Peonies are adored for their lush, layered petals and enchanting colours. Still, their fleeting bloom season can leave gardeners and floral enthusiasts wanting more.
Thankfully, many flowers that look like peonies offer similar beauty with unique traits of their own. Whether you’re searching for what flower looks like a peony or need long-lasting alternatives, this guide is your ultimate resource.
We craft exquisite arrangements and bouquets at Windflower Florist featuring peonies and their look-alike companions. With our same-day delivery, you can enjoy these stunning flowers whenever needed.
1. Roses
Certain varieties of roses, particularly cabbage roses (David Austin roses) and garden roses, closely resemble peonies with their large, layered petals and dense, cup-shaped blooms. Their ruffled texture and soft, romantic appearance make them an excellent substitute for peonies, especially in bouquets and centerpieces.
Available in a vast range of colors, roses can mimic the elegance of peonies while offering a longer vase life. Unlike peonies, which have a short blooming season, roses are available year-round, making them a practical alternative.
2. Ranunculus
Ranunculus flowers are one of the best peony lookalikes, with their tightly-packed, paper-thin petals arranged in layers that form a round, fluffy bloom.
Their soft, romantic texture and vibrant color palette make them a popular choice for wedding bouquets and floral arrangements.
Though they are slightly smaller than peonies, ranunculus flowers exude the same delicate, ruffled charm. Additionally, they have a longer vase life, making them a great peony alternative for long-lasting floral displays.
3. Dahlias
Dahlias, especially dinner-plate dahlias, are strikingly similar to peonies in their fullness and intricate petal arrangement. Their blooms are large, multi-petaled, and come in a variety of colors that mirror the rich shades of peonies, from soft pastels to deep jewel tones.
While dahlias have a slightly more structured petal arrangement compared to the looser, softer petals of peonies, their voluminous shape makes them a great alternative. Their extended blooming period from summer to fall also makes them a practical substitute when peonies are out of season.
4. Carnations
Ruffled and full, double carnations closely mimic the texture of peonies, especially in bouquets. Their frilly, layered petals create a soft and romantic look, making them a budget-friendly alternative to peonies.
Carnations are available in almost every color imaginable, allowing for flexible floral designs that resemble peony arrangements.
Additionally, they have a significantly longer vase life, often lasting up to two weeks, making them a practical choice for long-lasting floral displays.
5. Lisianthus
Lisianthus flowers have a delicate, soft, and layered petal structure that closely resembles that of peonies. Their blooms are lush and ruffled, similar to the airy nature of peonies, and they come in shades of white, pink, purple, and cream.
Although they are slightly smaller in size, lisianthus flowers have a similar elegance and romantic appeal. They are also more readily available throughout the year, making them a fantastic peony alternative for floral arrangements.
6. Hydrangeas
While hydrangeas have a different bloom structure, their large, voluminous clusters create a similar effect to the fullness of peonies. The soft pastel shades of hydrangeas, such as blush pink, lavender, and white, mirror popular peony colors, making them a great complementary flower in peony-inspired arrangements.
Their texture is slightly different, as they consist of multiple tiny flowers forming a larger bloom, but their overall appearance provides the same lush and abundant aesthetic.
Hydrangeas are also widely available throughout the year, making them a great choice when peonies are out of season.
7. Camellias
Camellias closely resemble peonies with their densely layered, soft petals and rounded shape. Their petals have a velvety texture and bloom in colors such as pink, red, and white, making them a visually stunning alternative to peonies.
Camellias are slightly smaller but maintain the same lush, full-bodied appearance. Unlike peonies, camellias bloom in late winter to early spring, making them a great seasonal replacement when peonies are not available.
8. Gardenias
Gardenias share the soft, rounded, and romantic bloom structure of peonies, with their creamy, layered petals that form an elegant, full flower.
While they are typically white, their delicate fragrance and luxurious appearance make them an excellent peony substitute in bridal bouquets and formal arrangements.
Gardenias are known for their glossy green leaves, adding an extra touch of elegance to floral compositions. Their only downside is that they are more fragile and require careful handling compared to peonies.
9. Zinnias
Certain varieties of double zinnias, especially the ‘Benary’s Giant’ variety, have densely layered, ruffled petals that strongly resemble peonies.
Their round, fluffy blooms create a similar effect, making them a wonderful peony substitute in casual and vibrant floral designs.
Zinnias come in a diverse range of bright colors, including pinks, reds, and oranges, making them ideal for colorful summer arrangements. Additionally, they are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, ensuring your bouquet stays fresh for an extended period.
10. Double Tulips
Double tulips, sometimes referred to as peony tulips, mimic the soft, layered petals and full bloom structure of peonies. Unlike traditional tulips, these varieties have extra petals, making them appear more voluminous and ruffled.
