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Tulips are one of the most popular flowers globally, which is not surprising at all! Their beauty captures the attention of millions of people worldwide, and it is for this reason that Dutch tulip bulbs are such a beloved pick to have in people’s gardens. And though tulips shine a lot on their own, they do not have to be stand-alone flowers. Contrasting colours and shapes of other plants might make your garden look visually more interesting; thus, choose plants that thrive and can accompany your tulips well. Here is a list of the best plants you can have alongside your tulips.
Contrast and complement your tulips with these perennials
As mentioned before, contrasting colours and shapes can highlight the boldness of tulips. Before the buds of tulips open, a textured backdrop is created through the growth of younger plants. Once the tulips have grown until their full potential, other plants can help with hiding fading blooms and messy foliage. Plants that thrive in the sun and free-draining soil are the best to complement with tulips. In addition, you should also consider whether you will mix tulips in a pot or along the border of your garden: in this way, you can have a complete overview of your garden’s presentation.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
A famous example of flowers that complement tulips well is Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica). These familiar blue flowers grow massively in April and May, and they are the perfect companion for tulips. Their foliage softly complements the long leaves of tulips. Moreover, they are an ideal fit for tulips which are planted in shady spots. Another great thing about bluebells is that they are low-maintenance, making them one of the best plants to accompany tulips.
Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica)
Myosotis sylvatica, commonly known as forget-me-nots, is also a great companion of tulip flowers. They are ideal for creating a ground cover for tulips, as tier green leaves with blue flowers create a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing backdrop for tulips. Moreover, forget-me-nots are long-lasting and make tulips look visually more attractive once they are faded. Forget-me-nots, alongside bluebells, are among the most common perennials planted with tulips, so they are a great choice as complementary plants.
Wallflowers (Erysimum)
Another favourite perennial to plant alongside tulips are Wallflowers (Erysimum). These are very easy to grow and highly colourful, making them a great eye-catcher in most gardens. Most importantly, they are great for the spring and summer, providing long-lasting splashes of bright colours in your predominantly green garden.
Lastly, other popular perennials, usually planted together with tulips, are honesty, tiarella, box, red hebe, grape hyacinth, snowdrop anemone, creeping phlox and many others. Each perennial has its distinct colours and shapes, which complement and contrast tulips in their ways. Depending on which types of tulips you have in your garden, you can choose perennials accordingly.
All in all, in general, most perennials are a great companion to your beautiful and exotic tulips, so make sure to check those out when visiting garden centres. Ask the local flower shops or employees for specific advice. According to the set-up of your garden and your preferences, they can give you the best recommendations fit for your backyard. However, no matter what you choose, a colourful garden will definitely be the result!