Peony vs Shasta Daisy

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

Peony

Paeonia lactiflora

Paeoniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum × superbum

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Peony (Zones 3-8)

Shasta Daisy (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Peony	Shasta Daisy
Scientific Name	Paeonia lactiflora	Leucanthemum × superbum
Family	Paeoniaceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	3'
Spread	3'	2'
Bloom Season	Late Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, White, Red	White
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Hybrid (US)
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Peony

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Shasta Daisy

No — 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.

Shasta Daisy

✓Deadhead for continuous bloom.
✓Divide every 2-3 years.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Excellent cut flower lasting 7-14 days in vase.

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 Shasta Daisy if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View PeonyProfile →View Shasta DaisyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Peony and Shasta Daisy grow in the same hardiness zone?

Peony grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Shasta Daisy grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Peony and Shasta Daisy have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Peony or Shasta Daisy?

Both Peony and Shasta Daisy reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 3' and 2' respectively.

Are Peony and Shasta Daisy deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Peony or Shasta Daisy?

Both Peony and Shasta Daisy 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	Shasta Daisy
Scientific Name	Paeonia lactiflora	Leucanthemum × superbum
Family	Paeoniaceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	3'
Spread	3'	2'
Bloom Season	Late Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, White, Red	White
Growth Rate	Slow	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Hybrid (US)
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.

Shasta Daisy

✓Deadhead for continuous bloom.
✓Divide every 2-3 years.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Excellent cut flower lasting 7-14 days in vase.

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 Shasta Daisy if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Peony and Shasta Daisy grow in the same hardiness zone?

Peony grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Shasta Daisy grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

Do Peony and Shasta Daisy have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Peony or Shasta Daisy?

Both Peony and Shasta Daisy reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 3' and 2' respectively.

Are Peony and Shasta Daisy deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Peony or Shasta Daisy?

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