Delphinium vs Peony

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Delphinium

Delphinium elatum

Ranunculaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantHigh Maintenance

Peony

Paeonia lactiflora

Paeoniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Delphinium (Zones 3-7)

Peony (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–7

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Peony
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Paeonia lactiflora
Family	Ranunculaceae	Paeoniaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	6'	3'
Spread	2'	3'
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Late Spring
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Pink, White, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Europe, Asia	East Asia
Maintenance	High	Low

Special Traits

Delphinium

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Peony

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Peony

✓Plant eyes (buds) no deeper than 2 inches below soil surface.
✓Provide support for heavy blooms.
✓Don't move established plants — they resent transplanting.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

Choose Peony if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–7. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View DelphiniumProfile →View PeonyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delphinium and Peony grow in the same hardiness zone?

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Peony grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 7.

Do Delphinium and Peony have the same sun and water needs?

Delphinium needs full sun and medium water, while Peony needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Delphinium or Peony?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Peony at 3'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Peony spreads 3'.

Are Delphinium and Peony deer resistant?

Yes, both Delphinium and Peony are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Peony?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Peony has low maintenance. Peony may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Peony
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Paeonia lactiflora
Family	Ranunculaceae	Paeoniaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	6'	3'
Spread	2'	3'
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Late Spring
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Pink, White, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Europe, Asia	East Asia
Maintenance	High	Low

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Peony

✓Plant eyes (buds) no deeper than 2 inches below soil surface.
✓Provide support for heavy blooms.
✓Don't move established plants — they resent transplanting.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

Choose Peony if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–7. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delphinium and Peony grow in the same hardiness zone?

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Peony grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 7.

Do Delphinium and Peony have the same sun and water needs?

Delphinium needs full sun and medium water, while Peony needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Delphinium or Peony?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Peony at 3'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Peony spreads 3'.

Are Delphinium and Peony deer resistant?

Yes, both Delphinium and Peony are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Peony?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Peony has low maintenance. Peony may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.