The peony or paeony is any flowering plant in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae. Peonies are native to Asia, Europe, and Western North America. Scientists differ on the number of species that can be distinguished, ranging from 25 to 40, although the current consensus describes 33 known species. The relationships between the species need to be further clarified.
Flowers that resemble peonies are admired for their lush, layered petals and rounded shapes, these lookalikes often carry a fullness that makes them ideal substitutes in gardens and floral arrangements where peonies may not be in season. Some of these peony-like flowers appear in soft pastel tones such as blush pink, creamy white, and lavender.
Others take on bolder shades—reds, yellows, or even oranges—while retaining the signature fullness of peonies. There are also varieties with a slightly different twist, such as fringed or ruffled petals that still build into the same rounded shape. When massed together, they create a cloud-like effect similar to blooming peony bushes, filling spaces with elegance and softness.
Whether chosen for bouquets, borders, or seasonal displays, these flowers provide a way to enjoy the timeless appeal of peonies in many different forms
Flowers That Look Like Peonies
Double Tulips
These tulips, also called peony tulips, have multiple layers of petals that create a ruffled, full bloom. Their rounded form and softness closely mirror peonies.
Ranunculus
Ranunculus flowers feature tightly packed, delicate petals spiraling outward, producing a lush look that strongly resembles smaller peony blooms.
Roses (especially Garden Roses)
Certain rose varieties, like David Austin roses, have cupped, layered blooms that look nearly identical to peonies in both texture and form.
Camellias
Camellias showcase rounded blossoms with many overlapping petals, often mistaken for peonies due to their fullness and romantic appearance.
Chrysanthemums (Double and Cushion Types)
These produce fluffy, rounded flowers with dense petals that can easily be confused with peonies, particularly in softer shades.
Dahlias (Dinnerplate Varieties)
Large dahlias with layered, intricate petals resemble peonies in both size and lush appearance, making them a popular alternative in gardens and bouquets.
Carnations (Double Varieties)
Ruffled carnations with abundant petals have a similar softness to peonies, especially when grown in larger blooms or used in clusters.
Begonias (Tuberous Types)
Tuberous begonias produce large, rounded flowers with full, overlapping petals, bearing a striking likeness to peonies.
Hydrangeas
While technically composed of many small florets, hydrangea flower heads form large, rounded clusters that create a similar fullness to peonies.
Lisianthus
Lisianthus blooms are delicate and layered, resembling smaller peonies or roses, often used as peony substitutes in floral designs.
Tree Poppies (Romneya coulteri)
These flowers are large and ruffled, with papery petals and bright centers. Their bold, showy blooms give a peony-like impression.
Anemones (Double Varieties)
Double-flowered anemones develop rounded blooms with layers of petals that mimic the structure and charm of peonies.
Azaleas (Certain Cultivars)
Some azaleas produce large, frilly blossoms that bear a strong resemblance to peonies when grown densely.
Buttercups (Large Varieties)
These share the soft, layered petal structure of ranunculus and peonies, offering a similar delicate yet full appearance.
Gardenias
These creamy, fragrant blossoms have rounded, layered petals that can resemble small peony blooms, especially in double-flowered cultivars.
Impatien (Double Varieties)
Certain double impatiens produce rose-like, ruffled blooms that mimic the soft, layered effect of peonies in miniature form.
Gladiolus (Ruffled Varieties)
Some gladiolus cultivars feature frilly, overlapping petals that create a dense and lush bloom, resembling peonies in structure.
Kerria japonica (Double Flowering)
This shrub produces bright yellow, pompon-like double blossoms that are round and full, echoing the form of peonies.
Hellebores (Double Varieties)
Double-flowering hellebores open with many layers of petals, creating a soft, full bloom that looks very similar to smaller peonies.
Mock Orange (Philadelphus)
Its large, double-petaled flowers have a lush, rounded appearance that can resemble peonies, especially when in full bloom.
Primroses (Double Varieties)
Some primrose cultivars display compact, ruffled blooms with multiple layers, imitating the form and fullness of small peonies.
Lotus (Certain Cultivars)
Double-petaled lotus varieties feature multiple layers of petals arranged in a circular form, giving them a distinct peony-like elegance.
Clematis (Double Varieties)
These climbing plants sometimes produce large, rounded, frilly flowers with layered petals that look strikingly similar to peonies.
Stock (Matthiola incana)
Stock plants produce clusters of double blooms with ruffled petals, which can resemble a spray of smaller peony-like flowers.
Poppies (Double Varieties)
Some poppies produce lush, multi-layered blooms with ruffled petals that are nearly indistinguishable from peonies in shape and fullness.
Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica ‘Pleniflora’)
This cultivar bears small, round, fluffy blossoms that have the soft, layered petal look reminiscent of peonies.
Sweet Peas (Certain Varieties)
While generally smaller, some double-flowering sweet peas have a frilly, romantic appearance that echoes the soft charm of peonies.
Tree Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus, Double Varieties)
Double hibiscus cultivars develop large, rounded flowers with layered petals, closely resembling the extravagant form of peonies.