Their cup-like shape and pastel hues make them an elegant choice for spring bouquets that need a peony-like effect. While they don’t have the same fragrance as peonies, their similar petal structure makes them a beautiful alternative.
11. Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
Alstroemeria, especially in its double-flowered varieties, has a multi-layered, soft petal arrangement similar to peonies. While their blooms are slightly smaller, they offer a delicate, ruffled effect that resembles peony petals.
Available in a wide range of colors, from soft pinks to rich purples and oranges, alstroemeria can be used to replicate the lush, colorful nature of peony arrangements. Additionally, they are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, making them a great alternative for durable floral designs.
12. Chrysanthemums
Certain types of chrysanthemums, such as ‘football mums’ or ‘spider mums’, have dense, fluffy petals that create a full, rounded bloom similar to peonies.
Their intricate petal structure adds depth and texture to floral designs, making them a great alternative when peonies are unavailable.
Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of colors, from pastels to deep jewel tones, ensuring a perfect match for peony-inspired arrangements. Additionally, they are extremely long-lasting, often staying fresh for two weeks or more.
13. Anemones
Anemones resemble peonies in their delicate, soft petals and rounded blooms, particularly the double-flowered varieties. Their ruffled appearance, often paired with a striking dark center, makes them a beautiful alternative for a unique, dramatic touch.
While their blooms are slightly flatter than peonies, they still provide a similar soft, romantic aesthetic. Their availability in white, pink, and deep red shades allows them to complement peony-inspired floral designs beautifully.
14. Poppies
Certain double poppy varieties, such as ‘Peony Poppies’ (Papaver paeoniflorum), strongly resemble peonies with their large, ruffled petals and voluminous blooms. These poppies have a soft, feathery appearance, closely mimicking the texture and fullness of peonies.
Available in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, they provide a similar romantic and dramatic effect in floral arrangements.
While traditional poppies have a more open bloom, peony poppies are much fuller, making them an excellent peony alternative in garden-inspired bouquets.
15. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas may be smaller than peonies, but their delicate, ruffled petals and soft, pastel hues create a similar airy and romantic effect. Their gentle fragrance adds an extra touch of elegance, making them a popular choice for peony-inspired floral arrangements.
Because sweet peas grow in cascading vines, they work well in loose, organic bouquet styles that emphasise softness and movement.
Their availability in various shades of pink, purple, and white makes them an excellent complementary flower for peony-like floral designs.
16. Eustoma (Lisianthus)
Often mistaken for peonies, double-flowered eustoma (Lisianthus) features densely layered petals and a soft, rounded bloom shape. The texture and color of lisianthus flowers are remarkably similar to peonies, especially in soft pink, white, and lavender hues.
Unlike peonies, lisianthus blooms last much longer in vases, often staying fresh for up to two weeks. This makes them an ideal peony substitute for long-lasting floral arrangements without sacrificing elegance.
17. Butterfly Ranunculus
A variation of traditional ranunculus, butterfly ranunculus shares the soft, layered petals and romantic texture of peonies but with a slightly more delicate, airy appearance. Their blooms are large and rounded, with multiple layers of silky petals that create a light, fluttery effect.
Available in soft pastels and deeper hues, they work beautifully in peony-inspired arrangements, adding charm and movement.
Additionally, their long-lasting nature makes them a practical alternative for floral displays that need extended freshness.
18. Proteas
Certain proteas, especially ‘Blushing Bride’ Protea (Serruria florida), resemble peonies with their full, rounded bloom structure and soft, feathery petals. Their exotic appearance makes them a unique peony alternative, offering a similar voluminous shape but with a slightly more modern, textural twist.
While traditional proteas have a spiky look, the softer varieties blend beautifully in peony-inspired bouquets. Their longevity as a cut flower also makes them a great choice for floral arrangements that need to last.
19. Sunflowers (Double Varieties)
While classic sunflowers have a distinct shape, double sunflowers (Helianthus ‘Teddy Bear’) feature dense, fluffy petals that mimic the full-bodied appearance of peonies.
Their vibrant golden-yellow color adds warmth and energy to floral arrangements, making them a fun and cheerful peony substitute.
These sunflowers lack the traditional dark center, giving them a soft, cushion-like bloom that resembles peonies’ lushness. Their long-lasting nature and bright presence make them ideal for summer bouquets.
20. Hellebores
Hellebores, particularly double-flowered varieties, resemble peonies with their full, multi-layered petals and soft, rounded blooms. Their color palette includes muted pastels, deep burgundies, and creamy whites, mirroring some of the most sought-after peony shades.
