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Planting Peonies: Beauty, Benefits & Companion Plants

Peonies are a beautiful addition to Bay Area gardens, offering stunning blooms, longevity, and incredible fragrance. Whether you’re looking to create a lush garden bed or grow fresh-cut flowers for bouquets, peonies are a rewarding choice. At SummerWinds Nursery, we currently have a beautiful selection of peonies available.

Discover why peonies belong in your garden and how to care for them!

What’s the Difference Between Itoh Peonies and Regular Peonies?

Peonies come in different types, including Itoh (intersectional) peonies and herbaceous (regular) peonies. Here’s how they compare:

• Itoh Peonies: A hybrid between herbaceous and tree peonies, Itoh peonies inherit the best traits of both. They have strong stems that don’t require staking, a long blooming season, and lush, disease-resistant foliage. Itoh peonies die back in winter like herbaceous peonies but produce larger and more abundant blooms.
• Herbaceous Peonies: These traditional garden peonies die back completely in winter and regrow in spring. They produce large, fragrant blooms but may require staking to support their heavy flowers. Both types are excellent for Bay Area gardens, offering stunning visual appeal and longevity!

Why Plant Peonies?

Peonies provide multiple benefits beyond their breathtaking flowers:

• Low Maintenance & Long Lifespan – Once established, peonies can live for decades with minimal care.
• Drought Tolerance – Peonies require less water once established, making them a great choice for Bay Area gardens.
• Pollinator-Friendly – These flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local pollinators.
• Fragrant & Stunning Blooms – Their large, ruffled blossoms add elegance and charm to any garden.
• Excellent for Cut Flowers – Peonies are among the best flowers for bouquets, offering long-lasting beauty indoors.

Soil & Watering Requirements

To ensure healthy peony growth, follow these soil and watering tips:

• Soil: Peonies thrive in well-draining, rich soil. Amend your soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient levels.
• pH Levels: A slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5-7) is ideal.
• Watering: Water deeply when first planting and during dry spells. Once established, peonies prefer moderate watering and can tolerate short drought periods.
• Sunlight: Full sun is best (at least 6 hours per day) to encourage strong blooms.

Companion Plants for Peonies

Pairing peonies with complementary plants enhances your garden’s aesthetic appeal. Consider these options:

Salvia

Adds vertical height and attracts pollinators.

Foxgloves

Provides a striking, tall backdrop.

Columbine

A delicate early bloomer that pairs beautifully with peonies.

Lamb’s Ear

Silvery foliage creates a stunning contrast against deep-colored peony petals.

Roses

Their classic beauty complements peonies' lush blooms.

Ranunculus

Adds texture and color variety.

Stock

A fragrant filler that blends well with peonies.

Lisianthus

Provides elegance and a long vase life.

Delphiniums

Adds height and a touch of blue for contrast.

Now is the perfect time to add peonies to your garden! Stop by SummerWinds Nursery to explore our selection. Our experts are available to help you choose the best plants and provide guidance on how to grow these timeless beauties in your Bay Area garden.