So, you love peonies but are tired of waiting for them to bloom each year, or maybe you’re just looking for something new to mix things up in your garden? Don’t worry, I’ve been there!
Peonies are gorgeous, but there are plenty of fabulous alternatives that are just as stunning and a little less high-maintenance.
Whether you’re craving more color, longer-lasting blooms, or a touch of something new, there’s a plant out there that will fill that peony-shaped hole in your heart.
In that case, here are the best peony alternatives that will keep your garden looking fresh and fabulous all season long!
1. Tree Peony Offers Peony’s Beauty With More Drama
If you’re looking for a peony-like flower with a little more drama, the tree peony is your perfect match. With large, ruffled blooms and a bushy form, it’s a showstopper in any garden.
Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil, and it will reward you with stunning flowers that come in vibrant hues of pink, red, and white.
2. Coral Bells Bring Peony-Like Charm To The Shade
Coral Bells (Heuchera) offer a similar full-bodied bloom to peonies but with a more compact habit.
Known for their foliage, they also produce beautiful, delicate flowers in shades of pink and coral. They thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for those tricky spots in your garden.
3. Camellia Mimics Peonies With Its Elegant Blooms
Camellias boast large, peony-like flowers with a gorgeous, silky texture that make them a showstopper in your garden.
These evergreen shrubs love partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil. Their blooms come in a variety of shades, from creamy whites to deep pinks, making them a versatile alternative.
4. Dahlias Deliver Peony-Like Petals In Bold Colors
If you want something with peony-like petals but with a more modern flair, dahlias are the way to go.
These flowers come in almost every color imaginable, from soft pastels to bold, vibrant hues. They require full sun and well-drained soil, and the more you deadhead them, the more blooms you’ll get throughout the summer.
5. Plumeria Is A Tropical Take On Peony-Like Flowers
With a form and texture similar to peonies, plumerias are tropical beauties that bring a sense of paradise to your garden.
Their fragrant flowers bloom in various colors, often white or pink with yellow centers. Thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, they’re ideal for warm climates and can be grown in containers in cooler regions.
6. Ranunculus Gives You Peony’s Delicate Look And More
Ranunculus flowers offer that same delicate, multi-layered look as peonies, with slightly more dramatic color ranges.
They come in bold shades of red, yellow, and pink, making them perfect for adding brightness to any garden. Plant ranunculus bulbs in soil that drains well and provide full sun for the best results.
7. Foxglove Brings Peony-Like Blooms With Extra Height
These plants have long, elegant flowers that bloom on tall spikes, similar to the structure of peonies, but they last much longer.
They bloom in bell-shaped flowers that range from white to purple, making them an eye-catching alternative. Grow foxgloves in a place with some shade and soil that is moist and well-draining.
8. Double-Flowering Cherry Matches Peonies’ Soft Blooms
For a flowering tree that mimics the full, fluffy blooms of a peony, the double-flowering cherry tree is a must-have.
With large, soft blooms in shades of pink and white, this tree offers a similar appearance to peonies but with the added bonus of a tree form. Plant it in full sun for the best flowering results.
9. Anemones Provide A Peony-Inspired Touch In Smaller Form
If you’re looking for a more delicate and whimsical version of the peony, try planting anemones.
These flowers have a similar soft, multi-layered appearance but are smaller in size, making them perfect for filling out your garden’s borders. They thrive in a place with some shade and add a gentle pop of color to it.
10. Streptocarpus Mimics Peonies With Grace And Elegance
Streptocarpus, also known as Cape Primrose, has soft, ruffled blooms resembling peonies but with a more refined and elegant touch.
These indoor plants do best in bright, indirect light and produce stunning flowers in hues of pink, blue, and purple. They’re perfect for adding peony-like elegance to your home.
11. Begonias Offer Peony-Like Beauty In Blushing Shades
These plants come in a variety of types, but the tuberous begonias are the real peony look-alikes.
With large, soft blooms in shades of pink, red, and white, begonias are perfect for containers and hanging baskets. They thrive in partial shade and require well-drained, moist soil for the best blooms.
12. Poppies Capture Peony’s Essence With A Light, Airy Touch
Poppies may not have the same rounded fullness as peonies, but their delicate, fluttering petals and bright colors make them a fantastic alternative.
Their airy blooms come in reds, oranges, and purples, and they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant poppies in your garden and watch them sway with the breeze – just like peonies!
If you love peonies but want something new, these alternatives are just as beautiful and perfect for any garden. Plant them now and enjoy a wonderful flower display later on!