What to Plant with Peonies (Beautiful Companion Plants for a Cottage Garden)
Peonies are one of those flowers that feel like the heart of a garden in spring.
Big, romantic blooms… soft fragrance… and that moment when they finally open that makes you stop whatever you’re doing just to admire them.
But here’s the part many gardeners don’t think about until later…
Once those blooms fade, peonies quietly step back.
And if nothing is planted around them, you’re left with a bit of a gap.
That’s where companion planting comes in—not just for looks, but for creating a garden that feels full, layered, and beautiful all season long.
Let me share some of my favorite companion plants for peonies, especially if you love that soft, overflowing cottage garden style.
Related: How to Plant Peonies for Loads of Blooms!
Why Companion Planting Matters with Peonies
Peonies have a fairly short bloom time, but their foliage sticks around all season.
So the goal is to:
- Keep the garden looking full after bloom
- Add contrast in shape and texture
- Support pollinators
- Create that natural, layered look we all love
Think of peonies as your spring showstopper… and everything else as the supporting cast.
My Favorite Peony Companion Plants
1. Catmint (Nepeta)
If I had to choose just one companion for peonies, this would be it.
Catmint brings:
- Soft, airy lavender-blue blooms
- A long bloom season
- A relaxed, flowing shape
It spills gently around the base of peonies and helps hide fading foliage later in the season.
And it’s incredibly low maintenance.
2. Salvia
Salvia adds that vertical contrast peonies really need.
You get:
- Upright flower spikes
- Bold color (purples, blues, even reds)
- Excellent pollinator activity
While peonies are soft and rounded, salvia brings structure—and that balance makes the whole bed feel intentional.
There are several varieties of salvia, some bloom earlier in the season and others bloom longer.
Salvias: The Heart of the Low-Maintenance Garden
3. Foxgloves
If you love a true cottage garden feel, foxgloves are magic with peonies.
They bloom around the same time and add:
- Height
- Soft pastel tones
- That storybook charm
They look especially beautiful tucked just behind peonies.
I have recently learned that foxgloves are considered somewhat invasive in my area. Please do your research before planting.
How to Grow Foxgloves
4. Roses
Peonies and roses together… it just doesn’t get better than that.
They don’t bloom at exactly the same time in most gardens, which actually works in your favor.
As peonies fade, roses begin to take center stage.
This keeps your garden looking beautiful without a gap in blooms.
Related: Growing Roses Is Easy!
5. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
This is one of those quiet plants that makes everything look better.
It offers:
- Soft, scalloped leaves
- Light, frothy yellow-green blooms
- A gentle edging effect
It pairs beautifully with peonies and softens the plant’s base.
6. Alliums
Alliums bring in something completely different—and that’s why they work so well.
You get:
- Round, globe-shaped blooms
- Strong vertical stems
- A modern contrast in a cottage setting
They bloom right alongside peonies and add a bit of structure and surprise.
There are also perennial alliums that bloom later that are gorgeous as well. The ones I mentioned here are the bulb-grown alliums.
7. Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill)
These are not your typical annual geraniums.
Hardy geraniums are:
- Low-growing
- Long blooming
- Excellent fillers or groundcovers
They weave around peonies and help cover the soil, keeping everything looking lush.
There is a wide selection of hardy geraniums. I have found that the ones that grow from seed can become quite thuggish. If you want more low-maintenance selections, find ones that are considered sterile hybrids.
8. Lavender
Lavender is a lovely choice if your soil and climate allow.
It adds:
- Fragrance
- Silvery foliage
- A soft, romantic look
Just be mindful that lavender prefers drier conditions than peonies, so they should be nearby—not necessarily crowded together.
9. Columbine
Columbine brings a light, airy feel that pairs beautifully with peonies.
They bloom at a similar time and:
- Self-seed gently
- Add movement and softness
- Fill in spaces naturally
They’re perfect for a more relaxed, slightly wild cottage look.
10. Irises
Irises and peonies are classic companions.
They bloom around the same season and offer:
- Strong vertical lines
- Bold structure
- A striking contrast in flower form
Together, they create a very balanced and eye-catching display.
How to Grow Bearded
What to Avoid Planting with Peonies
Not everything makes a good neighbor.
Avoid:
- Plants that need constant dividing or disturbance
- Very aggressive spreaders that crowd roots
- Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients
- Deep shade plants (peonies need sun)
Peonies prefer to be left alone once established, so choose companions that respect that.
A Simple Planting Idea (Easy and Beautiful)
If you’re not sure where to start, try this simple combination:
- Peonies (main focal point)
- Catmint in front
- Salvia or foxglove behind
- A few alliums scattered through
This creates that layered, full look without feeling complicated.
Final Thoughts
Peonies may only bloom for a short time…
But with the right companions, your garden never feels like it’s missing something.
Instead, it shifts gently from one season to the next—each plant taking its turn, each one adding its own kind of beauty.
And truly, that’s what makes a garden feel alive.
Happy Cottage Garden Gardening with Peonies!
Hi, I’m Pamela
With 45 years of hands-on gardening experience, I love sharing practical tips, proven techniques, and inspiration drawn from my own gardens. My goal is to nurture your confidence, spark your passion, and help make every step of your gardening journey more enjoyable.
