9 Perfect Peruvian Lily Companion Plants & 5 to Avoid

Transforming my small backyard with eco-friendly practices and companion planting techniques is not just a hobby; it’s my way of life. Today, I’m thrilled to share my insights on Peruvian lily companion plants, guiding you through the best and the ones to avoid to ensure your garden is a flourishing oasis.

Good Companion Plants for Peruvian Lilies (Alstroemeria)

Astilbe

Astilbe, known for its feathery, plume-like flowers and shade tolerance, complements Peruvian lilies by adding texture and depth to your garden. Its preference for moist conditions aligns well with the water needs of Peruvian lilies. To integrate astilbe into your garden:

1. Select a partly shaded area that avoids the intense afternoon sun.
2. Plant astilbe at least 15 inches from Peruvian lilies to allow both plants ample space to flourish.
3. Maintain consistently moist soil, particularly during hot, dry periods.
4. Apply a layer of organic mulch to help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.

For a deeper exploration of astilbe and its compatibility with other garden plants, check out our full discussion here.

Ferns

Ferns bring an elegant, woodland vibe to any garden setting, making them a picturesque companion for Peruvian lilies. Their lush, green fronds contrast beautifully with the vibrant hues of Peruvian lilies. Planting ferns nearby involves:

1. Choosing a location with partial to full shade, mirroring the natural woodland habitat of ferns.
2. Ensuring the soil is rich, well-draining, and consistently moist.
3. Spacing ferns approximately 20 inches apart from Peruvian lilies to prevent overcrowding.
4. Incorporating organic matter into the planting hole to nourish both the ferns and Peruvian lilies.

Bee Balm

Bee balm is a magnet for pollinators and a stunning visual companion for Peruvian lilies. Its vibrant flowers and aromatic leaves enhance biodiversity and beauty in your garden. To plant bee balm with Peruvian lilies:

1. Choose a sunny to partly shaded site with fertile, well-draining soil.
2. Space bee balm plants around 18 inches away from Peruvian lilies to ensure both have room to spread.
3. Water regularly, aiming for moist but not soggy soil conditions.
4. Deadhead spent bee balm flowers to encourage continued blooming throughout the season.

Dive into the world of bee balm and its pollinator-friendly benefits by reading our guide here.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are excellent companions for Peruvian lilies, thanks to their ability to repel unwanted pests while attracting beneficial pollinators. With their vibrant flowers and edible leaves, nasturtiums add both beauty and functionality to your garden. To plant nasturtiums with Peruvian lilies, follow these steps:

1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
2. Plant nasturtium seeds around the base of your Peruvian lilies, ensuring at least 12 inches of space between them.
3. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. As nasturtiums grow, they’ll create a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Discover more about nasturtium companion planting and its benefits in our detailed post here.

Marigolds

Marigolds are not just beautiful; they’re also warriors in the garden, offering natural pest control around your Peruvian lilies. Their strong scent deters pests, making them an ideal companion. Planting marigolds with Peruvian lilies is straightforward:

1. Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
2. Space marigold seeds or seedlings around 10-12 inches apart from Peruvian lilies.
3. Water consistently, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist.
4. Enjoy the dual benefits of pest protection and the vibrant splash of color marigolds bring to your garden space.

Learn more about the protective qualities of marigolds in our comprehensive article here.

Lavender

Lavender, with its soothing fragrance and stunning purple blooms, is a fantastic companion for Peruvian lilies. It helps in repelling deer and rabbits while attracting pollinators. To plant lavender with Peruvian lilies, consider the following:

1. Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
2. Plant lavender plants at least 18 inches apart from Peruvian lilies to ensure ample growth space.
3. Water deeply but infrequently, as lavender prefers drier conditions.
4. Mulch lightly with gravel or sand to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Dive deeper into the advantages of planting lavender alongside Peruvian lilies by reading our full guide here.

Columbine

Columbine offers delicate, nodding flowers that provide a soft contrast to the bold colors of Peruvian lilies. This plant is ideal for adding vertical interest and attracting hummingbirds. Planting tips include:

1. Selecting a site with partial shade to protect columbine from intense afternoon sun.
2. Planting columbines at least 16 inches from Peruvian lilies to give each plant sufficient space.
3. Providing well-draining soil amended with compost to encourage healthy growth.
4. Watering thoroughly but allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.

Hostas

Hostas are beloved for their lush foliage, which comes in various shades and textures, making them a visually appealing companion for Peruvian lilies. They thrive in similar conditions and help to fill in the understory of your garden. To successfully pair hostas with Peruvian lilies:

1. Opt for a shaded to partially shaded spot, as hostas prefer to avoid direct, harsh sunlight.
2. Ensure the soil is rich, moist, and well-draining.
3. Space hostas about 20 inches from Peruvian lilies to accommodate their spread.
4. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Unlock the secrets to growing hostas alongside other garden favorites by visiting our detailed post here.

