Designing a Beautiful Peony Garden
Peonies are stunning on their own, but thoughtful placement can make them an even more beautiful part of your landscape!
In an article for the American Peony Society, the late peony expert Don Hollingsworth shares practical advice for choosing and arranging peonies to create a garden that looks beautiful throughout the growing season. Here are a few highlights worth considering as you plan your garden. Scroll to the bottom for a link to the full article. It’s a must-read!
1. Think Beyond the Blooms
Peonies don't all behave the same way after flowering. Some varieties maintain attractive foliage longer than others. Grouping varieties with similar foliage habits, like height, together can help your garden look more intentional even after the blooms have faded.
2. Mix Flower Forms
Large, double blooms are beautiful but can become heavy with rain. Single and Japanese forms generally hold less water, making them worth considering for gardens exposed to wind and weather. Mixing flower forms also adds visual interest.
3. Consider Color and Viewing Distance
Light-colored peonies tend to stand out from a distance, while deep reds can be harder to distinguish against green foliage. Consider planting darker varieties near patios and walkways, where you can appreciate their rich colors up close. Lighter varieties are best in areas where they'll be viewed from farther away.
4. Plan for the Whole Landscape
Think about how peonies complement nearby shrubs, trees, fences, and other perennials. Their lush foliage and seasonal blooms can add fullness and color to garden borders. If you grow peonies primarily for cutting, a separate cutting garden can let you harvest freely while keeping your landscape plantings looking their best.
Make the Most of Your Peonies
A little planning goes a long way! By considering flower form, foliage, color, and placement, you can create a peony garden that is beautiful well beyond its peak bloom.
Want more inspiration? We encourage you to read Don Hollingsworth's full article, Landscape Placement of Peonies, published by the American Peony Society. I highly recommend it!
Read the full article here (PDF)
Happy gardening from Hidden Springs Peony Farm!
