The Best Companion Plants for Perennial Peonies: the Right Combinations
Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) are true stars of the garden – but they need the right companion plants to show them off to their best advantage. What plants go well with peonies? It is important that the neighbouring plants have similar requirements for position and soil. This article will tell you which plants will harmonise during the flowering season and which will add structure to the border after flowering. This will keep your garden looking good all year round!
Peonies: companion plants for the flowering season
Peonies flower from May to June. To make the most of their striking flowers, they can be combined with plants that flower at the same time:
Bearded Iris (Iris barbata)
The upright stems of the iris contrast beautifully with the lush peonies. Irises are easy perennials that can withstand drought.
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Ornamental Allium (Allium)
The striking, round flowers of the ornamental Allium create interesting highlights in the border and provide a lush display of flowers. After flowering, the wilting foliage of the Allium is covered by the leaves of the perennial peonies.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
The delicate flowers of Columbine dance around the peonies, creating a sense of lightness. Aquilegia is an uncomplicated perennial that is a self-sowing garden vagabond and requires no maintenance.
Cranesbill (Geraniums)
The early flowering varieties of Cranesbill are the perfect addition to this colourful display. After flowering, the attractive foliage of these perennials creates a beautiful border. The wide range of varieties means you can choose from many different colours.
Woodland Sage, Balkan Clary (Salvia nemorosa)
Plants to combine with peonies after blooming
After flowering, peonies need companion plants to give them structure and keep the border looking lively. These plants are particularly suitable:
Plantain lilies (Hosta)
The large leaves of the Hosta provide a lovely contrast to the delicate foliage of the peony. Hostas also have shallow roots so they do not compete with peonies for nutrients.
Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
The green flowers are discreet and contrast beautifully with the showy flowers of the peonies, even though the flowering periods of the perennials overlap only slightly. The leaves of the lady’s mantle form a dense carpet of foliage that suppresses weeds.
Lamb´s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
The Chinese artichoke is a good companion for peonies in a sunny spot. The silvery, hairy leaves contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage of the peonies, creating an elegant transition from the ground to the upright-growing peonies. Another benefit is the dense growth of the Chinese artichoke. The carpet of plants suppresses wild weeds and makes the border easy to maintain.
These companion plants will keep your peony border exciting all year round. Choose harmonious combinations that not only look good together but also have the same requirements. This will make your garden a real flower paradise! 🌸