By carefully selecting companion plants that share similar growth requirements and offer mutual benefits, you can create a garden that is not only beautiful but also ecologically balanced. Each of these companions brings something unique to the table, from attracting pollinators to adding visual depth and interest.

Plants to Avoid as Peruvian Lily Companions

Walnut Trees

Walnut trees release juglone, a compound harmful to many plants, including Peruvian lilies. The toxic substance can stunt growth and even kill surrounding vegetation. To protect your Peruvian lilies, it’s best to plant them well away from any walnut trees. Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure a minimum distance of 50 feet between Peruvian lilies and walnut trees.
2. Consider raised beds or containers for Peruvian lilies if walnut trees are nearby.
3. Regularly check soil health and moisture levels, as walnut trees also compete aggressively for water and nutrients.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees, while stunning and aromatic, are not ideal companions for Peruvian lilies. Their strong roots can out-compete nearby plants for water and nutrients, and the allelopathic properties of their leaves, which can inhibit the growth of surrounding plants, make them poor neighbors for the water-loving Peruvian lilies. To keep your garden harmonious:

1. Plant Peruvian lilies at least 30 feet away from eucalyptus trees to avoid root competition.
2. Consider using barriers or raised beds for your Peruvian lilies to protect their root zone.
3. Regularly monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels, especially if eucalyptus trees are nearby, to ensure your Peruvian lilies are not being deprived.

Black Walnut

As previously mentioned, black walnut trees produce juglone, a substance toxic to many plants, including Peruvian lilies. The toxic zone can extend far beyond the tree’s drip line, as juglone is present in all parts of the tree. To safeguard your Peruvian lilies:

1. Ensure they are planted well outside the root zone of any black walnut trees, generally considered to be at least 50-60 feet away.
2. Use raised beds and barriers to limit the spread of juglone-containing soil to your Peruvian lilies.
3. Regular soil testing can help identify if juglone or other toxic substances may be affecting your plants negatively.

Mint

While mint might seem like a harmless, even beneficial herb to include in your garden, its aggressive growth can make it a problematic neighbor for Peruvian lilies. Mint can quickly overrun garden spaces, competing with Peruvian lilies for water, nutrients, and space. To maintain balance in your garden:

1. Plant mint in containers to prevent its roots from spreading uncontrollably.
2. Keep an eye on any mint planted in the ground, ensuring it doesn’t encroach on the space of your Peruvian lilies.
3. Regularly prune and harvest mint to keep it under control and away from your Peruvian lilies.

Cottonwood

Cottonwood trees are known for their rapid growth and extensive root systems, which can disrupt nearby plantings, including those of Peruvian lilies. Their high water consumption can leave little moisture for surrounding plants, leading to stress and growth issues for your Peruvian lilies. To coexist peacefully:

1. Avoid planting Peruvian lilies near cottonwood trees, or opt for a considerable distance to minimize competition for water.
2. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for your Peruvian lilies to ensure they receive adequate water directly to their roots, bypassing the competitive zone of cottonwood roots.
3. Consider the overall water needs and root behavior of your garden plants when planning placement in relation to large, water-hungry trees like cottonwoods.

Companion Planting Chart for Peruvian Lilies

Here’s the completed table with all good companions for Peruvian lilies and their key benefits. This table serves as a quick reference to understand why these companions are beneficial and how they contribute to a thriving garden ecosystem alongside your Peruvian lilies.

Good Companions	Benefits
Nasturtium	Repels pests, attracts pollinators, adds vibrant color
Marigolds	Natural pest deterrent, promotes a healthy garden environment
Lavender	Repels deer and rabbits, attracts pollinators, adds fragrance
Astilbe	Adds texture and color, prefers similar moist conditions
Ferns	Provides shade and humidity, adds lush greenery
Bee Balm	Attracts pollinators, adds color and height
Columbine	Attracts hummingbirds, adds vertical interest
Hostas	Offers lush foliage and shade, fills understory spaces
Foxglove	Attracts bees, adds height and dramatic blooms

This table encapsulates the essence of companion planting with Peruvian lilies by highlighting plants that not only coexist well but also enhance the garden’s beauty and biodiversity. Each of these companions brings a unique set of benefits, from attracting beneficial insects to adding visual appeal and improving the overall health of the garden. By integrating these companions, you can create a dynamic, vibrant, and healthy garden ecosystem that supports the growth and flourishing of Peruvian lilies and their companions alike. Remember, the key to successful companion planting lies in understanding the needs and benefits of each plant in your garden, ensuring a harmonious and thriving garden space.