Daylilies are tough and don’t need a lot of maintenance. They have bright and lovely flowers that are easy to grow.
But not all plants work well when planted with daylilies. They can attract pests, fight over nutrients and stop them growing.
So if you want your daylilies to grow well then keep the following plants away from them.
Why Compatibility Matters in the Garden
Some plants work together. They share nutrients and keep pests away. But others do the opposite and stop growth, take all the nutrients and bring to the garden insects that will do damage.
Knowing which plants don’t work together can make all the difference in your garden.
So let’s look at the plants that shouldn’t be planted with daylilies.
1. Iris
Iris and daylilies might seem like a good match but they fight over space and resources.
Why Iris is a Problem:
- Root Competition: Both plants grow and crowd each other, which can cause problems with their growth.
- Nutrient Depletion: Iris needs a lot of nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium, which can take if all out of the the soil for daylilies.
2. Peonies
Peonies are beautiful but they don’t work well next to daylilies.
Why Peonies are a Problem:
- Different Growth Cycles: Peonies grow slowly and need soil that doesn’t get disturbed but daylilies spread a lot and can upset peony roots.
- Nutrient Needs: Peonies need rich soil, and daylilies can take the nutrients from soil quickly.
3. Hostas
Hostas and daylilies both like the same sort of environments but they don’t work well with each other sadly.
Why Hostas are a Problem:
- Shade Competition: Hostas like the shade and daylilies need lots of sun. If planted together one of them is going to suffer.
- Moisture Differences: Hostas like the soil to stay moist but daylilies can deal with drier conditions.
4. Black Walnut Trees
Black walnut trees release a toxic substance that affects any plants close to it, daylilies included.
Why Black Walnut Trees are a Problem:
- Juglone Toxicity: They release juglone which can stop daylilies growing and cause them to wilt.
- Shade Issues: Black walnuts make a lot of shade which stops the light from getting to daylilies that they need.
5. Mint
Mint is a grower fast can take over a garden quickly.
Why Mint is a Problem:
- Invasive Growth: Mint spreads fast and can stop Daylilies from growing properly.
- Water Competition: Mint needs lots of water which can cause problems for daylilies that need the soil to stay drier.
6. Ajuga
Ajuga, or bugleweed, is a groundcover that has bright leaves and flowers but grows quickly and aggressively.
Why Ajuga is a Problem:
- Aggressive Spread: Ajuga spreads quickly and as it grows it can overwhelm plants like daylilies.
- Competition for Nutrients: Its fast growth can take nutrients from the soil and leave much less available for plants close to it.
7. Vinca
![Greenwood Nursery: Live Ground-Cover Plants - Vinca Minor + Lesser/Dwarf Periwinkle - [Qty: 50 Bare Roots] - (Click for Other Available Plants/Quantities)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61kEKTyxCPL._SL500_.jpg "Greenwood Nursery: Live Ground-Cover Plants - Vinca Minor + Lesser/Dwarf Periwinkle - [Qty: 50 Bare Roots] - (Click for Other Available Plants/Quantities)")
Vinca, which is also known as periwinkle, has cute flowers and attractive leaves but it grows too strongly for some other plants.
Why Vinca is a Problem:
- Invasive Nature: Vinca spreads fast and can take up space the daylilies need and fight over space and nutrients.
- Difficult to Control: Once established vinca can be hard to remove and so it becomes an issue if planted with others.
8. Canna Lilies
Canna lilies are tropical plants and may not work well with daylilies.
Why Canna Lilies are a Problem:
- Different Water Needs: Canna lilies like the soil to stay moist and this can result in conditions that are too wet for daylilies making root rot more likely.
- Size Disparity: Canna lilies can grow quite tall, which will cast shade over daylilies and stop them from getting the light they need.
9. Lavender
Lavender is known for it’s scent but it has a lot of different needs from Daylilies.
Why Lavender is a Problem:
- Soil Preferences: Lavender likes soil that’s alkaline and well draining but daylilies like moist, slightly acidic soil.
- Watering Conflicts: Lavender doesn’t need a lot of water and can struggle with overwatering but daylilies need more consistent water.
10. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses can compete with daylilies.
Why Ornamental Grasses are a Problem:
- Root Competition: Many ornamental grasses have lots of roots that can fight with daylilies for nutrients and water.
- Space Encroachment: The way they spread can crowd out daylilies, stopping them from growing and blooming.
11. Groundcovers with Vigorous Growth
Certain groundcovers can be good for suppressing weeds but at the same time too aggressive when planted with daylilies.
Why Vigorous Groundcovers are a Problem:
- Smothering Effect: Groundcovers like ivy or creeping jenny can stop Daylilies from growing properly.
- Nutrient Depletion: The fact they spread so quickly can mean they fight for nutrients and make daylilies struggle.
Good Companions for Daylilies
Some plants work well with Daylilies and won’t fight with them and instead help them grow better.
- Echinacea: Brings pollinators to your garden and doesn’t fight over resources.
- Salvia: Keeps bad pests away and grows in similar conditions.
- Sedum: Looks good with daylilies and is low maintenance.
Tips for Successful Companion Planting
- Space Awareness: Make sure plants have enough room to grow without overcrowding each other.
- Soil Testing: Check the nutrient levels in your soil so plants don’t fight against one another.
- Pest Prevention: Don’t use plants that attract similar pests.
Final Thoughts
If you plan your garden beforehand then the plants will work together instead of fighting each other. Your Daylilies will have a much better chance of growing successfully if you avoid the 11 plants found here.