What to Plant with Daylilies: The Best Companion Plants

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Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are popular for their vibrant colors, hardiness, and low maintenance. Pairing them with the right companion plants can enhance their beauty, improve garden health, and create a stunning garden display. Here’s a detailed guide on what to plant with daylilies to achieve a harmonious and thriving garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Daylilies

1. Pest Control: Certain plants can repel pests that commonly affect daylilies.
2. Enhancing Growth: Some companions can improve soil health and provide beneficial nutrients.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Combining daylilies with complementary plants can create a visually appealing garden design.

Best Companion Plants for Daylilies

1. Hostas (Hosta)

   • Benefits: Provides ground cover, helps retain moisture, and suppresses weeds.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The lush, broad leaves of hostas contrast beautifully with the slender, arching leaves of daylilies.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil.

2. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

   • Benefits: Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The daisy-like flowers of coneflowers add a striking contrast to the trumpet-shaped blooms of daylilies.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

3. Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum)

   • Benefits: Attracts pollinators and provides long-lasting blooms.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The white petals and yellow centers of Shasta daisies create a cheerful contrast to the colorful daylilies.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

4. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

   • Benefits: Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The bright yellow flowers of black-eyed Susans complement the vibrant hues of daylilies.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

5. Yarrow (Achillea)

   • Benefits: Attracts beneficial insects and improves soil health.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: Flat-topped clusters of yarrow flowers add a different texture and height to the garden.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

6. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

   • Benefits: Attracts pollinators and repels pests.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The spiky flowers of salvia provide a striking contrast to the daylilies’ rounded blooms.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

7. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

   • Benefits: Provides ground cover and helps retain moisture.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The silvery, soft foliage of lamb’s ear adds a unique texture and color contrast to daylilies.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

8. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

   • Benefits: Attracts pollinators and provides continuous blooms.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The clusters of phlox flowers add a splash of color and a different texture to the daylily bed.
   • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

9. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

   • Benefits: Drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The airy, lavender-blue flowers and gray-green foliage of Russian sage create a beautiful backdrop for daylilies.
   • Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

10. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

    • Benefits: Drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.
    • Aesthetic Appeal: The succulent foliage and star-shaped flowers of sedum add a unique texture and color contrast.
    • Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting

1. Consider Plant Spacing:

   • Ensure enough space between plants to allow for proper air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

2. Match Growing Conditions:

   • Pair daylilies with plants that have similar sunlight, soil, and water requirements for optimal growth.

3. Plan for Bloom Times:

   • Choose companion plants with staggered bloom times to ensure continuous color and interest throughout the growing season.

4. Monitor for Pests and Diseases:

   • Regularly check your plants for signs of pests and diseases. Early detection and intervention can prevent severe infestations.

5. Maintain Soil Health:

   • Add organic matter to the soil, such as compost, to improve fertility and structure. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

By carefully selecting and planting companions with your daylilies, you can create a vibrant, healthy, and visually stunning garden. Happy gardening!