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How to Grow Peonies & Lavender - Perennial Foundation Planting

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Peonies & Lavender - Perennial Foundation Planting

Paeonia spp. & Lavandula spp.

flower

Peonies and lavender are long-lived perennial flowers that form the foundation of many ornamental gardens. Both are hardy, low-maintenance once established, and provide years of reliable blooms and fragrance. They are ideal for creating structured beds, borders, and foundation plantings around homes.

Looking for a specific variety?

Paeonia: Sarah Bernhardt, Coral Sunset, Duchess de Nemours, Karl Rosenfield Lavandula: Hidcote, Munstead, Grosso, Phenomenal

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Example Peonies & Lavender - Perennial Foundation Planting timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Peonies & Lavender - Perennial Foundation Planting

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Peonies & Lavender - Perennial Foundation Planting blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Peonies & Lavender - Perennial Foundation Planting dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; 8+ hours ideal for lavender
💧
Water: Peonies: moderate, consistent moisture during growing season; reduce after bloom. Lavender: drought-tolerant once established; water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings
📏
Spacing: Peonies: 36-48 inches apart; Lavender: 18-24 inches apart inches
📅
Days to maturity: Peonies: 2-3 years to full flowering; Lavender: 1-2 years to mature size
🌱
Planting depth: Peonies: eyes 1-2 inches below soil surface; Lavender: crown at soil level, never buried

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Organic compost Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Aged manure (peonies) Lime (if pH below 6.0)

Growing Zones

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Peonies thrive in zones 3-8; Lavender performs best in zones 5-9

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

Year 1

First year after planting; slow root development, minimal top growth. Lavender grows upright stems; peonies send up shoots from planted eyes.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pinch back lavender tips to encourage branching. Remove any peony flower buds year one.

2

Vegetative Growth

Months 12-24

Second year; vigorous stem and foliage development. Peonies form larger shoots with multiple stems; lavender fills in fuller.

Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around plants. Support peony stems with stakes as they grow. Trim lavender lightly to shape.

3

Flowering

4-6 weeks per plant

Peonies produce large double or single blooms in late spring to early summer; lavender flowers spike upward on thin stems in mid to late summer.

Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom. Cut lavender blooms for drying or use. Stake tall peonies to prevent flopping.

4

Post-Bloom & Hardening

6-8 weeks

Foliage remains ornamental; peonies develop seed pods; lavender foliage grays and dries.

Reduce watering for peonies. Allow dried lavender stems to stand for winter interest and self-seeding. Remove any diseased leaves.

5

Dormancy & Winter Rest

November to March

Foliage yellows and dies back. Plants are fully dormant underground.

Cut back peonies to 2-3 inches after first frost. Leave lavender stems standing until spring for structure. Apply winter mulch in zones 3-5.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Catmint (Nepeta) Russian Sage Alliums Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Gaura Boxwood Ornamental grasses Lamb's ear

Avoid planting near:

Heavy clay-soil plants requiring constant moisture Tall shade-casting trees (too much shade) Plants requiring acidic soil (peonies prefer neutral to slightly alkaline)

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick early morning; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; use traps away from plants

  • Remove infected foliage; improve air circulation; apply sulfur or copper fungicide; avoid overhead watering

  • Remove affected buds/flowers; thin stems for air flow; apply fungicide in humid conditions

  • Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs

  • Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater; remove and replace affected plants

  • Remove diseased branches; improve drainage and air circulation; avoid wetting foliage

Uses

🍳

Lavender flavoring and garnish

Culinary

Culinary lavender flowers add subtle floral notes to baked goods, honey, tea, and savory dishes. The buds and flowers are both edible when properly dried. [source]

💊

Lavender essential oil and tea

Medicinal

Lavender has been traditionally used to promote relaxation, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and support skin health. Dried flowers brew into a calming herbal tea. [source]

🏠

Fragrant dried flowers

Household

Both peonies and lavender dry beautifully for potpourri, sachets, dried arrangements, and home fragrance. Lavender is especially prized for its long-lasting scent. [source]

🎨

Cut flower arranging

Craft

Peonies are beloved by florists for their lush, romantic blooms and long vase life. Lavender adds height, texture, and airiness to mixed arrangements. [source]

🦋

Pollinator support

Wildlife

Both plants attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them excellent for supporting biodiversity in the garden. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Peonies: Cut stems in early morning when buds are tight but showing color; place in cool water immediately and keep at 65°F to open slowly (2-3 days). Blooms last 1-2 weeks in a vase. Lavender: Harvest when first flowers open on the spike, cutting long stems just above foliage; tie in bundles and hang dry in a warm, airy space for 2-3 weeks.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Peonies can live 50-100+ years and bloom reliably for decades, often outliving the gardeners who planted them. Some peony plants are documented to be over 200 years old.
  • 🌱 Lavender gets its name from the Latin 'lavare' (to wash); Romans used it to scent their baths and remain one of the most commercially cultivated fragrant plants worldwide.
  • 🌱 Peonies require a period of winter cold (chilling hours) to set flower buds, which is why they thrive in northern zones but struggle in warm climates.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial Pinch Back
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