The 8 Best Plants to Plant With Peonies of 2026

The WillardMay Mixed Peony Jumbo Pack brings together six large Paeonia roots in a blend of white, pink, and red. This set is designed for gardening enthusiasts who want to create a vibrant, fragrant display with minimal fuss. Peonies are beloved perennials that can grace a garden for decades, and this pack aims to give you a head start with sizable roots that are ready to plant.

One of the standout features is the fragrance: these peonies produce large, lush blooms that fill the air with a classic floral scent. They are excellent as cut flowers, holding up well in vases without needing a florist. Additionally, the flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local pollinators. The pack also boasts deer and rabbit resistance, a real plus for those dealing with garden pests.

Real-world performance has been mixed, as reflected in the product's rating. Many buyers have been delighted with healthy roots that sprout quickly and reliably. Positive reviews highlight the excellent value and the joy of seeing the three colors emerge. However, a significant number of customers reported receiving roots that were rotten, mushy, or showed signs of disease like Botrytis blight. Some planted them anyway with fungicide treatment but still saw poor growth or complete failure. There are also reports of one root failing to sprout or even a misidentified plant (seaside goldenrod) appearing.

Design and build quality are focused on the roots themselves: they come packed in a simple bag with basic care instructions. The roots are 2/3 eye size, which is a good size for peonies. But the lack of color identification per root is a drawback if you hope to arrange colors deliberately. The packaging does not include detailed planting guides, so beginners may need to look up proper depth and spacing.

Overall, the WillardMay Mixed Peony Jumbo Pack offers appealing variety and classic beauty at a reasonable price. If you receive healthy roots, you will likely enjoy a gorgeous, low-maintenance perennial display. However, the risk of receiving damaged or diseased roots is real, and planting success may be a gamble. For best results, inspect roots immediately upon arrival and consider treating them preventively. If you are willing to accept that possibility, this pack can be a good way to start a peony garden.

The Sorbet Peony from MardeRossCompany is a standout choice for gardeners who want something truly special. This bare root peony produces fluffy bomb flowers in layers of rose, pink, white, and cream. It's perfect for adding a romantic, cottage-garden feel to borders, beds, or even large containers. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this peony is designed to thrive with minimal fuss.

What sets the Sorbet Peony apart is its unique color combination. The petals open in a dense, ruffled form that looks almost like a soft, multicolored cloud. In real-world performance, it's a reliable bloomer once established. The bare root is carefully selected for quality, so you get a healthy start. Just plant it in well-drained soil with moderate watering, and you'll see it flourish. It's a perennial that returns year after year, making it a smart investment for your garden.

The build quality of the bare root is solid. MardeRossCompany has a good reputation for providing viable plants. The root is firm and shows good signs of vitality. There's no plastic pot waste, which is a plus for eco-conscious buyers. The plant is also versatile: you can plant it in full sun to partial shade, and it adapts well to different soil types as long as drainage is good.

One potential drawback is that bare roots require a bit more care upfront than potted plants. You'll need to soak the root before planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the first few weeks. Also, it might take a year or two for the peony to reach its full blooming potential. Patience is key. Additionally, it's best suited for USDA hardiness zone 4 and similar climates, so gardeners in very hot or humid areas might struggle.

Overall, the Sorbet Peony is a beautiful, easy-to-grow perennial that offers stunning, repeat blooms. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and color to their garden. With proper care, it will reward you with years of fluffy, multicolored flowers. Highly recommended for gardeners who appreciate unique, high-quality plants.

The Sarah Bernhardt Double Pink Peony from MardeRossCompany is a classic heirloom variety known for its large, fragrant double blooms. This bare root peony is designed for gardeners who want a reliable perennial that returns year after year. It is ideal for those in USDA zones 3 through 8 who have a sunny spot with well-draining soil.

In terms of performance, customer experiences are mixed. Many buyers report that the root takes quickly and produces stunning pink flowers within the first season, even in challenging climates like South Florida. However, a significant number of reviewers mention that the root never grew or rotted shortly after planting. This suggests that while the plant has great potential, success depends heavily on proper planting depth, soil moisture, and timing. The product's heirloom status means it is not a hybrid, so it may be more sensitive to conditions than modern varieties.

The bare root itself appears healthy upon arrival, with multiple eyes (3-5) that indicate good potential for strong growth. The plant is advertised as attracting pollinators, which is a plus for eco-conscious gardeners. The care instructions are minimal, which can be both a benefit and a drawback: simple for experienced growers but possibly insufficient for beginners who need more guidance.

