Flowers that look like peonies are the best thing to use because, as we know, peony season is in early fall in October till mid-winter in December. This timeframe is not just short but cruel, and it can certainly limit the use of this beautiful flower.
But fortunately, there is a way out! We have found some of the best flowers that look just like peonies so that you can use their beautiful blooms all year round.
Contents
List of Flowers That Look Like Peonies
1. Eden Rose
Eden Rose is a climbing garden rose that resembles peonies with full, rich blossoms having fifty-five to sixty petals with a light to medium tart perfume.
– Features
Older varieties have carmine-pink flowers with cream or ivory petals around the outside, whereas younger types have white and pale pink blooms.
The perennial Eden Rose blooms continuously from late spring to late summer and is heat tolerant, unlike the peony flower.
– Care
Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade. It should be emphasized that the full sun promotes the best flowering and disease resistance. Add summer mulch to maintain moisture and provide proper air circulation to promote development and prevent illnesses!
2. Hydrangeas
The Hydrangea is a genus comprising more than 75 different flowering plant species, most of which grow as shrubs, lianas, and a few small trees climbing into trees, up to almost 100 feet tall.
– Characteristics
From early spring until late autumn, Hortensia produces enormous globes of small flowers, which makes it a convenient substitute for peonies.
If one is not very pretentious, some Hortensias could substitute for peonies even though there are no blue, violet, purple, or green peonies, and there is a significant botanic difference between the flower structures of the two plants. However, the pink and the white ones do look like peonies, especially if they are clustered together in a bouquet.
– Care
Keep hydrangeas regularly watered during summer heat waves, since they thrive in moist soil and have the propensity to wilt in hot temperatures. To keep hydrangeas vibrant in their color, you must irrigate them using rainwater. Use leaf mold, compost, or well-rotted manure to mulch hydrangeas every spring as they are organic and will thrive with these nutrients.
Furthermore, in a dappled shade that is neither very sunny nor overly dark, wet, well-drained soil is excellent for hydrangeas. On the other hand, avoid sites that face south, especially if the soil is quite dry.
The climbing hydrangea is best suited for an extremely shady location, like a north-facing wall. Avoid planting in a frost pocket and grow away from strong winds in the spring since the tender new growth is vulnerable to frost damage.
– Planting Season
Hydrangeas grow best in the spring or fall when the soil is warm and moist. While it is possible to plant in the summer, you must monitor the soil’s moisture content.
3. Carnations
Dianthus cariophyllus, often known as Clove Pink, is a carnation. They are also often referred to as flowers that look like roses. They are one of the flowers that look so much like peonies especially with their clustered petals.
– Origins
The Greek word “dianthus,” which means “divine flower,” and the Latin word “carnation,” which means “crown,” are the origins of the names.
The origin of this regal flower, the carnation, has been lost due to its extensive cultivation over the past two thousand years. Still, some botanists believe it may be a native of the Mediterranean region.
– Peony Commonalities
Returning to our peonies, the Chabaud Carnation species is the one that most closely resembles them, and its variants include the White Jean Dionis Carnation, Pale Pink La France Carnation, White Benigna Carnation, Mid to Dark Pink Aurora Carnation, and Orange Sherbet Carnation (cozy, intense coral).
All of the mentioned ones look so much like the peonies with the way that their petals are arranged one next to the other and with the vast numbers of the petals. In addition, the texture is similar as well, and the light colors would make them resemble.
Double Bubble Carnation and Rosy Cheeks Carnation are dwarf-flowered tiny Carnations resembling Peonies.
– Care
Carnations are known for being one of the easier flower varieties to maintain. Their care is simple, and clipped stems can last for several weeks.
Remember when you are planting these beauties, they need dour to six hours of direct sunlight every day in order to grow very happily and bloom.
In addition, you may want to water them two to three times every week. However, a symptom of overwatering will be if the petals or foliage start to turn yellow and fade from their color.
Don’t forget that you must remove any dead leaves or blossoms to encourage re-blooming. Note that Mulching should be avoided since it interferes with adequate air circulation.
Pests typically don’t concern carnations, therefore, you shouldn’t worry about insecticides as they are not necessary. However, to avoid mildew, fungus, and mold, provide adequate circulation between plants. Note that as it grows or the tall carnation kinds could require support to hold up the stem as the plant develops.
4. Julia Child Rose
Another variety of garden roses, the Julia Child Rose, is no exception in beauty and elegance. It looks almost identical to the peony rose. The beautiful blossoms and licorice-like aroma of the Julia Child rose are well-known. This rose type is smaller and frequently cultivated in containers. Soft golden petals cover the three-inch double blooms’ thick clusters.
– Light
The Julia Child rose prefers a lot of sunlight and does best with 6 to 8 hours of exposure per day. The optimum sunlight occurs early in the day since it allows the plant to dry out before the plant becomes wet, which can lead to disease or fungus.
– Water
These roses will remain strong and in bloom with plenty of water. However, you must deeply water the plants, but you must also make sure that the soil drains effectively to prevent the roses from sitting in water, because this might harm it in the long run.
