27 Beautiful Perennials That Are Perfect To Plant With Tulips

As the frost of winter melts away and the days become longer, gardeners eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring. This season is known for its vibrant blooms and renewed life. Among the most cherished signs of spring are tulips, with their elegant stems and radiant petals that signal the end of winter has finally arrived. Although tulips can be the star of any garden, pairing them with the right perennial companions can enhance the beauty and longevity of your spring beds. In this guide, we will explore the best perennials to plant with tulips, ensuring a stunning display that returns year after year.

Perennial flowers growing with tulip plants in a flower garden

Best Perennials to Plant with Tulips

1. Grape Hyacinth

Grape Hyacinth perennial plant in the wood

Grape hyacinths, also known as Muscari, are the perfect early spring flowers. They often appear just as the snow melts and tulip bulbs begin to bloom. These small bell-shaped flowers come in shades of blue, purple, or white, and they blend beautifully with tulips. Grape hyacinths prefer well-drained soil and can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas. They look great when planted alongside tulip bulbs, creating a stunning display of colors and textures.

2. Forget-me-not

As the name suggests, forget-me-nots (Myosotis) are an unforgettable sight in spring gardens. These delicate perennial plants showcase clusters of sky-blue blossoms in early spring, creating a picturesque backdrop for tulip blooms. They prefer partial shade and moist soil and weave dense foliage mats, which discreetly conceal fading tulip leaves and help maintain the garden’s aesthetics.

3. Honesty

Image of perennial plant Honesty, or Lunaria Hone

Honesty (Lunaria annua), also known as money plant or silver dollar plant, is a beautiful spring flower that has unique seed pods and delicate purple or white flowers. This biennial plant is easy to grow, as it self-seeds and produces floral displays in successive years. Honesty thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, adding height and texture to flower beds. It makes an excellent companion to tulips.

4. Bluebells

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are a popular favorite in cottage gardens. They spread out over woodland areas with drooping, bell-shaped blossoms in blue and white hues. These perennials thrive in shade and bloom in late spring, making them great partners for post-tulip displays. They can be planted beneath deciduous trees or in rock gardens with moist, well-drained soil. Bluebells create enchanting color tapestries that perfectly complement tulip foliage.

5. Wallflowers

Wallflowers (Erysimum) are beloved plants in spring gardens due to their long-lasting blooms and spicy fragrances. They are available in various colors, such as orange, yellow, purple, and red, which creates a stunning contrast to the pastel hues of tulips. Wallflowers prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and they typically bloom from early spring to early summer, making them excellent companions for tulips.

6. Tiarella

Close up image of pink tiarella sky rocket flowers

Tiarella, also known as foamflower, is a versatile perennial that adds both beauty and texture to spring beds. With its delicate, frothy blooms and attractive foliage, tiarella thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it an ideal companion for tulips in woodland gardens or shady borders. Its low-growing habit and spreading habit also make it an excellent ground cover, suppressing weeds and providing a lush backdrop for tulip blooms.

7. Columbine

Perennial herb Aquilegia vulgaris with blue flowers on a dark blurred background.

Columbine, also known as Aquilegia, is a plant that is known for its unique spurred flowers and graceful foliage. This plant can add elegance to any spring garden and is available in a variety of colors. It thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it a great companion for tulips in mixed borders or cottage gardens. With its long blooming period and appealing foliage, columbine can add interest to your garden all year round and can perfectly complement the beauty of tulip blooms.

8. Daylilies

Orange perennial daylilies growing in a garden

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are a great addition to any spring garden. They are easy to care for and produce an abundance of blooms. Available in a variety of colors ranging from orange and yellow to pink, red, and purple, daylilies make for a stunning tulip backdrop. They are adaptable to various soil types and light conditions and can be used in tulip beds, borders, or rockeries.

9. Hellebore

Closeup image of Hellebore perennials, perfect for growing with tulips

Hellebores, which are also known as Lenten roses, are a beautiful addition to any garden. They bloom early in the spring and have evergreen foliage, providing year-round appeal. These plants thrive in shade and come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and green. This makes them great perennials to plant with tulips in woodland gardens. Hellebores are easy to care for, preferring dry shade and well-drained soil. They add color and texture to spring beds effortlessly.

10. Creeping Phlox

Light lilac flowers of moss phlox and dark blue flowers of moss phlox bloom.

