Brilliant Ideas!
Are you wondering what you can plant with mature lilac? You’d be surprised to know that there are a number of amazing plants that work well in the same garden as a mature lilac.
Pamela asked “Can I plant peonies in the same soil as a big lilac plot? I’ve tried hydrangea in the same spot, and they didn’t do well, little foliage and they didn’t flower.”
The Answer!
Yes, you can plant peonies in the same plot as a big lilac and grow hydrangea there too!
Here’s what you need to know!
The roots of a mature lilac extend beyond the drip line (the outermost edges of the branches) by at least 1.5 to 2 times the width of the canopy. Understanding the size of the lilac’s root zone is crucial because these mature roots absorb most of the water in this area, resulting in drier soil conditions. If you plan to plant in the root zone of a mature lilac, you’ll need to provide additional water for the new plants. This means you should hand-water them at least three times a week during the first growing season and twice a week in the second growing season. During periods of drought or hot weather, you may need to water your new plants daily.
Here’s what I did!
Like Pamela, I have a mature lilac in my front yard. I’ve planted Annabelle hydrangea next to the lilac because I wanted summer blooms, and I really like hydrangeas. The Annabelle hydrangea took about three years to establish. I only had small leaves and no flowers for the first couple of growing seasons. But I didn’t give up! I kept giving the hydrangeas extra water, knowing patience and perseverance are key in gardening. In the third summer, I was rewarded with blooms. As a side note, Annabelle hydrangea needs little or no fertilizer. Overfeeding Annabelle will produce weak, skinny stems, excessive leaf growth, and little or no flowers. You only need about four tablespoons per 4 square feet for Annabelle plantings. Hydrangea naturally requires a lot of water, especially in a sunny location, so you may need to water Annabelle’s daily.
Yes, you can plant a peony in the lilac plot. I grow a pretty pink lacey peony in the same garden as my mature lilac. I did have to cut through a few of the fine lilac roots to plant the peony; however, they both seemed happy. Peonies aren’t too fussy. They like full sun and shelter from strong winds and don’t like to be planted too deeply. When planting container-grown peonies, ensure the roots are placed at the same level as in the pot when placed in the planting hole. If you bury peony roots too deep, you will have tons of foliage but no blooms.
Mature lilac garden design!
From a design perspective, planting peonies with lilac means lots of blooms in late spring but no blooms in the summer or fall. If you have the space in your lilac garden and want summer and fall blooms, here are a few of my suggestions for companion plants that work well.
Numerous flowering shrubs and perennials work well as companions for mature lilacs. Most of the above perennials are available in a wide range of colours, textures, and heights. Try a few with your mature lilac to create colour throughout the season.
Happy Gardening!
Lexi Dearborn