GOOD COMPANIONS
Making the most of these beautiful flowers in your border is best done with clever companion planting. Daylilies have gorgeous sword-like leaves, similar to the iris, which in themselves are structural and strong. Add in more textures and colour interests to the border to support the delicate flower. These plants, below, are lovely options that will work well no matter which variety of daylily you choose as your star flower.
1. Echinops: Echinops, or globe thistles, are great structural plants to support other perennials. The round flowers are so beautiful and the purple blue foliage is a perfect companion for the daylily.
2. Nepeta varieties: These are just wonderful because of their ruffled spires and blue colour. Together with any of the daylilies, they will give a lovely cool contrast and give fluffy texture to the scheme.
3. Phlox paniculata ‘Blue
Paradise’: Border phlox works in almost any scheme. With daylilies, it adds a little softness to the flower level. The multitude of flowers on one head makes a nice contrast the one strong flower on the lily. The delicious scent is an added bonus!
4. Erysium ‘Bowles
Mauve’: This is one addition that just keeps blooming and supports the daylily when there are small gaps in flower. It works very well with the light-coloured daylilies such as the white, largeflowered ‘Gentle Shepherd’.
5. Astelia ‘Silver Shadow’: For a bit of evergreen structure, the astelia is a wonderful addition. Its silver, sword-shaped leaves act as great support both structurally and visually to surrounding planting, and will be a welcome addition when all other perennials die down in the autumn. A very useful companion.