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a ground cover that blooms in the spring and produces dense evergreen foliage. The flowers come in a range of colors including pink, purple, blue, and white. This plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil, which means it’s perfect for rock gardens or borders. It’s a robust plant that can tolerate drought, making it a great choice for an enduring spring display.

11. Liriope

Liriope monkey grass growing in a garden

Liriope, also known as monkey grass, is a versatile plant that is highly valued for its evergreen foliage and delicate flowers. It can adapt to diverse growing conditions, tolerating both full sun and partial shade, as well as moist, well-drained soil. Liriope is a perfect addition to tulip beds, adding both color and texture. It is a low-maintenance plant that produces enduring blooms, making it a popular choice for introducing springtime beauty to any garden.

12. Alliums

walkway of laburnum arches underplanted with alliums

Alliums are popular for their tall and distinctive blooms, which enhance the beauty of spring gardens. These perennials thrive in the sun and come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They make great perennials to plant with tulips in flower beds, borders, and rock gardens thanks to their versatility. Alliums prefer well-drained soil and full sun, which accentuates their boldness and contrasts with the delicate tulip blooms, extending the beauty of the spring garden into early summer.

13. Daffodils

A flower bed with yellow daffodils blooming in the spring garden. In the spring, daffodils of various types bloom in the garden. A blooming daffodil. Blooming daffodils in spring. Spring flowers.

Daffodils (Narcissus) are a symbol for spring, with their bright colors and cheerful blooms. They are versatile companions to tulips, growing in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Daffodils thrive in full sun to partial shade and can grow in a wide range of soil types. They add reliable color and texture to the garden in spring, complementing the vibrant hues of tulips beautifully.

14. Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme with purple flowers growing on the ground in a perennial garden

Creeping thyme (Thymus praecox) is a perennial herb that grows low to the ground. It is highly valued for its aromatic foliage and delicate flowers. Creeping thyme can tolerate full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent companion for tulips in rock gardens, borders, or container plantings. Its trailing habit and drought tolerance also make it perfect for cascading over walls or edging pathways. Additionally, it provides a fragrant and colorful accent to spring beds.

15. Crocus

Beautiful blooming purple crocus flowers growing in a garden

Crocus is one of the earliest spring bloomers. It often pushes through the snow to reveal its cheerful flowers in shades of purple, yellow, and white. These sun-loving perennials are perfect companions for tulips, adding color to flower beds, borders, or naturalized areas. With their ability to tolerate a wide range of soil types and full sun to partial shade, crocuses provide reliable color and texture in the spring garden. They signal the end of winter’s chill and the beginning of a new growing season.

16. Pansy

Pansies are adored for their cheerful faces and vibrant colors. They brighten up spring gardens with their charming blooms. These cool-season annuals thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil, making them ideal companions for tulips in flower beds, borders, or containers. Pansies provide reliable color and texture in the spring garden, complementing the bold hues of tulips beautifully due to their tolerance for cool temperatures and long bloom times.

17. Snapdragon

Colorful snapdragons growing in a perennial garden

Snapdragons are colorful sun-loving annuals that grow in various shades. They add height and drama to spring gardens and make great perennials to plan with tulips. These plants tolerate a wide range of soil types and full sun to partial shade, making them reliable sources of color and texture in the spring garden. Snapdragons attract pollinators and add visual interest to tulip beds.

18. Shasta Daisy

Daisy flowers growing in a field or botanical garden on a sunny day outdoors. Shasta or max chrysanthemum daisies from the asteraceae species with white petals and yellow pistil blooming in spring.

Shasta daisies are a popular choice for their classic white flowers and cheerful appearance. These perennials prefer well-drained soil and full sun, making them perfect perennials to plant with tulips in flower beds, borders, or cottage gardens. With their tolerance for heat and drought, Shasta daisies provide reliable color and texture in the spring garden.

19. Zinnia

Colorful Zinnia flowers growing in a flower garden

Zinnias are prized for their bold, colorful flowers and long-lasting blooms. These sun-loving annuals come in various colors, including shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, purple, and white. This makes them versatile companions for tulips in flower beds, borders, or containers. With their tolerance for heat and drought, zinnias provide reliable color and texture in the spring garden, attracting pollinators and adding visual interest to tulip beds.

