Dill vs Peony

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

Dill

Anethum graveolens

Apiaceae · herbs

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Peony

Paeonia lactiflora

Paeoniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Dill (Zones 2-11)

Peony (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Dill	Peony
Scientific Name	Anethum graveolens	Paeonia lactiflora
Family	Apiaceae	Paeoniaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	3'
Spread	1'	3'
Bloom Season	Summer	Late Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow	Pink, White, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Mediterranean	East Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Dill

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Peony

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Dill

✓Direct sow — dill doesn't transplant well due to taproot.
✓Succession plant every 3 weeks.
✓Let some plants go to seed for self-sowing and for harvest.
✓Attracts swallowtail butterflies.

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 Dill if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

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 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View DillProfile →View PeonyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dill and Peony grow in the same hardiness zone?

Dill grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Peony grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

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

Dill 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, Dill or Peony?

Both Dill and Peony reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 1' and 3' respectively.

Are Dill and Peony deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Dill or Peony?

Both Dill and Peony have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Dill	Peony
Scientific Name	Anethum graveolens	Paeonia lactiflora
Family	Apiaceae	Paeoniaceae
Category	herbs	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	3'
Spread	1'	3'
Bloom Season	Summer	Late Spring
Bloom Color	Yellow	Pink, White, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Slow
Native Region	Mediterranean	East Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Dill

✓Direct sow — dill doesn't transplant well due to taproot.
✓Succession plant every 3 weeks.
✓Let some plants go to seed for self-sowing and for harvest.
✓Attracts swallowtail butterflies.

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 Dill if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

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 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dill and Peony grow in the same hardiness zone?

Dill grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Peony grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

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

Dill 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, Dill or Peony?

Both Dill and Peony reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 1' and 3' respectively.

Are Dill and Peony deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Dill or Peony?

Both Dill and Peony have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.