A well-planned garden border transforms from an array of individual plants to a cohesive collection around mid-summer. Lilies are tall and strong features of this transformation. They waft fragrant scents throughout the garden. However, mixing summer lilies with other flowers is more intricate than it seems. Neighbors to your lilies can elevate the beauty of both.
Consider The Characteristics of Lilies
After understanding the characteristics of lilies, you can think about what flowers to mix them with. Lilies can range from 24-60 inches and have a range of flowers that face outward. Some types of lilies are shorter and flower first while others are taller and more fragrant.
Timing is also important when planting flowers that bloom with your lilies bulbs . Lilies flower in July, meaning their companions should be flowering in July or late summer. A lily shouldn’t be flowered with companions that finish blooming in June or don’t arrive until September.
Color and Structure
Lilies definitely grab your attention. Red Orientals and orange Asiatics can dominate if you don’t surround them with other plants. White agapanthus, soft lavender, and blush echinacea all work well to accompany the striking boldness of the lily. A pale companion will allow the lily to lead.
There is no denying the striking beauty of bold combinations. A formal or natural setting can be enhanced with orange lilies and purple salvias. The salvia also assists with its long flowering which will fill in gaps at the start and end of the flowering for the lily.
For structure think about what is beneath the lilies. Lilies Bulbs planted through a low ground cover such as creeping thyme or hardy geraniums gain from the lower stem of the lily being covered. Geraniums are a great choice as they can cover ground without being tall enough to compete for the bulbs.
Good Companions Worth Considering
Dahlias – The flowering periods of some later flowering types of Dahlias overlap with Orientals which is a positive.
Alliums – These will finish flowering before the bulk of lilies bloom, but adding them will extend the display and add height and structure.
Phlox – Known for its height, Phlox will start flowering to add fragrance to the garden which may be a nice surprise, as their soft, bloom clusters contrast well with the large, angular lily flower.
Crocosmia — Pairs nicely with orange or red lilies; the flexible stems add dimension to a rigid border.
Cosmos. Ideal filler. It has a light, open structure that meets design needs without stressing the soil.
A Practical Planting Guide
Depth and drainage have the most impact on a lily’s longevity in a garden. Most lilies bulbs prefer well-drained soil and may die from a poor drainage system. Waterlogging during winter is a concern and can be avoided if heavy soil is mixed with grit around the lily bulb upon planting.
Proper spacing is also a concern. If lilies bulbs are too close together, they will compete for light, and the flowers will end up facing inward, rather than outward. It is suggested to plant lily bulbs with a gap of at least 20 to 25 cm, and for larger Oriental varieties, an even greater distance is better.
A Note on Height Sequencing
One common mistake when planting lilies bulbs is putting taller summer flowers in front of them and not taking into account the eventual height of the lilies. Lily bulbs grow quickly in late spring, so a placement with height difference that seems logical in late spring can be poorly designed by late summer. When planting a new flower combination, always start by checking the maximum height of all flowers involved.
It is generally observed that the simplest flower combinations create the most pleasing and logical flower beds. Include a single flower companion of similar color and bloom time to the plant of choice, and make sure to give each combo plenty of space.
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