9 Plants You Should Never Grow Next to Tulips

Many colorful tulips close-up in the garden — Photo:
IRINA NAZAROVA / Getty Images

Tulips are one of the first signs that spring is on the way; while they're relatively easy to grow, it's important to do everything possible to guarantee these flowers' success—from choosing superior bulbs to covering them with well-drained, quality soil.

For example, planting tulips near the wrong neighbors might hinder your chances of seeing these colorful buds. Whether you’re filling window boxes or lining a garden path, it’s imperative that you avoid putting specific plants nearby, as they'll compete for nutrients, throw too much shade, or even attract hungry pests. Here, experts provide their insight on what you should avoid planting near your tulips.

01 of 09

Brunnera

Tulips need full sun to light shade, so it's best not to plant them with shade-loving perennials like brunnera—also called Siberian bugloss. “With its attractive, heart-shaped leaves, brunnera blooms in spring with blue flowers that look like forget-me-nots,” says Peggy Anne Montgomery, a horticulturist with Flowerbulb.eu. “They are hardy in zones 3 through 9 and will tolerate dry conditions once established; they'll spread to form an excellent ground cover.”

02 of 09

River Birch Trees

Tulips need well-drained soil and will rot with too much moisture, so don’t plant them near moisture-loving plants. “Planting them under a river birch tree, for example, probably isn’t the best idea—these trees generally prefer wet locations,” says Nicole Dillon, a micro-flower farmer and owner of Breemar Flower Farm. “Cardinal flower, buttonbush, swamp milkweed, and Joe Pye weed are other examples of plants that prefer wet conditions and should be avoided.”

03 of 09

Daffodils

Although tulips need well-drained soil, they are thirsty plants that need lots of water to bloom—so planting them alongside daffodils isn't recommended. “You may like the idea of these spring blooms in your flower garden, but daffodils—another plant that grows from a bulb—compete with tulips for water and nutrients,” says Hannah Bonham Blackwell, founder and lead creative director at Southside Blooms. “In vases, the daffodil sap can actually poison your tulips, drastically shortening their life.”

04 of 09

Walnut or Magnolia Trees

Saucer Magnolia Tree — Meindert van der Haven / GETTY IMAGES

As the largest plant in the area, tree roots will be the first to take sunlight, nutrients, and moisture, according to Barbara Arnold, a senior horticulture designer with the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. “Walnuts and magnolia trees are associated with allelopathy, which is a tree survival mechanism to prevent root competition,” she says. “Because of this, very few plants will grow under them, including tulips.”

05 of 09

Hellebores

Hellebores, also called Lenten rose, are another shade-loving perennial that Montgomery warns against planting near tulips. “Hellebores bloom in late winter when few other plants produce flowers and are perfect for shady spots in the garden,” she says. “It's best to cut their foliage back in the fall so the early spring flowers are visible.”

06 of 09

English Ivy

Avoid planting tulips with aggressive ground covers, like English Ivy and vinca. “These vines can overtake tulip bulbs with their aggressive root systems and deprive the bulbs of nutrients,” says Dillon. “While pretty, these plants are very invasive. They should be removed from your property so they don’t out-compete tulips—or any other plants in your garden.”

07 of 09

Lilies

You may think that similar flowers make for good growing companions—but Blackwell advises against it. “Tulips grow from a bulb, which multiplies underground year after year, so you don’t want to plant them close to lilies, which also multiply underground,” she says.

08 of 09

Hostas and Daylilies

Hosta plants — Irina Kosheleva / Getty Images

Tulips are a favorite food for deer, so it's best not to plant them near other deer treats, like hostas and daylilies. “Hostas are considered ‘deer candy,’” says Montgomery. “Daylilies are another indestructible perennial that deer love. The flowers are also edible for humans and make dramatic decorations on salads and cakes.”

09 of 09

Carrots

It's best not to interplant tulips with root vegetables since rodents like moles and voles are attracted to carrots and beets. “What a disappointment it would be to plant your bulbs in the fall only to have them disappear as a tasty snack for our furry underground friends—or foes,” says Dillon.

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