Group Planting: How to Style Your Trumpet Lilies with Other Plants

Trumpet lilies are a stunning addition to any garden, with their tall, elegant blooms and vibrant colors. To maximize their visual impact, grouping them with other plants can create a lush, harmonious display. Proper styling not only enhances their beauty but also supports their growth and health.

Understanding Trumpet Lilies

Trumpet lilies (Lilium longiflorum) are known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in summer. They thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. Their tall stems and striking flowers make them ideal focal points in garden beds.

Choosing Companion Plants

  • Foliage plants: Hostas and ferns add texture and contrast.
  • Low-growing flowers: Daylilies and coreopsis provide color at the lily’s base.
  • Climbing plants: Clematis can be trained nearby for vertical interest.
  • Bulb plants: Daffodils and tulips bloom earlier and complement lilies.

Design Tips for Group Planting

When styling your trumpet lilies with other plants, consider height, color, and bloom time. Group taller plants behind shorter ones to create depth. Use contrasting colors to make the lilies stand out or harmonious shades for a more unified look.

Spacing is crucial to prevent overcrowding. Ensure each plant has enough room to grow and access nutrients. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, supporting healthy growth for all plants in the group.

Example Planting Combinations

  • Classic combination: Trumpet lilies with white hostas and purple clematis.
  • Bright and bold: Red lilies, orange daylilies, and yellow coreopsis.
  • Soft and subtle: Pink lilies with lavender salvia and soft ferns.

Maintenance Tips

Group planting requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent seed formation. In fall, cut back lilies and other perennials as needed, and apply a layer of mulch for winter protection.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly to maintain a vibrant, thriving garden.