I’ve always been a fan of peonies. There’s something about their big, fluffy blooms that just screams summertime. However, peonies can be a bit finicky, and they’re not always in season. Luckily, there are plenty of other flowers that look like peonies and can be used as substitutes in arrangements.
But first, let’s take a look at what makes peonies so special.
5 Fun Facts about peonies
- Peonies are native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America but today, they can be found all over the world.
- The peony is the state flower of Indiana. It was adopted in 1957.
- Peonies have been cultivated for over 2,000 years and were a favorite flower of the emperors of China. They are a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
- The scientific name for peony is Paeonia and there are around 48 species.
- Peonies come in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, purple, and yellow.
Now that we know a little bit more about peonies, let’s take a look at some flowers that look like peonies.
12 flowers that look like peonies
1. Ranunculus
Ranunculus are a great alternative to peonies. They have similarly shaped blooms and come in a variety of colors. They’re also a bit easier to take care of than peonies and are more drought tolerant.
They are perennials so they will come back year after year and will thrive in full sun to partial shade.
2. Garden roses
Garden roses are a type of rose that is often used in arrangements. These roses that look like peonies have similarly shaped flowers and come in basically infinite colors. They’re also super fragrant which is always a bonus.
If you’re looking to grow them yourself, garden roses are a bit easier to take care of than traditional roses. They don’t need as much water and can tolerate a wider range of soil types.
3. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a popular choice for peony substitutes. They have big, fluffy blooms and come in a range of colors including white, pink, and blue. While they don’t look exactly like peonies, they definitely give off a similar vibe with their fluffy, full blooms.
Hydrangeas are easy to grow and require very little maintenance. They’re also pretty drought tolerant which is always a plus if you’re living in a dry climate.
4. Carnations
Carnations are another kind of flower that look like peonies. They come in a variety of colors and have a similar shape to peonies. Carnations are also very affordable and easy to find in almost any store. While they’re not as long-lasting as peonies, carnations are still a great option for summertime arrangements.
If you’re looking to grow your own carnations, they’re actually pretty easy to take care of. They don’t require a lot of water and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
5. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are another personal favorite of mine. With their big, fluffy blooms, they definitely give off a peony vibe. Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of colors including white, pink, purple, and yellow.
They’re actually pretty easy to take care of and only require moderate watering. They also prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
6. Gerbera daisies
While Gerbera daisies have a different flower shape, they definitely have a similar feel to peonies. If you’re looking to add them to an arrangement, they come in a ton of different colors including white, pink, red, and yellow and have big flowers that will make a statement.
Gerbera daisies love lots of sunlight but can’t stand intense heat so make sure to plant them in a partly shady spot if you’re living in a hot climate. They also require moderate watering.
7. Lisianthus
Lisianthus, also known as Eustoma, is another great alternative to peonies. With their delicate petals and ruffled blooms, they definitely have a similar look to peonies. Some might prefer lisianthus over peonies because of their gentle and romantic appearance.
Lisianthus comes in a range of colors including white, pink, purple, and blue. When grown in the garden, lisianthus is a long-bloomer and can tolerate heat and drought, but will not enjoy humidity.
8. Dahlias
Dahlias are yet another flower similar to peonies. They are both tuberous plants and have large, showy flowers. Dahlias come in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, red, and purple. They bloom from late summer to early fall.
They are a bit easier to grow than peonies and are not as susceptible to disease. However, they do require more water. Dahlias also make good cut flowers.
9. Begonias
Begonias are commonly used as houseplants, but did you know that there are actually a few varieties that can bloom outdoors? While their blooms are not as big as peonies, begonias definitely have a similar look and feel.
The best part about begonias is that they’re super easy to take care of. They don’t require a lot of water and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
10. Marigolds
While smaller in size, marigolds can definitely be used as a peony substitute. Their clustered blooms and vibrant colors make them a great addition to any arrangement. If you’re looking for a pop of color, marigolds come in beautiful shades like yellow, orange, and red.
Marigolds are native to warm climates so they’ll do best in areas with full sun and well-drained soil. They’re also pretty drought tolerant so you don’t have to worry about overwatering them.
11. Zinnias
Not many flower lovers know about zinnias, but they’re actually one of the flowers that look like peonies. With their large flower heads and wide range of colors, they definitely give off a peony-vibe.
Their flowers are smaller than peonies but the colors! You can find zinnias in just about every color. They’re also pretty easy to take care of and only require moderate watering.
12. Double Tulips
While regular tulips don’t have the same shape as peonies, their double blooms definitely give them a similar feel. They come in a wide range of colors including white, pink, red, and purple.
Tulips are actually pretty easy to take care of. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They also don’t require a lot of water.
In conclusion
While nothing might come close to the beauty of peony, there are definitely some flowers that can be used as substitutes. From ranunculus to zinnias, there are plenty of options to choose from.
So if you’re looking for beautiful flowers that look like peonies, be sure to check out some of these options.