Lilacs are easily one of the most beloved shrubs in American gardens, and for good reason—they look stunning and smell even better. While a lilac bush can certainly hold its own as a focal point, many gardeners want to pair them with other plants to create a more layered look.
The Challenge of Planting Under Lilacs
I’ll be honest with you: finding the perfect “roommates” for your lilac isn’t always a walk in the park. First, you need plants that thrive in the same conditions and soil types that lilacs love. That means they need to handle:
- Occasional dry spells,
- Plenty of airflow,
- Lots of direct sun, and
- Loose, sandy, well-draining soil.
The real kicker, though, is the lilac’s root system. These shrubs are vigorous growers with deep, wide-reaching roots that love to send out suckers several feet away. This aggressive root growth can actually “choke out” more delicate neighbors. But don’t worry! You’ve probably seen beautifully underplanted lilacs before, so it’s definitely doable. You just need to know a few tricks.
How to Pair Your Lilacs with Other Plants
The best time to plan your garden layout is when your lilac is still young. At this stage, the root ball is small, giving other plants a chance to get established without much competition. Just make sure your chosen companions won’t compete for the same nutrients or block the lilac’s sun. Pro tip: Installing a root barrier around your lilac can save you a lot of headaches later on!
Here are some of my favorite plants that look gorgeous and grow well alongside lilacs:
- Classic spring bulbs (Crocuses, Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinths),
- Siberian Squill (Scilla),
- Lily of the Valley,
- Catmint,
- Baby’s Breath,
- Marigolds,
- Violets,
- Lenten Roses (Hellebores),
- Oregano and other hardy herbs,
- Fall Asters, or
- Irises.
Slender bulb plants are particularly great because they can tuck right in between the lilac’s roots. They’re usually tough enough to handle the competition, too. Just make sure you plant the bulbs deep enough—I highly recommend using a bulb planter tool. It makes punching deep, clean holes in the soil a breeze. Just clear away any lilac suckers near your planting spot, drop the bulb in, cover it with soil, and give it a good drink of water.
