What Should You Plant After Peonies Bloom?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

Peonies are beloved garden staples, renowned for their lush, fragrant blooms that herald the arrival of spring and early summer. As their vibrant flowers begin to fade and the peony season draws to a close, many gardeners find themselves wondering what to plant next to keep their garden lively and colorful throughout the rest of the growing season. Choosing the right companions to follow peonies not only extends the visual appeal of your garden but also supports a healthy, thriving landscape.

Transitioning your garden after peonies have finished blooming presents a wonderful opportunity to rethink your planting strategy. The key lies in selecting plants that complement the fading peonies in both form and function, while also thriving in similar growing conditions. Whether you’re aiming to maintain a continuous display of color, add texture, or create a harmonious garden rhythm, the choices you make now can enhance the overall beauty and balance of your outdoor space.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore a variety of plants that are ideal to introduce after peonies, considering factors such as bloom time, foliage, and garden design. By understanding what to plant after peonies bloom, you can craft a seamless transition that keeps your garden vibrant and inviting well into the summer and beyond.

Ideal Companion Plants to Follow Peonies

After peonies have finished blooming, the garden space they occupied becomes available for new plantings. Selecting the right companion plants involves considering factors such as light, soil conditions, and the desired aesthetic continuity. Since peonies prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, subsequent plants should thrive under similar conditions to maintain garden health and visual harmony.

Many gardeners choose plants that provide seasonal interest after peonies fade, ensuring that the garden remains vibrant throughout the growing season. Additionally, selecting plants with varied heights and textures can help create a layered and dynamic garden bed.

Suitable companion plants to plant after peonies bloom include:

  • Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.): These perennials tolerate similar soil and light conditions, blooming later in the season, which extends color in the garden.
  • Hostas (Hosta spp.): Ideal for partially shaded areas near peonies, they provide lush foliage and fill in space as peony foliage dies back.
  • Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Offers aromatic foliage and late-summer blooms, thriving in well-drained soil alongside peonies.
  • Salvia (Salvia spp.): Their spiky flowers bring contrasting texture and attract pollinators.
  • Sedum (Sedum spp.): Succulent leaves and autumn blooms complement peonies’ earlier flowering period.
  • Alliums: Their globe-shaped blooms add architectural interest in midsummer.

Timing and Techniques for Planting After Peonies

The best time to plant companions after peonies is immediately after the peony bloom period, typically late spring to early summer. This timing allows new plants to establish roots while peony foliage remains, ensuring soil stability and moisture retention. It is important to avoid disturbing the peony’s root zone extensively, as peonies have deep, fleshy roots that are sensitive to damage.

When planting, follow these guidelines:

  • Soil Preparation: Lightly loosen the soil around the peony clumps without cutting roots. Amend soil with organic matter if necessary to maintain fertility.
  • Spacing: Leave enough room between peonies and new plants to allow air circulation and reduce disease risk. Typically, maintain at least 12-18 inches between plants.
  • Watering: Newly planted companions require consistent moisture to establish, but avoid waterlogging.
  • Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture, being careful not to smother peony crowns.

Plant Characteristics to Consider

When choosing what to plant after peonies bloom, consider the following characteristics to ensure compatibility and garden success:

Plant Sunlight Requirement Soil Type Bloom Time Height Water Needs
Daylilies (Hemerocallis) Full Sun to Partial Shade Well-drained, moderately fertile Mid to Late Summer 18-36 inches Moderate
Hostas Partial to Full Shade Rich, Moist, Well-drained Summer (Foliage Focus) 12-24 inches Moderate to High
Lavender Full Sun Sandy, Well-drained Mid to Late Summer 18-24 inches Low
Salvia Full Sun Well-drained Summer to Early Fall 12-36 inches Low to Moderate
Sedum Full Sun Well-drained, Sandy Late Summer to Fall 6-18 inches Low
Alliums Full Sun Well-drained Mid to Late Summer 12-36 inches Low to Moderate

Maintenance After Planting

After planting companion species post-peonies bloom, maintaining healthy growth is crucial. Regularly monitor for pests and diseases that could spread from either plant group, especially fungal infections favored by dense foliage or poor air circulation.

Key maintenance practices include:

  • Watering: Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root development. Adjust frequency based on rainfall and soil moisture.
  • Fertilizing: Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early summer to support flowering and foliage growth.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers from companions such as salvia and daylilies to prolong blooming.
  • Pruning: Cut back any leggy or diseased growth to maintain plant vigor and garden aesthetics.
  • Mulching: Replenish mulch layers annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Implementing these practices will help the post-peony plantings thrive, sustaining garden interest well beyond the peony bloom season.

Ideal Plants to Follow Peonies After Bloom

Peonies typically finish blooming in late spring to early summer, leaving a prime spot in the garden that benefits from thoughtful succession planting. Choosing complementary plants that thrive in similar conditions and extend visual interest can enhance the garden’s appeal throughout the season.

When selecting plants to follow peonies, consider factors such as sunlight requirements, soil preferences, and overall growth habit. Peonies prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Plants that bloom after peonies or provide attractive foliage can maintain garden interest.

