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What are some good plants for the "feet" of Daylilies (and Iris, too)?

2 years ago

Hello,

I am in MA, and have been expanding my daylily collection. I noticed that ones I had planted earlier, with periwinkle, or groundcover vinca, seemed to not bloom as well this year. I've re-dug the planting bed, and found that not only had the periwinkle gotten very thick around the feet of the Daylilies, but a nearby Spira bush had put out runners, and these seemed to be competing with the Daylilies.

I'm just NOT a fan of mulch, so I am wondering if there are any suggestions for a groundcover type plant which won't choke out the daylilies. I'm thinking perhaps a small-statured spreading succulent?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

-Jane

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Comments (2)

mantis__oh
2 years ago
Vinca can quickly become a pest, but is useful for difficult areas. Almost anything spreading can become problematic. A succulent may be a good idea, as long as it isn't something like stringy stonecrop, which I curse every year. I never planted it, and it is almost impossible to get rid of. Mulch is not just esthetic, of course, but retains moisture. Hence, you won't find many people here that would want to substitute ground covers for mulch.
JaneOfUpton thanked mantis__oh
JaneOfUpton
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks for the quick response Mantis!

I should probably re-think my distaste for mulch. But in the meantime, I moved some little succulents from elsewhere - they do not seem to be very aggressive, and their roots are quite shallow.

Yes, I agree that anything spreading can become problematic. The next garden bed I'll be re-digging has my irises, and the "creeping lemon thyme" has gotten totally out of control.

I guess that is a big benefit of mulch - it doesn't directly compete!

Thanks,

Jane
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