Selecting the right companion plants for your lilies (Lilium spp.) is about creating a harmonious ecosystem. From the plant's perspective, ideal companions provide benefits like structural support, pest deterrence, and complementary growth habits without competing aggressively for resources. The goal is to build a plant community where each member thrives together.
Lilies grow from bulbs, sending up tall, often top-heavy, flowering stalks. From a plant's viewpoint, neighboring plants that offer subtle structural support are invaluable. Ornamental grasses like Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) or Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) provide a soft, supporting matrix that helps hold lily stems upright without restricting their growth. Furthermore, the lily's basal foliage can be shaded by low-growing, mound-forming perennials. This shade helps keep the lily's root zone cool and moist, which is crucial for its health. Excellent choices for this role include Heuchera (Coral Bells) and Hosta, whose broad leaves act as a living mulch, conserving water and suppressing weeds.
A significant threat to many lilies, particularly Asiatic and Oriental varieties, is the red lily leaf beetle. From a defensive standpoint, interplanting with species that naturally deter this pest is a powerful strategy. Plants in the Allium family, such as ornamental Alliums, Chives, and Garlic, emit a strong sulfurous scent through their foliage and roots that repels the beetle and can even mask the scent of the lilies. Additionally, many aromatic herbs serve a similar protective function. Lavender (Lavandula) and Rosemary release volatile oils that confuse and deter a range of insect pests, creating a safer environment for the lilies to grow.
To ensure visual success and continuous resource availability, companions should flower at different times or offer contrasting forms. Early spring bloomers like Columbine (Aquilegia) and Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) emerge and flower before lilies reach their full size, avoiding competition for light and putting on a show while the lilies are still building energy. For foliage contrast, consider the large, textured leaves of Ferns or the silvery, furry foliage of Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina). These plants create a beautiful textural tapestry at the base of the lilies, ensuring the garden remains attractive even when the lilies are not in bloom.
Understanding root competition is critical. Lilies have moderate nutrient needs and roots that occupy a specific soil layer. Ideal companions are those with non-invasive, shallow root systems that will not compete aggressively for water and nutrients. Many annuals fit this role perfectly. Low-growing Alyssum and Lobelia create a flowering carpet that shades the soil without delving too deep. Similarly, shallow-rooted perennials like Catmint (Nepeta) are excellent, as their roots coexist peacefully with the lily bulbs, allowing both plants to access the moisture and nutrients they need without conflict.
