What to Plant Behind Peonies: Enhancing the Beauty of Your Garden
Peonies are one of the most beautiful and iconic flowers in the garden, known for their lush, oversized blooms and vibrant colors. Planting the right plants behind peonies can enhance their beauty and create a stunning backdrop that complements these majestic flowers. In this article, we will explore various options for what to plant behind peonies, ensuring that your garden is both visually appealing and functional.
1. Tall Shrubs
Tall shrubs, such as dogwoods, forsythia, or lilacs, make excellent choices for planting behind peonies. These shrubs provide a natural barrier that helps to hide the peonies’ foliage when it’s not in bloom. Their upright structure also adds vertical interest to the garden, balancing the horizontal lines of the peonies. When selecting a tall shrub, consider its eventual height and width to ensure it won’t overcrowd the peonies.
2. Perennials
Perennials are a great option for planting behind peonies, as they offer a variety of colors, textures, and shapes that can complement the peonies. Some popular perennial choices include:
– Hostas: Their lush foliage provides a soft backdrop for the peonies, and their variegated leaves add visual interest.
– Daylilies: These hardy plants offer a burst of color throughout the growing season and can be a great companion for peonies.
– Black-eyed Susans: Their bright yellow flowers stand out beautifully against the peonies, creating a striking contrast.
3. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are an excellent way to add height and movement to your garden. Planting them behind peonies can create a stunning backdrop that enhances the overall aesthetic. Some popular choices include:
– Japanese Sedge (Carex): Its delicate, arching foliage adds a subtle texture to the garden.
– Switchgrass (Panicum): Its tall, feathery plumes provide a striking contrast to the peonies’ blooms.
– Blue Fescue (Festuca): Its silvery-blue foliage adds a unique texture and color to the garden.
4. Ground Covers
Ground covers can help to fill in any gaps behind the peonies and create a cohesive look in your garden. Some ground cover options to consider include:
– Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): Its colorful blooms and spreading habit make it a great choice for a low-maintenance ground cover.
– Ajuga (Ajuga reptans): Its vibrant purple flowers and silver foliage provide a stunning contrast to the peonies.
– Thyme (Thymus): This aromatic ground cover is not only visually appealing but also adds a delightful scent to your garden.
5. Trees
While trees are typically planted further away from peonies due to their root competition, they can still serve as a beautiful backdrop. Consider planting a small tree, such as a cherry blossom or a crabapple, to provide a stunning backdrop for your peonies. Make sure to choose a tree with a moderate growth rate to avoid overcrowding the peonies.
In conclusion, there are numerous options for what to plant behind peonies to enhance the beauty of your garden. Whether you choose tall shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, ground covers, or even trees, the key is to select plants that complement the peonies’ colors and textures. By doing so, you can create a stunning, cohesive garden that showcases the elegance of these magnificent flowers.
