Peonies, with their lush, voluminous blooms and often fragrant presence, are long-lived perennial anchors in the garden. From a botanical and horticultural perspective, choosing the right companions for these plants involves understanding the peony's specific growth habits, environmental needs, and seasonal lifecycle to create a harmonious and thriving plant community.
Peonies possess a dense, shrub-like form with a rounded mound of deep green foliage that remains attractive for much of the growing season before dying back in autumn. Ideal companion plants are those that complement rather than compete with this form. Tall, spiky or airy plants provide a stunning textural contrast. For instance, Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) offers wispy, lavender-blue spikes that seem to float above the peony's rounded form. Similarly, Veronica (Speedwell) cultivars send up elegant spires of blue, pink, or white, creating a beautiful vertical element. These plants occupy different spatial layers, ensuring each has access to light and air circulation.
The goal is to extend the visual interest of the garden before, during, and after the peony's spectacular but relatively brief bloom period in late spring to early summer. Early spring bulbs are perfect precursors. Species Tulips (Tulipa spp.), Daffodils (Narcissus spp.), and Grape Hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) emerge and flower before the peony's foliage is fully developed, then gracefully recede as the peony takes center stage. For a display that coincides with peony blooms, Irises (Iris germanica or Iris sibirica) are classic partners, sharing similar cultural needs and offering contrasting flower shapes.
Perhaps the most critical factor for a successful partnership is a shared preference for growing conditions. Peonies thrive in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and require well-drained, fertile soil to prevent their roots from rotting. They are not drought-tolerant but also dislike soggy conditions. Companions must share these needs. Catmint (Nepeta spp.) is an excellent choice, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil while producing a long-lasting cascade of purple flowers that hide the peony's lower stems. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa etc.) and Coreopsis are other sun-loving, well-drained soil companions that provide color after peonies fade.
After blooming, the peony's foliage serves as a green backdrop for other plants. Companions with different leaf shapes and colors can enhance this effect. The fine, delicate fronds of Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) catch dewdrops and contrast beautifully with the peony's broader leaves. Low-growing, shade-tolerant ground covers are also valuable, as they help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and cover the bare "legs" of taller peony bushes. Lamium (Lamium maculatum) and Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) are superb for this purpose, forming a living mulch that thrives in the dappled shade cast by the peony's canopy.
