Introduction
There is a unique thrill in watching a garden bed transform from the fresh, bright greens of early spring into a tapestry of vivid summer colors. If you are looking for a way to keep your garden glowing from June until the first frost, you might have wondered if you can combine two of the most popular summer bloomers: dahlias and lilies. Both plants offer incredible variety, stunning fragrance, and impressive heights, making them a natural choice for any gardener who wants a high-impact display.
At Longfield Gardens, we love helping home gardeners find the perfect combinations to make their yards feel like professional landscapes. Combining dahlias and lilies is not only possible, but it is also one of the most effective ways to ensure a continuous succession of blooms. If you are starting your plans, our Dinnerplate Dahlias and Top-Rated Lilies are a great place to browse. These two plants share many of the same preferences for sun and soil, allowing them to thrive side-by-side with just a little bit of planning.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps of planting these two favorites together. We will cover how to manage their slightly different schedules, how to space them so every bulb has room to grow, and how to design a bed that looks beautiful all season long. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you will find that these two stars are better together.
Pairing dahlias and lilies is a smart design move that guarantees a season full of color and texture.
Why Dahlias and Lilies Make Great Partners
When we think about "right plant, right place," we look for flowers that enjoy the same environment. Dahlias and lilies are a fantastic match because their basic needs are almost identical. They both crave the same "fuel" to produce those big, showy flowers.
Shared Sunlight and Soil Needs
Both dahlias and lilies are sun-lovers. To get the strongest stems and the most flowers, both plants need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. If you have a bright, open spot in your yard, it is likely the perfect home for both.
In terms of soil, both plants are quite picky about one specific thing: drainage. Drainage is simply how fast water leaves the soil after a rain or watering. Neither dahlias nor lilies like to have "wet feet." If the soil stays soggy, the tubers and bulbs can suffer. By planting them together in a well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost, you create an ideal environment where both can flourish.
Successional Blooming Cycles
One of the best reasons to plant these two together is the "hand-off" that happens in the garden. Most lilies, especially Asiatic and Oriental varieties, bloom in early to mid-summer. Dahlias, on the other hand, are the queens of late summer and autumn.
As your lilies finish their spectacular show, your dahlias are just beginning to hit their stride. The leafy foliage of the dahlia can even help hide the fading stems of the lilies as they go dormant. This ensures there are no "bald spots" in your garden beds during the hottest months of the year.
Complementary Growth Habits
Lilies generally grow straight up on sturdy, vertical stems with narrow leaves. Dahlias tend to be bushier and more expansive. When you plant them together, the lilies provide vertical accents that poke through or stand behind the lush, green mounds of the dahlia plants. This creates a layered look that adds depth and interest to your garden borders.
Understanding the Differences
While they are great partners, it is helpful to acknowledge a few differences between them. These differences do not make them incompatible; they just mean you need to adjust your care routine slightly.
Hardiness and Winter Care
The biggest difference between dahlias and lilies is how they handle the winter. Most lilies are very hardy perennials in much of the United States. You can plant them once, and they will return year after year without much intervention.
Dahlias are a bit more tender. In many zones, especially those with freezing winters, dahlia tubers need to be lifted from the ground in the fall and stored indoors. For a climate check before planting, see What Zone Do Dahlias Grow In?. If you live in a warm climate (usually Zone 8 or higher), you might be able to leave them in the ground, but for many of us, this is a seasonal ritual. When planting them together, you just need to be mindful of where the lily bulbs are located so you do not accidentally disturb them when digging up your dahlias in October or November.
Nutrient Requirements
Both plants are "heavy feeders," meaning they use a lot of energy to produce those massive blooms. However, dahlias typically appreciate a bit more consistent feeding throughout the summer to keep their flower production high. Lilies do most of their heavy lifting early in the season. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time usually keeps both happy, followed by a low-nitrogen liquid feed for the dahlias as the summer progresses.
How to Plant Dahlias and Lilies Together
Success starts with the initial planting. Because you are working with two different types of "roots"—a bulb for the lily and a tuber for the dahlia—getting the depth and spacing right is the most important step.
Timing Your Planting
Lilies are typically planted in the spring or the fall. If you are starting a new bed, spring is a great time to put both in the ground. However, you must wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting your dahlias. Lily bulbs can handle cooler soil, but dahlia tubers prefer the soil to be at least 60°F. A good rule of thumb is to plant your dahlias at the same time you would plant tomatoes in your area.
Getting the Depth Right
Getting the planting depth right is a quiet winner for garden success. It protects the plants from temperature swings and gives them a sturdy foundation. For a deeper look at the standard dahlia depth, read How Deep Should I Plant Dahlias?.
- Lilies: Most lily bulbs should be planted deep—about three times the height of the bulb. This usually means about 6 to 8 inches deep. This deep planting keeps the bulbs cool and helps the tall stems stay upright.
- Dahlias: Dahlia tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches deep. The "eye" (the small bump where the sprout emerges) should face upward.
By planting the lilies slightly deeper than the dahlias, you create a tiered underground system that allows them to coexist without their roots getting tangled.