20. Nasturtium

Nasturtium flowers in the garden in spring

Nasturtiums are beloved for their edible flowers and trailing foliage that add a touch of whimsy to spring gardens. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal companions for tulips. With their tolerance for heat and drought, they provide reliable color and texture in the garden, attracting pollinators and adding a culinary twist to tulip beds.

21. Marigold

Bright marigold flowers in autumnal garden as a natural background

Marigolds are highly valued for their vibrant and cheerful flowers, as well as their ability to repel pests. They are an excellent addition to any spring garden, providing both beauty and functionality. These annuals thrive in sunny spots and come in a variety of colors, ranging from yellow to red. This makes them versatile and easy to pair with tulips in flower beds, borders or vegetable gardens. Due to their tolerance for heat and drought, marigolds are a reliable source of color and texture in the spring garden.

22. Sweet Alyssum

Garden of purple alyssum flowers growing

Sweet alyssum is prized for its delicate flowers and sweet fragrance, which add charm and allure to spring gardens. These sun-loving annuals come in shades of white, pink, and purple, making them versatile companions for tulips in flower beds, borders, or containers. With their tolerance for heat and drought, sweet alyssum provides reliable color and texture in the spring garden, adding a touch of romance to tulip beds.

23. Dianthus

White red and pink dianthus flowers growing in a flower garden

Dianthus, also known as pinks or carnations, are prized for their fringed flowers and spicy fragrances. These sun-loving perennials come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and purple. This makes them versatile perennials to plant with tulips in flower beds, borders, or cottage gardens. With their tolerance for a wide range of soil types and sunlight requirements, dianthus provides reliable color and texture in the spring garden.

24. Brunnera

Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla), close up of the flower head

Brunnera, also known as Siberian bugloss or false forget-me-not, is prized for its heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers. These shade-loving perennials thrive in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. This makes them ideal companions for tulips in woodland gardens or shady borders. With their tolerance for dry shade and deer resistance, Brunnera provides reliable color and texture in the spring garden, adding a touch of whimsy to tulip beds.

25. Heuchera

Heuchera, a perennial plant in full bloom grown in a botanic garden.

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, are prized for their colorful foliage and delicate flowers. These shade-loving perennials come in a wide range of colors, including shades of green, purple, silver, and bronze. This makes them versatile perennials to plant with tulips in flower beds, borders, or containers. With their tolerance for a wide range of soil types and partial shade, heuchera adds a touch of sophistication to tulip beds.

26. Catmint

Catmint, also known as Nepeta, is a popular plant due to its fragrant leaves and delicate flowers. These perennials thrive in sunny locations and come in various colors, such as blue, purple, pink, and white, making them an ideal companion to tulips in gardens, borders, or containers. Catmint can grow in a wide range of soil types and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. These features make it a dependable option for adding color and texture to spring gardens. Additionally, catmint attracts pollinators, which adds to the beauty of tulip beds and brings a touch of whimsy to your garden.

27. Sage

Sage, known for its aromatic foliage and culinary uses, can also be a delightful addition to spring gardens. With its soft, gray-green leaves and delicate purple or blue flowers, sage adds texture and color to flower beds or herb gardens. This perennial herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a perfect companion for tulips. Additionally, sage attracts pollinators and repels certain pests, enhancing the health and vitality of tulip beds while adding a savory scent to the garden.

What to Avoid Planting with Tulips

Tulips are hardy and adaptable flowers. However, it’s best to avoid planting annuals with shallow roots or plants that spread aggressively. This is because they may compete for nutrients and water, causing stunted growth or overcrowding. Also, be careful when planting tall or heavy-blooming perennials near tulips. They may overshadow the smaller bulbs, reducing their visual impact. To create a beautiful and harmonious spring garden that will enchant the senses and uplift the soul, select companion plants that have similar growing requirements and complement the beauty of tulips.

Daffodils, grape hyacinths and pink tulips all growing together in a flower garden as they make the perfect perennials to grow as companion plants

Conclusion

Creating a stunning spring display that returns year after year requires choosing the right perennials to plant with your tulips. You have a vast range of options to choose from, whether you prefer bold and vibrant blooms or delicate and fragrant flowers. Consider factors such as bloom time, growing conditions, and visual appeal to create a harmonious and visually stunning spring garden that delights the senses and inspires the soul. Experiment with different combinations and discover the perfect companions to plant with your tulips for a truly unforgettable spring experience.

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