What should I avoid planting near tulips?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Companion planting selections play an important role in the health and longevity of tulips. Avoid planting species that have opposing growth demands too close to the tulip beds. Some species will compete for resources, while others will create undesirable conditions. I have gained experience in trials with these combinations when they went wrong. Those who love water create bulb-rotting moisture. Those that spread aggressively will destroy fragile roots. Consider how close you can be to space to prevent these variables.
Moisture-Hazard Plants
- Avoid water-loving species like astilbe and primrose
- Excess moisture causes fungal bulb rot
- Plant drought-tolerant companions instead
Aggressive Root Systems
- Prevent shallow-rooted spreaders like mint and ivy
- Their invasive roots damage developing bulbs
- Choose clump-forming perennials like heuchera
Summer-Watering Species
- Avoid plants needing summer irrigation like hydrangeas
- Dormant tulips rot in moist summer soil
- Select summer-dormant companions like poppies
Root competition puts stress on tulip bulbs. I don't recommend planting shallow-rooted annuals such as pansies or violas too close to established bulbs. Their root mats are so thick that the bulbs can't absorb sufficient nutrients. I keep 12 inches of cleared space around tulip clusters. Deep-rooted perennials, like lavender, work well as companions and won't disrupt the bulbs.
Problems with summer dormancy are the most significant issue that arises. Tulips cannot withstand wet conditions over the summer, while perennials bring moisture. In my garden beds, I created zones of watering. I have planted the moisture-loving plants down slope from the tulips. This keeps my dormant bulbs from being accidentally saturated each watering.
To ensure disease prevention, we need to avoid certain plant families. We do not plant tulips with tulips or any other bulb species that share the same pests. I rotate planting locations each year to control disease cycles. Fungal pathogens, such as botrytis, easily move between closely related plants. The separation through distance in ground planting limits the spread of infection substantially.
Useful companions improve tulip growth without competition. Daffodils help prevent rodent problems, and alliums reduce aphid populations. I companion plant tulips with these protectors. Alyssum is a low-profile ground cover that does not compete with other plants for roots. These companions form a healthier display than troublesome companions.
Read the full article: When to Plant Tulips for Spring Success
