Flower look-alikes (part 2): daisy, calla, bellflower, peony

Prepared with UFL flower delivery. Just as people have doubles, so do flowers: plants from different families can look remarkably alike. That is handy — if your favourite bloom is out of season, there is always a worthy substitute. This is part 2 of our series on flower look-alikes.

Flowers that look like daisies

View full-size photo

The daisy has the most doubles, and almost all of them belong to the same aster family: gerbera, pyrethrum, perennial asters, coreopsis, echinacea, ox-eye daisy and osteospermum. True chamomile is easy to spot by its hollow conical centre and herbal scent. See our detailed guide to 24 daisy-like flowers.

Flowers that look like calla lilies

View full-size photo

The calla belongs to the arum family, and its look-alikes are its relatives — above all the peace lily and anthurium.

The peace lily is an easy-going plant for an office or home that produces white «sails» even in partial shade. Anthurium has bright, glossy spathes and lasts very well when cut. For calla care see 6 rules for potted callas.

Flowers that look like bellflowers

View full-size photo

• Columbine (Aquilegia) — nodding, spurred flowers in every colour, a cottage-garden classic.
• Foxglove — tall spikes of tubular bells; the whole plant is poisonous.
• Balloon flower (Platycodon) — balloon-like buds open into blue or white starry bells.
• Snake’s head fritillary — nodding spring bells with a chequered pattern.
• Lily of the valley — tiny fragrant white bells; poisonous.

Flowers that look like peonies

Peonies bloom for only a few weeks a year, so florists often use look-alikes:

• Peony-style roses (David Austin Juliet, Pink O’Hara) — lush, many-petalled blooms available all year.
• Ranunculus — a miniature «peony» with dozens of thin petals.
• Double lisianthus — delicate, translucent petals that last up to two weeks.
• Double tulips — a spring alternative with peony-shaped flowers.

Seasonal peonies with delivery in Kyiv arrive in late May.

Tree-like houseplants

View full-size photo

• Chinese hibiscus — grows into a 2–3 m tree in a tub.
• Jade plant (money tree) — a thick trunk and fleshy leaves; it lives for decades.
• Ficus — weeping fig, rubber plant and fiddle-leaf fig are easy to train as small trees.
• Indoor palms and dracaenas — evergreen and refreshing in any interior.

Give a living «tree» from our houseplants range.

FAQ

What can replace peonies out of season?

Peony-style roses, ranunculus or double lisianthus look similar and are available all year.

Can I keep a peace lily in the bedroom?

Yes, but its leaves are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of their reach.

Which flower looks like a calla but grows indoors?

The peace lily (white spathe) or anthurium (bright glossy spathe).

Read also

• Types of flowers: names and photos
• Pink flowers: 10 types for bouquets
• Wildflowers of Ukraine: 47 species

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

About the author →