One year when we had warm spring, the roses bloomed at the same time as peonies and they were spectacular l blooming together. THat was an odd year. In latter years, the roses bloomed after the peonies were done. I had seen some pics from a member here who lives in norther CA. She had peonies planted with azeleas and rhododendrons together. This combo was so gorgeous because they bloomed at the same time for her. The azeleas and rhodies provided a great backdrop for her peonies particularly the tree peony blooms. Unfortunately, my azeleas bloom too early in my zone for this to work. I think this combo may work in your zone, Annie. Another combo that I wish would work for me is having my lilacs bloom at the same time as my peonies. Unfortunately, the lilacs bloom way too early even before my earliest ones start to bloom. The only flowers that bloom reliably at the same as the peonies in my zone are bearded irises, alliums, some clematis, and some baptisia.