Once the earth starts to dry, re-water it. The water that this rose requires may be as low as once a week, depending on your location and temperature.
– Soil
Note that for healthy roses, well-draining soil is essential. This beautiful rose prefers wet soil, never drenched in water. It can survive various soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy environments, and favors a slightly acidic soil pH.
5. Persian Buttercup
The Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus), another beloved flower with a peony-like appearance, is notable not only for its resemblance to our current “star” but also for other characteristics.
– Characteristics
Persian Buttercup does best in sunny, albeit not particularly warm, areas during the cooler months especially in mid-winters and long, chilly springs.
The adored Persian Buttercup flower is made up of numerous sheets of soft crepe that are as thin as paper and come in a variety of hues white, red, orange, yellow, and pink. The reason why it looks like peonies is because of the clusters of the soft petals that are numerous and make it look like a bulb.
– Light
For maximum growth and blooming, Persian buttercups require a planting location that receives full sun, which is at least six hours of sunlight on most days.
– Water
Before planting, the bulbs don’t need to be soaked in water to promote growth. However, if you decide to soak, wait to soak for too long; one to four hours should be sufficient to prevent mold growth.
Remember that if you wish to prevent rot, water the bulbs well while planting them and stop as change starts to show, as it will help the roots. Water sparingly when the soil begins to dry out, since once the plants are established, they like a moderately moist soil environment.
– Soil
Persian Buttercup plants want sandy or loamy soil with a very good drainage and a slightly acidic pH to enhance their growth. Note that if your soil is heavy, you can always add compost or plant in raised garden beds to manage the soil’s composition.
6. Camellia Japonica
The Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica), one of many popular plants with spectacular blossoms, is a favorite peony alternative, especially the pink shades of this flowers.
– Characteristics
This small, long-lived shrub, the state flower of Alabama, has glossy, dark-green leaves. The lovely flower clusters typically start to bloom in late winter and last into April. They come in many shades and attract a wide variety of pollinators to your yard.
– Light
Japanese camellias produce the nicest blooms in areas with little shadow. They can survive in the sun’s full rays, but frequently require cover from the afternoon sun’s glare.
– Water
For healthy, prolific blooms, Japanese camellias require continuous rainfall, of course not to the point of saturation. A root mulch can be used to keep moisture in the soil.
– Soil
These bushes are particular about their soil needs. The ideal soil is well-drained, nutrient-rich, wet, and somewhat acidic. If your shrub’s leaves are becoming yellow, the ground may be a little too sour.
Note that the ideal pH ranges are 6 to 6.5. Even though they enjoy moisture, it must be constant; therefore, stay away from wet soils.
7. Double Tulips
The distinctive tulips known as “Double Tulips” have multiple layers of petals, giving them a peony-like look.
– Features
These fluffy puffball tulips come in various hues, including soft pinks, deep purples, and bright orange tones. While some cultivars of the Double Tulip bloom early in the spring, others bloom later. Even some double Tulips have fringes.
– Care
Growing double tulips is no more challenging than increasing classic single-petal tulip types. These types are somewhat resistant to springtime winds and rainfall thanks to the stocky stems, although the fluffy blooms catch quite a bit of wind and water in springtime storms.
– Light
Double tulips need at least five to eight hours of direct sunlight, so they can thrive when they are placed under the sun with no shades. However, you can give them a slight shade after time has gone by.
– Water
Tulip plant care is about keeping things as simple as possible. If you’re not on their case 24/7 after planting them during the fall, you’re doing them a favor. Tulips require very little water; if left in standing water, they will quickly rot or start to grow fungus.
– Soil
Look for well-drained soil if you want double tulips. If ponded water remains on top of the earth for an extended period, tulip bulbs may not blossom and will not grow in the soil.
Regarding acidity of the ground, tulips thrive on soil with a pH of 7, meaning neutral soil. A top-dressing of one inch of organic compost helps enhance nutrient-deficient soil.
8. Marigold
Marigolds (Tagetes) are herbaceous plants in the sunflower family. Some cultivated types of marigolds are scentless and known as flowers similar to dahlias.
– Commonalities
Marigold blooms are made up of disk florets and ray florets and come in various hues, including golden, orange, and yellow, as well as varied white and maroon tones.
The plant most closely resembles peonies is Tagetes erecta, variation, commonly known as African, American, or Mexican Marigold. It is the tallest and most upright of the marigold species. French marigolds or Tagetes patula are bushier, more compact, and smaller than Tagetes erecta blooms.
– Care
Once planted, marigolds require very little upkeep and are particularly pest-free. They are occasionally grown to ward off pests that damage other plants. Marigolds can bloom practically continuously and grow all summer until the first frost.
– Light
Plant your marigolds in full light for the greatest blooms and healthiest plants. The plants will become lanky and produce fewer flowers in shady environments.