The main drawback is the inconsistency in quality. Some customers received roots that died quickly, and the seller's return policy may not cover failures after a short window. This risk is worth considering, especially given the price point. On the plus side, many customers have had great success, with blooms appearing in as little as six weeks under optimal conditions.

Overall, the Sarah Bernhardt Double Pink Peony is a beautiful choice for those willing to invest time in proper planting and care. If you have experience with bare root perennials and can provide a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil, this peony can be a rewarding addition to your garden. Beginners may want to start with a more forgiving variety or purchase from a local nursery with a stronger guarantee.

The Earth Angel Parfuma Rose from Stargazer Perennials is a standout choice for gardeners who want something a little special. This isn't your typical hybrid tea rose. It produces lush, peony-shaped blooms in a soft blush pink that start with a peachy tint and open to cool pink. The fragrance is sweet and old-fashioned, not overpowering, which makes it a hit even for folks who are sensitive to strong scents. It's a great fit for zones 5 through 10 and works equally well in garden beds or large containers.

What really sets this rose apart is the own-root growing method. Instead of being grafted onto a different rootstock, the entire plant is genetically the same. That means it's tougher in cold winters, establishes faster in the ground, and often produces more blooms. Real-world reviews confirm this. Multiple buyers reported seeing vigorous new shoots within weeks and abundant blooms in their first season. The included slow-release fertilizer in the peat pot and the plantable container make installation almost foolproof. Just dig a hole, drop in the pot, and water.

The design and packaging show serious attention to detail. The plant arrives in a sturdy 1.5 gallon fiber pot with intact leaves and thick stems, not as a bare root. The nursery protects the plant during shipping with recyclable materials and includes clear planting instructions. Stargazer Perennials grows their roses in Oregon without neonicotinoids and focuses on natural, chemical-free production. That eco-friendly approach matters to a lot of buyers, and it shows in the quality of the plants.

There are a couple of honest trade-offs. A few early reviewers mentioned that the first blooms can be on the small side. That's typical for young own-root roses; they spend energy building roots first. But as the plant matures, the flowers get bigger and more fragrant. Also, the delicate petals may not hold up for large bouquets, but they look lovely in a tiny vase or as a single stem in a bud vase. The price might give some shoppers pause, but the robust plant you receive and the ease of establishment make it a worthwhile investment.

Overall, the Earth Angel Parfuma Rose delivers on its promises. You get a genuinely pretty, fragrant rose that's easy to grow and built to last. If you're looking for a reliable repeat bloomer with a unique flower form and a manageable size, this is a solid pick. It's especially suited for gardeners in zones 5-10 who want something more refined than a standard rose bush without a lot of fuss.

The HollandBulbFarms Mixed Peony Flower Bulbs Value Bag offers three peony roots that promise a mix of pink, red, and white blooms. This pack is designed for gardeners who want to add long-lived perennials that are both deer resistant and attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. It's a solid choice for those in USDA zones 3 through 10 looking for fragrant cut flowers that return year after year.

Standout features include the sweet scent and the ability to grow 30 to 36 inches tall. The bulbs should be planted in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-draining soil. Real-world performance, however, is mixed. While some buyers report large, healthy roots with early sprouts, others have received moldy, undersized bulbs that fail to thrive. The inconsistency suggests the product's quality control could be better, especially given its price point.

The roots themselves are packed in a simple bag without individual labels or planting guides, which might disappoint beginners. The company, HollandBulbFarms, is a family-owned supplier with decades of experience, yet several customers noted that bulbs arrived in poor condition after shipping from overseas. On the plus side, a few reviewers praised the fast growth and eventual blooms after a season or two.

Potential drawbacks include a real risk that not all three bulbs will sprout. Multiple reviews mention only 2 of 3 roots producing plants, and some tubers arrived with mold. Amazon's return policy helps mitigate this, but it's an inconvenience. Also, the prolonged shipping time (2-3 months) may contribute to the deterioration.

Overall, if you're willing to accept a gamble on the bulbs' condition and have patience for peonies to establish, this value bag offers a cost-effective way to start a colorful perennial patch. For dependable results, you might prefer buying locally from a nursery. But if you're set on these, plant them as soon as they arrive and provide good drainage to maximize your chances.

