🌸 Peony
Paeonia lactiflora
ornamentals
herbaceous perennial
Paeoniaceae
☀️ Sun
full sun
💧 Water
moderate
🗺️ Zones
3-8
🧪 Soil pH
6.5-7.0
🪴 Soil Type
rich loam
🚿 Drainage
well-drained
📏 Spacing
24-36 in
📐 Height
2-4 ft
⏱️ Maturity
2-3 years
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (5)
Ornamental onions repel pests from peonies. Purple globes contrast with peony blooms.
Climbing clematis through peony supports creates vertical interest after peonies fade.
Complementary bloom sequence , iris early, peony late spring. Similar culture.
Both long-lived, low-maintenance spring bloomers from cottage garden tradition.
Staggered bloom times extend garden interest. Both are classic cottage garden plants.
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
⚠️ Aggressive spreaders
Mint, bamboo , will overrun peony's root zone over time.
⚠️ Large trees
Peonies resent root competition and need full sun. Don't plant under mature trees.
⚠️ Vining ground covers
Can smother peony crowns, causing rot.
📝 Growing Notes
Plant shallow , eyes 1-2 inches below soil. Ants on buds are harmless (eat nectar). Support heavy blooms. Can live 50+ years. Divide rarely.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
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