Although smaller in size, hellebores bring the same romantic and elegant effect to bouquets, especially in winter and early spring arrangements. Their delicate, nodding blooms add a sense of movement and softness, making them a stunning alternative when peonies are unavailable.
21. Azaleas
Azaleas have fluffy, ruffled petals that closely resemble peonies, especially in their double-flowered varieties. Their soft, voluminous blooms create a similar romantic and luxurious effect in floral arrangements.
Available in pink, white, and red shades, they can easily replace peonies in bouquets for a lush and textured look. Since azaleas bloom in spring, they are a great seasonal alternative when peonies are not available.
22. Begonias
Certain double-flowered begonias have large, peony-like blooms with delicately ruffled petals, making them a wonderful substitute. Their soft texture and pastel hues, especially in shades of pink, peach, and white, make them perfect for romantic floral designs.
Unlike peonies, begonias are available in a wider range of warm shades, including coral and yellow, which can add a unique touch to floral arrangements.
Their long-lasting nature and lush blooms make them a great choice for both fresh and potted floral displays.
23. Marigolds (French Varieties)
Some French marigold varieties (Tagetes patula ‘Vanilla’ and ‘French Double’) closely resemble peonies with their multi-petaled, fluffy blooms. Their soft, cushion-like flowers have a texture similar to peonies, adding depth and fullness to floral arrangements.
While marigolds are typically associated with bright orange and yellow hues, the white and soft cream varieties can be used in peony-inspired bouquets for a similar aesthetic. Their strong scent and long-lasting blooms make them a practical peony alternative in rustic or summer floral designs.
24. Hibiscus
Certain double-flowered hibiscus varieties have large, peony-like blooms with ruffled, layered petals that give them a striking resemblance to peonies. While their petals are thinner and slightly more delicate, they still provide a similar lush, voluminous effect.
Hibiscus flowers bloom in a variety of colors, including pinks, reds, and whites, making them suitable for tropical peony-inspired arrangements.
However, since hibiscus flowers have a shorter lifespan as cut flowers, they are best used for temporary floral displays or potted plant designs.
25. Eucalyptus Blooms
While eucalyptus is best known for its aromatic foliage, certain eucalyptus species produce fluffy, peony-like blooms that add a unique texture to floral arrangements.
The blooms have soft, frilly petals that resemble miniature peonies, making them a surprising but beautiful addition to peony-inspired bouquets.
The contrast between the silvery-green eucalyptus leaves and the delicate, ruffled flowers creates a stunning, natural aesthetic. Additionally, eucalyptus blooms add a fresh, herbal fragrance to bouquets, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Why Choose Flowers That Look Like Peonies?
Flowers resembling peonies are perfect for extending the charm of peonies beyond their short bloom season. These alternatives:
- Provide Variety: Introduce new textures and colours to your arrangements or garden.
- Offer Durability: Many peony look-alikes are hardier and last longer than traditional peonies.
- Add Versatility: Their unique traits complement peonies beautifully in mixed bouquets.
How To Use Peony Look-Alikes In Arrangements
- Pair Complementary Colors: Combine soft pinks with bold reds or whites for a dynamic visual impact.
- Layer Textures: Use peony alternatives like dahlias and ranunculus to create depth in your bouquets.
- Seasonal Variety: Incorporate year-round flowers like carnations or lisianthus to extend peony-inspired designs beyond their bloom season.
Conclusion On Flowers That Look Like Peonies
Peonies are truly enchanting, but their look-alike flowers provide a wonderful way to extend their charm year-round. From the timeless elegance of garden roses to the vibrant layers of dahlias, these alternatives ensure your arrangements remain stunning and versatile.
We curate breathtaking floral designs at Windflower Florist that celebrate peonies' beauty and look-alike companions.
With our same-day lower delivery in Singapore, you can enjoy these exquisite blooms for any occasion.
Explore our flower collection today and bring the magic of peonies into your life!
Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Peonies
What Are The Best Peony Alternatives For Weddings?
Ranunculus, dahlias, and garden roses are excellent peony substitutes for wedding bouquets due to their similar appearance and romantic appeal.
Are Peony Look-Alikes Long-Lasting?
Flowers like carnations, lisianthus, and hydrangeas are long-lasting, making them practical for events or arrangements.
Can Peony Look-Alikes Be Grown In The Garden?
Absolutely! Flowers like dahlias, zinnias, and double tulips are easy to grow and can mimic the charm of peonies in gardens.
Are Ranunculus And Peony The Same Thing?
Ranunculus flowers share a resemblance with peonies, but they are smaller and flatter. While both flowers have many layers of petals, the ranunculus has more distinct spacing between each petal.