always happening in your garden. You’ll never have a boring gap.

Caring for Your Plant Community

A little maintenance keeps the whole group thriving. It’s a team effort.

Watering: Water deeply at the base during dry spells. Soaker hoses are ideal. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues on peony leaves.
Staking: Use grow-through peony rings early in spring. Some companions, like catmint, can also help support floppy peony stems.
Deadheading: Remove spent peony blooms to keep things tidy. Deadhead other companions as needed to encourage more flowers.
Fall Cleanup: After frost, cut down peony foliage and remove it from the garden to prevent disease. Many companions, like sedum, can be left for winter interest.

FAQ: Your Peony Companion Questions Answered

Can I plant roses with peonies?
Yes, they can be good partners if both get full sun and excellent air circulation. Choose disease-resistant rose varieties and give each plant ample space to avoid competition.

What are good peony companion plants for shade?
For peonies in light shade, focus on foliage. Hostas, ferns (in moist soil), hellebores, and pulmonaria are excellent choices. They thrive in similar light conditions.

Should I fertilize the companion plants differently?
A general, balanced fertilizer applied in early spring as growth begins works for most peony companions. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers right against peony crowns, as this can encourage weak stems.

Can I use annuals as companions?
Absolutely! Annuals like cosmos, cleome, or snapdragons add quick, seasonal color. They’re perfect for filling a new garden while perennials mature.

How close is to close for planting?

A good rule is to plant companions at least 12-18 inches from the center of the peony clump. This ensures good air flow and prevents root competition as they grow.

Choosing the right plants to grow with your peonies makes all the difference. It turns a single flowering shrub into a dynamic garden scene. With these suggestions, you can create a beautiful, heathy, and long-lasting display that brings you joy from spring straight through to fall. Your garden will have the harmony and interest you’ve always wanted.