What to plant with tulips bulbs in Garden in Summer

What should I plant to get tulips blooming all summer long?

Crocus, Grape Hyacinth, Brunnera, and Daylily are our best picks to Plant with Tulips for all-summer blooms. When planting tulips, it is important to pair them with companion plants that have similar needs. This includes plants that need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and well-draining soil. Additionally, you can plant tulips with other companion plants that animals don’t like as a way to keep away pests. Unfortunately, critter repellants are not helpful, because determined animals become used to the taste and smell.

What perennials to plant with Tulips

When planting tulips, it is important to consider the best perennials to pair with them. Perennials that are native to woodland areas and have delicate foliage make good companion plants. It is also important to avoid perennial plants that need frequent watering and fertilizing during the summer months, as they can rot your tulip bulbs. If you must water or fertilize your perennials, do so in the early morning or evening when the sun is not as strong.

1. Crocus

   Crocus bulbs are smaller than tulip bulbs, but they can be planted in the same bed as tulip bulbs. Crocus bulbs come up first thing in the springtime and will bloom alongside tulips to create a layered look in the Flower bed. There are many different varieties of Crocus that bloom at different times, so you can have blooms all season long!

2. Virginia Bluebells

   In shadier areas, Virginia bluebells make an excellent partner for tulips. They have attractive foliage that softly contrasts with the tulips’ lengthy leaves. They are among the best perennials to plant with tulips because they require little care.

3. Grape Hyacinth

   Grape Hyacinth, or Muscari, is an early spring bloomer that pairs well with tulips. It typically blooms a few weeks before tulips and has a similar appearance. Larger hyacinth variants might also go well with tulips that are in bloom. They will add height to the garden and can help to fill in any gaps left by the tulips. Muscari/Grape Hyacinth tends to be purple or lavender-blue in color.

4. Snowdrop Anenome

   The Snowdrop Anenome (Galanthus nivalis) is a charming European woodland perennial that is drought-resistant and does not require extensive watering. It has foliage similar in color to tulip leaves, which can somewhat camouflage the dying tulip foliage after the tulip bloom. The Snowdrop Anenome is a popular gardening choice and can be found at many garden centers.

5. Brunnera (Forget-me-not)

   There are many different types of forget-me-not flowers, but they are most frequently blue or purple in hue. They feature heart-shaped, silver and green leaves. They are frequently cultivated as part of landscapes and gardens.

   In addition, Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla) is a flowering plant that is native to Europe. The beautiful foliage of Brunnera stays attractive throughout the summer, making it a great choice for a border or filler in your tulip garden.

6. Creeping Phlox

   Creeping Phlox is a popular option for planting with tulips in spring because it blooms around the same time and has complementary colors. Creeping Phlox allows the withering Tulip leaves to peek through, but the charming tiny flowers more than make up for it!

What flowers go with tulips

1. Columbine and speedwell

   Columbine and Speedwell are two flowers that bloom just after tulips, keeping your garden colorful throughout the summer. Columbine flowers come in a wide array of colors, including two-toned shades, so you can match them to your tulips with ease. Speedwells, also called Veronicas, come in many sizes and can be planted in the early spring or fall.

2. Bluebells

   Bluebells are a type of flower that typically has blue flowers. They can be found blooming in masses through April and May. They are often planted in gardens alongside tulips because tulips grow low to the ground and bluebells have clumps of flowers that make for an attractive display. Additionally, bluebells are known to attract bees and other pollinators.

3. Catnip, sage, and rosemary

   All three of these herbs are herbaceous perennials- which means they come back year after year. Additionally, they offer a variety of benefits to your garden. Catnip is a favorite of many cats, but it also has edible properties- catnip tea is a common home remedy for sore throats. Sage and rosemary are both flavorful herbs that you can add to many dishes as companion plants. They are sedate but steadfast companions in the garden.

4. Wallflowers

   Wallflowers are a type of flower that can be planted in woodland settings. They do well with dappled shade and like to have their roots moist. There are a variety of different wallflowers, but the most common are tulips. Tulips come in a range of colors and can be used to brighten up any setting. Another option for a wallflower is the primrose or apricot wallflower. These flowers have a sweet smell and come in a variety of colors. Finally, green ferns make for an excellent addition to any flower arrangement as they add freshness and greenery.

5. Tiarella

   Tiarella is a genus of flowering plants that thrive in the sun and free-draining soil. They are typically found at the edge of a woodland glade. When planting tiarella, consider their companions- pink tulips and bluebells. Consider the flowering times to ensure your garden has color all season long.

6. Daffodils

   Daffodils are a type of flower that blooms in early spring. They have a natural toxin that deters rodents, so they are a good choice for gardens and landscapes where you want to keep pests away. Daffodils and tulips share some similarities, such as their size and the shape of their leaves.

7. Baptisia

   Baptisia is a beautiful flowering plant that is drought tolerant and can be found in shades of pink, white, or purple. Once late spring arrives, it will bloom abundantly. Deer tend to leave Baptisia alone once it becomes established in the landscape.

8. Hyacinths

   Hyacinths are a type of tulip that many people choose to plant because they contain toxic alkaloids. This means that other plants in the garden will not be harmed if they are planted near hyacinths. They also last for weeks and return reliably for years, making them a good choice for those who want to enjoy their flowers for a long time. Hyacinths come in a rainbow of colors, meaning there is sure to be one that matches your taste.

9. Alliums

   Alliums are a type of plant that is both edible and ornamental. They have globe-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. One interesting thing about alliums is that they tend to repel rodents, so they can be a good choice for planting near tulips or other plants that tend to attract rodents.

