Peony (Paeonia spp.)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for the best blooms, though they can tolerate light shade)

Bloom Time:

• Late spring to early summer, typically May to June, depending on the variety and region

Size:

Height: 2 to 4 feet tall, depending on the variety
Width: 2 to 3 feet wide

Attributes:

• Large, showy blooms in a variety of colors (pink, red, white, yellow)
• Fragrant flowers that are perfect for cut arrangements
• Long-lived perennials (can last decades with proper care)
• Bushy, attractive foliage throughout the growing season
• Deer-resistant once established
• Requires well-drained soil and a cold winter dormancy to thrive
• Low maintenance once established but benefits from periodic division
• Hardy in Zones 3–8

Companion:

• Salvia – a colorful companion with similar sun and water needs
• Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum) – both are sun-loving, early summer bloomers
• Coreopsis – another bright, daisy-like flower that blooms in summer
• Lupine – contrasting flowers with a vertical form
• Astilbe – adds texture and complements the late spring bloom time
• Hostas – perfect for the shaded base of peonies, with their bold foliage
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – adds late-season color contrast
• Catmint (Nepeta) – a fragrant, drought-tolerant companion
• Lavender (Lavandula) – provides a fragrant, ornamental companion for sunny spots
• Geranium (Geranium spp.) – ground cover that pairs well with peonies