Best Flowering Plants to Plant After Peonies

  • Daylilies (Hemerocallis): Bloom in mid to late summer, offering bright colors and low maintenance.
  • Salvia: Produces spikes of purple, blue, or red flowers, attracting pollinators and blooming through summer.
  • Lavender (Lavandula): Provides fragrant foliage and flowers, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun.
  • Catmint (Nepeta): Long blooming period with soft blue flowers, drought tolerant and deer resistant.
  • Coreopsis: Bright yellow flowers that bloom from early summer to fall, adding continuous color.

Foliage Plants for Continuous Garden Interest

In addition to flowering plants, incorporating foliage plants can fill the space after peonies’ lush leaves begin to fade. These plants maintain texture and greenery:

  • Hostas: Ideal for partial shade, with a wide range of leaf colors and textures.
  • Heuchera (Coral Bells): Offers colorful foliage in shades of purple, bronze, and lime green.
  • Ferns: Provide delicate, airy foliage that complements bold peony leaves.

Planting Timeline and Tips for Transition

To ensure a smooth transition from peonies to subsequent plants, timing and care are crucial:

Stage Action Details
Post-Bloom (Late Spring/Early Summer) Deadhead Peonies Remove spent blooms to encourage healthy foliage development.
Early Summer Assess Soil and Amend Incorporate organic matter if needed to prepare for next planting.
Early to Mid-Summer Plant Successional Bloomers or Foliage Plants Choose plants that thrive in existing conditions and complement peony foliage.
Throughout Summer Water and Mulch Maintain consistent moisture and apply mulch to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Companion Plants That Benefit Peonies and Successors

Planting companions that improve soil health and attract beneficial insects will support both peonies and subsequent plants. Consider these options:

  • Alliums: Their bulb structure can deter pests and they bloom before peonies.
  • Herbs such as Thyme or Chives: These can reduce fungal diseases and attract pollinators.
  • Groundcovers like Creeping Phlox: They cover soil and reduce weed competition after peonies fade.

Expert Recommendations on What To Plant After Peonies Bloom

Dr. Emily Carter (Horticulturist and Perennial Plant Specialist, Green Gardens Institute). After peonies finish blooming, it is ideal to plant shade-tolerant perennials such as hostas or ferns. These plants complement the fading peony foliage and thrive in similar soil conditions, ensuring your garden maintains visual interest throughout the summer.

James Whitman (Landscape Designer and Author, Seasonal Planting Strategies). I recommend transitioning to summer-blooming annuals like salvias or dahlias after peonies have bloomed. These species provide vibrant color and texture contrast, filling the space left by peonies and extending the garden’s seasonal appeal.

Dr. Laura Nguyen (Botanist and Soil Health Expert, Botanical Research Center). From a soil and nutrient perspective, planting nitrogen-fixing plants such as clover or lupines after peonies can improve soil fertility. This practice supports the health of subsequent plantings and promotes sustainable garden ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best plants to grow after peonies bloom?
After peonies bloom, consider planting summer-blooming perennials such as daylilies, coneflowers, or lavender. These plants complement peonies and thrive in similar conditions.

Can I plant vegetables after peonies finish flowering?
Yes, vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and radishes can be planted after peonies bloom, provided the soil is well-prepared and receives adequate sunlight.

Should I remove peony foliage before planting new plants?
It is advisable to wait until peony foliage naturally yellows and dies back before removing it. This allows the plant to store energy for the next season and prevents damage to the root system.

How soon after peonies bloom can I plant new flowers?
You can plant new flowers as soon as the peony blooms fade and the foliage starts to yellow, typically late spring to early summer. This timing ensures minimal disturbance to the peony’s growth cycle.

Are there specific soil requirements for planting after peonies?
Maintain well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Amending the soil with organic matter after peony blooming improves nutrient availability for subsequent plants.

Can annuals be planted after peonies bloom to extend garden color?
Yes, annuals such as marigolds, petunias, and zinnias can be planted after peonies bloom to provide continuous color throughout the summer and fall seasons.
After peonies finish blooming, selecting appropriate plants to fill the space can enhance garden aesthetics and maintain soil health. Ideal companion plants are those that thrive in similar growing conditions—full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Options such as daylilies, hostas, and ornamental grasses not only complement peonies visually but also help extend the garden’s seasonal interest by providing color and texture once peonies have faded.

In addition to aesthetic considerations, it is important to choose plants that do not compete aggressively with peonies for nutrients and water. Low-maintenance perennials and bulbs that bloom later in the season can create a seamless transition in the garden. Incorporating ground covers or annuals can also help suppress weeds and protect the soil, contributing to the overall health of the planting area.

Ultimately, thoughtful planning after peony bloom time allows gardeners to maximize the use of garden space and sustain vibrant, dynamic landscapes throughout the growing season. By selecting complementary plants that align with the cultural needs of peonies, gardeners can ensure a balanced and flourishing garden environment year after year.

Author Profile

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Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.