– Water
Make sure your marigold seeds or seedlings receive consistent water when you plant them. Keep them out of dry soil for no more than a few days. Water new plants every day if the weather is especially hot and sunny. They will become more resistant to drought once they have developed strong root systems, but weekly watering is still necessary for them to bloom at their best.
– Soil
Marigolds don’t make a fuss. As long as the soil has medium acidity, any excellent garden soil (along with a little water during dry spells) should keep its content. Maintain a neutral pH range for the soil, between 6.0 and 7.0. Additionally, they don’t require highly organic matter-rich soil and seem to thrive in leaner soil.
9. Dahlia
A bushy tuberous flower with many different forms, dahlias are linked to sunflowers, chrysanthemums, zinnias, and daisies.
– Commonalities
In contrast to peony, which only has one bloom, dahlias have composite flower heads, which include surrounding ray florets and a central disk floret.
Despite the botanic distinctions, several Dahlia classifications are extremely similar to peonies. The Peony-Flowered Dahlias, particularly the garden variety Bishop of Llandaff, are the Dahlias most closely resembling peonies. Anemone-Flowered Dahlias, a mixture of dense, elongated florets that resemble peonies, are the next most similar to peonies.
Beautiful dahlias are rather simple to grow. Dahlias can be started indoors in the early spring and then planted outside once the risk of frost has gone because they are produced from tubers rather than bulbs.
Alternatively, you might wait until the earth has warmed up in the spring before planting the tubers outside. Depending on the cultivar, plant tubers are two to six inches deep.
– Light
You must place your beautiful Dahlias in direct sun as they need full sun, preferably six to eight hours daily, to blossom profusely. This plant will benefit from shade during the day when the sun is particularly scorching.
– Water
Dahlia tubers should be planted in the spring, then left to grow naturally until sprouting occurs. On the other hand, the tubers should be watered once green growth is seen above the surface. Before the development of their root system, they won’t require water.
You should water more often and ensure the soil is never allowed to dry out during hot summer days.
– Soil
Dahlias prefer loamy, rich soil with lots of organic content and are well-draining. Add some compost to your soil to check if it’s rich enough. In addition, if the soil in your garden tends to be clayey, add some sand, peat moss, or manure to soften the texture and improve drainage. The pH of 6.5 or above is considered neutral for dahlia growth.
10. Lisianthus
Only two or three species make up the tiny genus Lisianthus or also known as Eustoma, which is difficult to grow and keep healthy.
– Commonalities
Lisianthus is also widely used as flowers like petunias and peonies. Early June is when the flowers are at their best blooms, although some might continue to bloom the whole summer.
It is a stunning tall bloom with various hues, including blue, white, purple, pink, and even two colors which are carmine-red and yellow.
Texas Bluebell and Prairie Gentian are two plants that resemble peonies; the good news is that Lisianthus has a two to three-week vase life.
Growing Lisianthus is challenging. This plant has a reputation for being picky. The valued flower stalks loved by flower arranging amateurs must be developed in ideal soil, with careful watering, precise feeding, and frequent staking.
– Light
Your Lisianthus needs six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day, so plant it in a location with full sun.
The plants will benefit from some afternoon shade if you reside in a region with extremely hot summers, but don’t stress yourself too much about it. Your beautiful flowers will have stronger leaves and blossoms if it receives more regular sunlight.
– Water
Never let your lisianthus plants get too wet; keep them moist. Your plant may become infected with fungus or other types of pests if you overwater it, and the latter would damage the plant in different ways.
However, you must note that if you have the time to build one, a drip irrigation system is great for providing your plants with water at their roots, where they need it.
While the soil of the plants should be allowed to dry out between watering, the actual plants should be kept from drying out completely. Nonetheless, as you are growing Lisianthus might make it difficult to get the timing of the irrigation right. For Lisianthus, a weekly average of one inch of rain or irrigation is considered excellent.
– Soil
Plant them in soil that drains properly. Containers and raised beds both work well. Lisianthus needs organically rich soil like that found in compost, manure, or leaf mold. Root rot can result from saturated soil. Thus, it must drain well and not remain soggy.
Lisianthus blooms cannot withstand a soil pH that is too acidic. Alkaline soil is also not a favorite. To avoid leaf yellowing and weakened growth in your Lisianthus plants, keep the soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0, which is somewhere very slightly acidic and neutral.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! Some of the best alternatives to peonies can be found right on this list. Now, you will no longer have to wait for seasonal peonies; instead, use them all year to use them.
Keep in mind:
- Lisianthus is not easy to grow and is better in the hands of an experienced gardener looking for a challenge.
- Carnations, Double Tulips, and Dahlias are the best beginner-friendly varieties to grow instead of peonies.
- Hydrangeas are an amazing peony alternative because of their beautiful and vibrant color range, the most resembling ones are the pink and white ones.
All these gorgeous flowers look so much like the peonies and some even have common properties, as you follow them your peony-lookalikes will thrive and bloom.
So, are you ready to get your hand on flowers that look like peonies but with fewer seasonal limits? Well, with this list, you can as you now you know all about their key requirements as well.
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