Spacing for Success
Space is the one thing you cannot compromise on. Dahlias need plenty of airflow to stay healthy and avoid issues like powdery mildew. For spacing guidance, see How Close Can I Plant Dahlias?. Depending on the variety, dahlias usually need 18 to 24 inches of space.
Lilies can be tucked in closer to each other, often 6 to 12 inches apart, but they should be given a bit of a "buffer zone" from the dahlias. A good strategy is to plant a group of lilies, then leave a 2-foot gap before planting your next dahlia. This ensures that as the dahlia grows into a large bush, it doesn't completely smother the lily.
What to Do Next: Planting Steps
- Wait until the soil is warm (at least 60°F) before starting your mixed bed.
- Dig a hole 8 inches deep for your lilies and 4-6 inches deep for your dahlias.
- Amend the soil with a bit of compost or well-rotted manure for extra nutrients.
- Space dahlias at least 2 feet away from the center of your lily clusters.
- Water the lilies immediately, but wait until the first dahlia sprout appears before watering the dahlia tubers heavily.
Designing Your Mixed Bed
Now for the fun part: choosing your colors and varieties. With so many options available at Longfield Gardens, you can create almost any look, from a soft pastel cottage garden to a bold, tropical-inspired retreat. For more shopping inspiration, browse our Dahlia Collections.
Height and Structure
Lilies come in various heights. Asiatic lilies are often shorter (2 to 3 feet), while Oriental and Trumpet lilies can soar to 4 or 5 feet. When pairing them with dahlias, consider the ultimate height of both.
- For the back of the border: Pair tall "Tree Lilies" or Trumpet lilies with giant Dinnerplate dahlias. This creates a massive wall of color.
- For the middle of the border: Use mid-sized Oriental lilies and Decorative dahlias.
- For the front of the border: Try dwarf Asiatic lilies with "mignon" or "border" dahlias. These stay compact and bushy.
Color Combinations
Because lilies and dahlias come in almost every color of the rainbow (except for true blue), the possibilities are endless.
- The Classic White Garden: Use white Oriental lilies (like 'Casa Blanca') with white Decorative dahlias. The different flower shapes and textures keep a monochromatic garden from looking boring.
- Sunset Tones: Combine orange and yellow Asiatic lilies with deep red or bronze dahlias. This looks particularly stunning in late August and September.
- Pastel Paradise: Pink and white lilies paired with lavender or soft yellow dahlias create a romantic, airy feel.
Using Foliage to Your Advantage
Don't forget about the leaves! Some dahlia varieties have stunning dark purple or nearly black foliage. These look incredible when paired with the bright, glossy green leaves of a lily. The dark dahlia leaves act as a dramatic backdrop for the bright lily flowers in early summer.
Selecting a mix of early-blooming lilies and late-blooming dahlias creates a "relay race" of color that lasts all season.
Seasonal Care for Your Mixed Bed
Once your plants are in the ground, a little bit of consistent care will keep them performing at their peak.
Watering Correctly, Not Constantly
The secret to watering bulbs and tubers is to water deeply but infrequently. Instead of a light sprinkle every day, give the bed a good soak once or twice a week. This encourages the roots to grow deep into the soil.
When you water, try to aim for the base of the plants rather than the leaves. Wet foliage can lead to fungal issues. If you use mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, it will help keep the soil moisture consistent and prevent the soil from splashing onto the leaves.
Staking and Support
Both tall lilies and large dahlias can become top-heavy when they are in full bloom. A summer rainstorm or a gust of wind can easily knock over a 5-foot stem laden with flowers.
It is best to put your stakes in the ground at planting time. This way, you won't accidentally poke a hole through a bulb or tuber later in the season. For support and bloom care, How to Deadhead Dahlias for More Blooms is a useful companion guide. Use soft twine or garden ties to loosely secure the stems to the stakes as they grow. For dahlias, a sturdy tomato cage can also work well to support their bushy habit.
Deadheading for More Blooms
Deadheading is the process of removing faded flowers. For lilies, you should remove the spent flower head but leave the stem and leaves alone. The plant needs those leaves to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulb for next year's bloom.
For dahlias, deadheading is even more important. The more you cut dahlia flowers, the more the plant will produce. Removing the old blooms prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and keeps the focus on creating new buds.
The Autumn Transition
As the season winds down, you will need to handle your lilies and dahlias differently. This is the only time where planting them together requires a bit of extra care.
Managing the Lily Dormancy
After the lilies finish blooming, the stems will eventually turn yellow and then brown. It is important to leave them until they are completely brown. This is how the bulb "recharges" for next spring. Once they are dry and brittle, you can cut them down to the ground. Since they are hardy, you can leave the bulbs in the soil through the winter.
Lifting the Dahlias
If you live in a cold climate, you will need to dig up your dahlia tubers after the first frost has blackened the foliage. If you need a refresher on planting and later digging the tubers, How Do You Plant Dahlias in the Ground? covers the basics. This is where you must be careful.
- Mark your lilies: It is a very good idea to mark the location of your lily bulbs with a small stake or garden marker earlier in the summer. When you go to dig up your dahlias in the fall, you will know exactly where not to put your shovel.