Other Best Companion Plants for Tulips

1. Box (Buxus sempervirens)

   The clipped shape and structure of boxwood can be interplanted with deep red tulip ‘Pretty Woman’, leathery-leaved Hosta sieboldiana, pale pink aquilegia and bleeding heart. The lush foliage of the softer plants and the delicate, nodding flowers accentuate the formality of the tulips and the well-clipped box.

2. Red hebe

   Red hebe is a plant that can be found in gardens across the world. It is recognizable by its red tulip-like flowers that grow among its low-lying green leaves. Hebe shares similar requirements for sun and well-drained soil, making it the perfect companion plant for red tulips.

3. Bronze fennel

   Bronze fennel is an attractive addition to any garden. The foliage is a good foil for many different colors and the blooms provide an informal mood to the display. Florence fennel works in ornamental borders and can be used as a cut flower. The flowers attract insects and birds.

4. Honesty

   The tulip ‘Queen of the Night’ is a biennial that has white or purple flowers. When allowed to naturalize, it contrasts well with bold, formal tulips. The translucent seed heads are used in dried flower arrangements.

5. Fritallaria

   Fritallaria is a flower that grows in certain parts of the world. It has a distinct smell, which animals will be able to smell but humans will not. This can be useful for hunters who want to avoid being detected by their prey or for people who are trying to get close to animals without scaring them away.

6. Dwarf Lilac

   Dwarf lilacs are a newer variety of lilac that have been bred to stay petite. This makes them ideal for smaller gardens or landscapes, where they will not take up too much space. Additionally, because deer and rodents do not generally eat lilacs, they make a good choice for homeowners who are worried about those pests. Dwarf lilacs also rebloom later in the season, providing color well into fall.

7. Virginia Bluebells

   Bluebells are a type of wildflower that can be found in many parts of the world. They are known for their bell-shaped flowers and blue color. Bluebells grow in large clumps and can naturalize over time. They are native to North America but can be found in other regions as well. Bluebells make great companion plants for tulips, and they often grow better when planted together.

8. Hardy Geranium

   Hardy geranium is an excellent plant to use as a cover for fading tulip foliage. It has a low-mounding form and is deer-resistant, making it a great choice for any garden. Its leaves are pretty, spicy-scented, and delicate flowers of purple or pink in late spring.

9. Pansies and Violas

   Pansies are a great flower to plant if you don’t have an issue with garden grazers. They come in many colors and can easily blend into any shade of tulip. Additionally, they are appealing and nibblers, so only plant these if you don’t have an issue with garden grazers.

10. Russian Sage

    Russian Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial plant that is deer and rabbit resistant. It has attractive silvery-green foliage and amethyst purple flowers. Salvia officinalis has the botanical name of sage, which is also the name of a genus of plants in the mint family. Both culinary and medicinal properties are attributed to sage.

Tip to Help Your Tulips Bloom (Again & Again):

Most types of tulips will only bloom the first year or two and then fizzle out. However, there are some plants that do return for years in the right conditions. With a bit of planning and care you can enjoy a bold, cheerful, long-lasting tulip display each spring.

What Pairs Well With Tulips?

Tulips can be paired with other blooms to create an even more impressive display. Some popular combinations include tulips with daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses. Tulips have three seasons: Early spring, mid spring and late spring. This means that they can be paired with a variety of different flowers depending on the time of year. For example, early spring tulips can be paired with flower bulbs that bloom before them, while late spring tulips can be paired with flowers that bloom after them. When choosing which flowers to pair with your tulips, it is important to consider the colors of both the tulips and the other flowers. You want to make sure that there is a pleasing contrast between the colors of the flowers.

What Not to Plant with Tulips:

In addition, there are a few plants that you should avoid planting near tulips. This is because the tulips may not grow as well or they may get sick. First, avoid planting tulips near shade-loving plants, such as Brunnera, astilbe, or hellebores. Second, avoid planting tulips near plants that deer or rabbits love, such as Black-Eyed Susan and balloon flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are tulips annuals or perennials?

Tulips are officially perennials, but only in specific places. They need cold winters and hot dry summers to perform at their best. If they don’t get these conditions, they will die after one season.

What to plant over tulips or after tulips die?

When your tulips finish blooming, their foliage will start to die and turn yellow. This can be unsightly, but there are perennials that you can plant over the tulips or after the tulips have died that will hide the dying and yellowing foliage. One example of a perennial that will do this is daylilies.

Can I plant something on top of tulip bulbs?

Yes, you can plant something on top of tulip bulbs without damaging them. However, keep in mind that the tulips will not look as good over the years and you may eventually want to replant them. Another option is to layer bulbs together and dig them up when the bloom is over so you can refresh them – this just takes a bit of practice.

What can I grow with tulips to hide dead foliage?

When your tulips are finished blooming, their foliage will start to die and turn yellow. This can be unsightly, but there are perennials that you can plant with your tulips to hide the dead foliage. Daylilies are a good example of a perennial that will hide the dying and yellowing foliage of tulips.

Are hyacinths annuals or perennials?

Hyacinths are a perennial plants, which means they will bloom again in subsequent years if provided with the proper care. They are typically planted in the fall and will bloom during late winter or early spring.

Can I plant annuals over tulip bulbs?

Tulip bulbs prefer to be kept completely dry over the summer, which is why annual plants don’t grow well planted over them. If you water the annuals, your tulip bulbs are more likely to deteriorate.

Also, Read
What to Plant under Pine Trees
Best Hostas Companions Plants
What to plant after tomatoes
Best Salvias Companion Plants
Onion Companion Plants
What to plant after Potatoes in your Garden
Peony Companion Plants
What to plant with Shasta Daisies
What to Plant in a raised garden bed : Guide for Beginners
Best Companion Plants For Iris
Best Sunflower Companion Plants
Daylily Companion Plants
What to Plant in November in your Garden
What to Plant with Watermelon