Peony vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

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

Peony

Paeonia lactiflora

Paeoniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Peony (Zones 3-8)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Peony	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Paeonia lactiflora	Sedum spp.
Family	Paeoniaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	3'	6"
Spread	3'	2'
Bloom Season	Late Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, White, Red	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Peony

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View PeonyProfile →View Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Peony and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Peony grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Peony and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Peony or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Peony grows taller at 3' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Peony spreads 3' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Peony and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Peony or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Peony and Sedum (Stonecrop) 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	Peony	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Paeonia lactiflora	Sedum spp.
Family	Paeoniaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	3'	6"
Spread	3'	2'
Bloom Season	Late Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, White, Red	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

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 Peony and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Peony grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Peony and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Peony or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Peony grows taller at 3' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Peony spreads 3' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Peony and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Peony or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

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