- Dig wide: When lifting dahlias, start your shovel about a foot away from the main stem and gently pry the tuber clump upward.
- Store safely: Clean the soil off the tubers and store them in a cool, dry place like a basement or crawl space in a box of peat moss or vermiculite.
What to Do Next: Autumn Checklist
- Mark the location of your lily bulbs before their stems disappear.
- Wait for the first frost to turn dahlia leaves brown before digging.
- Cut lily stems only after they have turned completely yellow or brown.
- Carefully lift dahlia tubers with a garden fork, staying clear of lily markers.
- Store dahlia tubers in a frost-free area for the winter.
Common Questions and Simple Fixes
Gardening is a journey, and sometimes things don't exactly as planned. If you run into a hurdle, the answer is usually found in one of the basics.
Why Didn't My Lilies Bloom?
If your lilies didn't produce flowers, the most likely cause is either too much shade or the bulbs were not allowed to recharge the previous year. Ensure they are getting enough sun and that you didn't cut the stems back too early last season. Sometimes, newly planted bulbs need a year to settle in before they put on a massive show.
Why Are My Dahlias Falling Over?
Dahlias are fast growers. If they aren't staked early, they will naturally lean toward the light or buckle under the weight of their own flowers. If your dahlias are already large and leaning, you can still add a stake—just be very careful when pushing it into the ground to avoid the tuber clump.
Managing Pests Naturally
Both dahlias and lilies can attract aphids or slugs. A sharp blast of water from the garden hose is often enough to knock aphids off the stems. For slugs, keep the area around the base of the plants clear of debris and consider using organic slug bait if they become a persistent problem. Planting companion herbs like anise or cilantro nearby can also help attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
Safe Gardening Practices
It is important to remember that while lilies are beautiful, they are highly toxic to cats. If you have feline friends that spend time in your garden, you may want to choose a different companion for your dahlias or ensure the lilies are in an area the cats cannot reach. Even a small amount of lily pollen can be dangerous for them.
Additionally, always follow the instructions on any fertilizer or garden products you use. While we advocate for simple, natural care, keeping your garden safe for pets, children, and local pollinators is part of being a responsible gardener.
A Garden That Works for You
Planting dahlias with lilies is a wonderful way to simplify your gardening life while maximizing the beauty of your yard. By understanding that they share a love for sun and drainage but have different bloom times, you can create a high-performance garden bed that stays vibrant for months.
We believe that gardening should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By getting the basics right—like planting depth, spacing, and sun exposure—you set yourself up for a successful season. These two plants are a testament to the fact that with a little bit of planning, you can have a garden that looks like it belongs on the cover of a magazine.
At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in providing the high-quality bulbs and tubers you need to get started. We stand behind the quality of our plants and are here to support you as you grow your dream garden.
The combination of lilies and dahlias offers a professional-level garden display with beginner-friendly maintenance.
Summary Checklist for Success
- Choose a sunny spot: Ensure the bed gets at least 6 hours of direct sun.
- Check the drainage: Make sure water doesn't pool in the area after rain.
- Plant at the right time: Lilies in spring/fall; Dahlias when the soil is warm.
- Space correctly: Give dahlias 2 feet of breathing room.
- Mark your bulbs: Use stakes to remember where the lilies are during fall dahlia lifting.
- Stay positive: Every season is a learning experience, and both of these plants are very forgiving.
The most important thing to remember is that gardening is about the process as much as the result. Watching a dahlia tuber sprout or a lily bud slowly open is a joy that never gets old. With this pairing, you get to experience that joy twice in one season.
FAQ
Can I plant lilies and dahlias in the same hole?
No, it is best to give them their own space. While they enjoy the same soil and sun, they need room for their root systems to expand. Planting them in the same hole would lead to competition for nutrients and could make it impossible to dig up the dahlia tubers in the fall without damaging the lily bulbs. Aim for at least 12 to 24 inches of space between the center of a dahlia plant and your lily bulbs.
Do I need to fertilize my dahlia and lily bed?
Yes, both are hungry plants. Adding compost to the soil at planting time is a great start. Once the plants are about 6 inches tall, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. For the dahlias, continuing with a water-soluble, low-nitrogen fertilizer every few weeks through mid-summer will help encourage a massive amount of late-season blooms.
Will the dahlias shade out my lilies?
This is a common concern because dahlias grow so quickly and can become quite bushy. To prevent this, plant your lilies on the south side of the dahlias (if you are in the northern hemisphere) or use taller lily varieties that can keep their heads above the dahlia foliage. Proper spacing—giving each plant about 2 feet of room—is the best way to ensure both get the light they need.
Can I grow dahlias and lilies together in containers?
Yes, this can be done in very large pots (at least 15–20 gallons). Use the "thriller, filler, spiller" method. A tall lily can serve as a vertical "thriller," while a smaller "mignon" dahlia acts as the "filler" that covers the base of the lily stems. Just ensure the container has excellent drainage holes, as bulbs and tubers will rot quickly in standing water.
