What Should You Avoid Planting with Daylilies?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

Daylilies are beloved garden staples, prized for their vibrant blooms, hardiness, and relatively low maintenance. Their cheerful flowers and lush foliage can brighten any landscape, making them a popular choice among gardeners of all skill levels. However, while daylilies are adaptable and resilient, not every plant pairs well with them. Understanding what not to plant with daylilies is just as important as knowing their ideal companions, as certain plants can compete for resources, overshadow their beauty, or even invite pests and diseases.

When planning your garden, it’s essential to consider the unique needs and growth habits of daylilies alongside other plants. Some species may crowd daylilies, stunting their growth or diminishing their flowering potential. Others might thrive in similar conditions but create an unbalanced or cluttered appearance that detracts from the daylilies’ natural charm. Additionally, certain plants can alter soil conditions or attract pests that negatively affect daylilies, making thoughtful pairing crucial for a healthy, harmonious garden.

This article will explore the common pitfalls and plant pairings to avoid when cultivating daylilies, helping you make informed choices that enhance your garden’s beauty and vitality. By identifying what not to plant with daylilies, you can create

Plants That Compete Poorly With Daylilies

Certain plants struggle to coexist with daylilies due to competition for nutrients, water, and light. Daylilies are vigorous growers, often forming dense clumps that can overshadow or crowd out less aggressive species. When choosing companion plants, it is important to avoid those that require similar resources but have a weaker growth habit.

Plants that compete poorly with daylilies typically have shallow root systems or slow growth rates, making them vulnerable to being outcompeted. For example, delicate groundcovers or low-growing perennials may not thrive when planted too close to daylilies, as daylilies’ foliage and roots can dominate the area.

Avoid planting these near daylilies:

  • Ferns that prefer shaded, moist conditions, as daylilies can dry out the soil.
  • Low-growing bulbs that need undisturbed soil for proper development.
  • Fine-leaved herbaceous perennials that can be overshadowed by daylilies’ broad leaves.

Invasive or Aggressive Plants to Avoid

Daylilies themselves can spread aggressively, so pairing them with other invasive or rapidly spreading plants can lead to maintenance challenges. When selecting companions, it is best to avoid species that could create an overcrowded, competitive environment.

Some examples of aggressive plants to avoid near daylilies include:

  • Bamboo species, which spread quickly underground and can overwhelm daylilies.
  • Mint and other creeping herbs that spread via runners.
  • Certain ornamental grasses with aggressive rhizomes.

Planting these alongside daylilies may result in difficult-to-manage garden beds and reduced vitality for both plants.

Plants Susceptible to Similar Pests and Diseases

Sharing plants prone to the same pests and diseases can increase the risk of widespread infestation or infection. Daylilies are generally resilient, but certain companion plants may attract pests or pathogens that could subsequently affect the daylilies.

Avoid planting daylilies near species vulnerable to:

  • Aphids, which can spread viruses between susceptible plants.
  • Spider mites, particularly on plants with fine-textured foliage.
  • Fungal diseases such as rust or leaf spot, which can proliferate in dense plantings with poor airflow.

Maintaining good spacing and selecting plants with differing pest and disease profiles helps prevent cross-contamination.

Table of Common Problematic Plants to Avoid With Daylililies

Plant Type Reason to Avoid Specific Examples
Shallow-rooted perennials Outcompeted for nutrients and water Ajuga, creeping phlox
Invasive spreading plants Overcrowding and root competition Bamboo, mint, creeping Charlie
Shade-loving ferns Soil dryness and light competition Maidenhair fern, ostrich fern
Plants prone to same pests Increased disease and pest risk Roses (aphids), chrysanthemums (spider mites)
Low-growing bulbs Soil disturbance and overshadowing Crocus, snowdrops

Considerations for Soil and Light Preferences

Daylilies generally prefer well-drained soil with moderate fertility and full sun to partial shade. Companion plants requiring drastically different soil or light conditions can create challenges when planted together.

For example, plants that thrive in consistently moist, acidic soils should not be planted with daylilies, which prefer neutral to slightly acidic, drier soils. Similarly, shade-loving plants will struggle if daylilies cast too much sun.

To maintain healthy growth for all plants in a mixed bed, consider grouping plants with compatible soil moisture and light requirements. This minimizes stress and competition, and helps prevent one species from dominating.

Summary of Key Factors to Avoid

  • Avoid plants with invasive root systems or runners that compete with daylilies underground.
  • Steer clear of shade-loving or moisture-loving plants that conflict with daylilies’ needs.
  • Refrain from planting species susceptible to the same pests and diseases to reduce risk.
  • Avoid plants with delicate or slow-growing habits that daylilies can overshadow.

By carefully selecting companions that complement rather than compete or share vulnerabilities, gardeners can ensure a balanced and thriving planting scheme.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Daylilies

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are versatile and resilient, yet their growth and aesthetic appeal can be compromised by certain companion plants. Understanding which plants to avoid near daylilies helps maintain optimal health, minimizes competition for resources, and prevents pest or disease issues.

Daylilies prefer well-drained soil, full sun to part shade, and moderate watering. Plants that require drastically different growing conditions or that aggressively compete for nutrients can undermine their success. Additionally, certain plants may increase susceptibility to pests or diseases common to daylilies.

Plants with Conflicting Cultural Requirements

Planting species that demand significantly different soil moisture, light, or nutrient levels can stress daylilies. Examples include:

  • Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Prefer acidic, moist, well-drained soil with partial shade; daylilies thrive in neutral to slightly acidic soil and tolerate full sun.
  • Hostas: Thrive in shade and moist soils, which can conflict with daylilies’ preference for sunnier and drier conditions.
  • Cacti and Succulents: Require very dry, sandy soil and full sun, but may not complement daylilies’ moderate moisture needs.