The BRECK'S Nightlife Peony is a dormant bare root perennial that delivers on its promise of dramatic color and fragrance. Gardeners in USDA zones 3 through 8 can look forward to large, dark burgundy blooms that emit a sweet, strong scent. This plant is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to add a classic, easy-care perennial to their landscape, especially those who appreciate flowers that return reliably year after year.

One of the standout features of the Nightlife Peony is its robust growth habit. It reaches a mature height of 36 to 48 inches and forms a full shrub structure. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it provides a stunning focal point. The plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, though it adapts to a range of soil conditions. Customer reviews praise its vigorous sprouting even as a dormant root, with one buyer noting roots were already starting to sprout upon arrival and were packaged without damage.

In terms of design and build quality, the bare root is shipped in a dormant state, which is a standard and effective method for peonies. The packaging for this specific product has been described as nice and protective. There are no real complaints about the root's condition. However, like many peonies, the Nightlife variety may take a couple of years to establish before putting on its best show. This is a natural part of growing from bare root stock and not a flaw of the product itself.

Potential drawbacks are minimal. The single root per offer means you'll need to buy multiple if you want a large drift. Also, this peony is not suited for zones below 3 or above 8. But for most temperate gardeners, it's an excellent choice. The absence of any cons in the customer feedback suggests it meets expectations for a dormant root product.

Overall, the BRECK'S Nightlife Peony is a winner for its striking appearance, fragrance, and reliability. It's a straightforward addition to any garden that will reward you with season after season of beauty. If you have the right growing conditions and patience for the first year or two, this peony will not disappoint.

The MardeRossCompany Mixed Peony Ranunculus Corms offer a straightforward way to add a burst of color to your spring and summer garden. This pack includes 12 large, healthy corms that produce blooms resembling peonies, with layered petals in a mix of soft pastels and vibrant shades. It's a great option for gardeners who want reliable, showy flowers without complicated care routines.

One of the standout features is the variety of colors you get. The mix includes both gentle pastels and bold hues, making these flowers versatile for garden borders or cut arrangements. The corms are easy to plant and maintain, needing only full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. They bloom from late spring into early summer, giving you weeks of color. The plants stay compact at about 14 inches tall, so they work well in beds, containers, or as edging plants.

In terms of build quality, the corms are described as premium and GMO-free, which is reassuring for eco-conscious gardeners. They also attract pollinators, adding ecological value to your garden. However, there are a few things to consider. The product is best suited for USDA hardiness zone 7 and similar climates, so gardeners in colder regions may need to take extra steps. Also, with no customer reviews available yet, it's hard to gauge long-term performance from real users.

Overall, this is a solid choice for anyone looking to grow peony-like ranunculus flowers with minimal fuss. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, these corms offer good value for creating vibrant, long-lasting displays. Just ensure your growing conditions match their needs for the best results.

The SeedsOfStrength Mixed Peony Ranunculus Bulbs bring a burst of color to your garden with their vibrant pink, yellow, and white blooms. These Persian buttercup corms are designed to grow into lush, peony-like flowers that add elegance to beds, borders, or containers. They are ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners who want reliable, eye-catching perennials with a bit of support from the brand's growth guarantee.

Each corm is premium-sized, which means you can expect bigger plants and more abundant flowers compared to standard bulbs. The blooms have many layered petals, giving them a full, fluffy appearance that mimics peonies. They perform best in full sun and consistently moist soil, with a typical height of 12 to 18 inches. The planting process is straightforward: soak the corms for a few hours, then plant them about 2 inches deep with the claws facing down. This attention to detail helps ensure successful germination and vigorous growth.

In terms of design and build quality, the corms are firm and well-preserved, arriving ready for spring or early summer planting. The packaging includes detailed instructions for each variety, and the brand offers personal support if your plants don't grow as expected. This is a nice touch for anyone worried about gardening mishaps. However, keep in mind that these bulbs have no customer reviews yet, so firsthand performance feedback is limited. Also, they require pre-soaking and full sun, which might be less convenient for some gardeners.

Overall, the SeedsOfStrength Mixed Peony Ranunculus Bulbs are a solid choice if you want a reliable source of colorful, peony-like blooms that are easy to start. The generous corm size and brand guarantee reduce risk, while the mix of colors ensures a stunning spring display. Just make sure you can provide full sun and follow the soaking instructions, and you will likely enjoy weeks of beautiful flowers.