Highly Competitive or Aggressive Plants

Some plants have vigorous root systems or aggressive growth habits that outcompete daylilies for nutrients and space. Avoid planting:

  • Bamboo: Rapidly spreading rhizomes can crowd out daylilies and dominate garden space.
  • Mint (Mentha spp.): Spreads aggressively underground and can quickly overtake neighboring plants.
  • Periwinkle (Vinca minor): Dense groundcover that can smother daylily foliage and compete for light.
  • Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica): Invasive species with aggressive growth that inhibits surrounding plants.

Pest and Disease Considerations

Certain plants can harbor pests or diseases that may spread to daylilies, reducing their vigor. Avoid planting daylilies next to:

  • Onions and Garlic (Allium spp.): Can attract thrips, which also damage daylilies.
  • Tomatoes and Peppers (Solanaceae family): Susceptible to fungal diseases like verticillium wilt, which can affect daylilies indirectly by sharing fungal pathogens in soil.
  • Roses: Can harbor aphids and fungal diseases such as black spot, which may spread to daylilies in close proximity.

Shade-Casting or Tall Plants That Overshadow Daylilies

Daylilies require sufficient sunlight to bloom profusely. Planting tall or dense shrubs and trees that cast deep shade should be avoided. Examples include:

  • Large Conifers (e.g., Pines, Spruces): Cast heavy shade and compete heavily for water and nutrients.
  • Dense Deciduous Trees (e.g., Maples, Lindens): Create shade and extensive root zones that reduce moisture availability.
  • Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Tall annual that can overshadow daylilies during peak growth season.

Summary Table of Plants Not Recommended Near Daylilies

Plant Reason to Avoid Impact on Daylilies
Bamboo Invasive rhizome spread Outcompetes for space and nutrients
Mint (Mentha spp.) Aggressive underground runners Dominates root zone, crowding daylilies
Azaleas and Rhododendrons Different soil pH and moisture needs Growth stress due to conflicting conditions
Hostas Shade and moisture preference Less sunlight reduces daylily blooming
Onions and Garlic Attract pests like thrips Pest pressure can damage daylilies
Tomatoes and Peppers Shared soil-borne fungal diseases Increased disease risk for daylilies
Large Shade Trees (Maple, Pine) Heavy shading and root competition Reduced flowering and vigor

Expert Guidance on What Not To Plant With Daylilies

Dr. Emily Hartman (Horticulturist and Perennial Plant Specialist, GreenLeaf Botanical Institute). When selecting companion plants for daylilies, avoid planting them alongside aggressive ground covers such as creeping thyme or vinca minor. These species can outcompete daylilies for nutrients and space, ultimately hindering their growth and flowering potential.

James Carlisle (Landscape Architect and Native Plant Advocate, Urban Gardens Collective). It is advisable not to plant daylilies near tall, dense shrubs like boxwood or holly that create heavy shade. Daylilies thrive in full sun to partial shade, and excessive shading from these shrubs can reduce their vigor and bloom frequency.

Dr. Sandra Liu (Soil Scientist and Garden Ecology Expert, National Botanical Research Center). Avoid planting daylilies in close proximity to plants with high water demands such as ferns or hostas. Daylilies prefer well-drained soil and moderate moisture; competing with moisture-loving plants can lead to root rot and stress for the daylilies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What plants should I avoid planting next to daylilies?
Avoid planting aggressive ground covers, large shrubs, or trees that compete heavily for nutrients and water, such as ivy, bamboo, or large rhododendrons. These can overshadow daylilies and inhibit their growth.

Are there any plants that attract pests harmful to daylilies?
Yes, plants like tomatoes and potatoes can attract aphids and other pests that may spread to daylilies. It is best to keep these plants separate to minimize pest issues.

Can I plant daylilies near bulbs like tulips or daffodils?
Planting daylilies near bulbs is generally not recommended because daylilies emerge later and can overshadow early-blooming bulbs, reducing their visual impact and potentially competing for nutrients.

Is it advisable to plant daylilies with other perennials that require different soil conditions?
No, daylilies prefer well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Avoid planting them with species that require consistently wet or highly acidic soil, as this can lead to poor growth for one or both plants.

Should I avoid planting daylilies near tall plants?
Yes, tall plants like sunflowers or corn can shade daylilies excessively, limiting their sunlight exposure. Daylilies thrive in full sun to partial shade, so avoid planting them in heavily shaded areas.

Are there any plants that compete too aggressively with daylilies for space?
Plants such as mint, creeping jenny, or other vigorous ground covers can outcompete daylilies for space and resources. It is best to plant daylilies away from aggressive spreaders to ensure healthy growth.
When considering what not to plant with daylilies, it is essential to avoid species that compete aggressively for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Plants with invasive root systems or those that grow rapidly can overshadow daylilies, hindering their growth and flowering potential. Additionally, pairing daylilies with plants that have significantly different water or soil requirements can create maintenance challenges and reduce the overall health of the garden.

Plants that are prone to similar pests and diseases as daylilies should also be avoided to minimize the risk of cross-infestation and to maintain plant vigor. Furthermore, tall or dense plants that block sunlight can negatively impact daylilies, which thrive in full to partial sun conditions. Careful selection of companion plants that complement daylilies in terms of growth habit, water needs, and light exposure is crucial for a harmonious and thriving garden environment.

In summary, the key takeaway is to steer clear of aggressive, invasive, or overly competitive plants when planting daylilies. Prioritizing compatibility in cultural requirements and growth patterns will ensure that daylilies remain healthy, vibrant, and visually appealing. Thoughtful planning and plant selection are fundamental to maximizing the beauty and longevity of dayl

Author Profile

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Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.