Lilly Pilly Companion Plants: The Perfect Addition to Your Garden

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Are you looking for the perfect companion plants to go with your lilly pilly bushes? Look no further! In this article, we'll explore some of the best options for lilly pilly companion plants, and why they make such a great addition to any garden.

Lilly Pilly Companion Plants: What Are They?

Before we dive into the best lilly pilly companion plants, let's first define what we mean by "companion plants." Essentially, these are plants that are grown in close proximity to one another, and that benefit each other in some way. This might mean that they attract pollinators, repel pests, or simply look great together!

When it comes to lilly pilly companion plants, there are a few key traits to keep in mind. First, you'll want to look for plants that can tolerate similar growing conditions to your lilly pillies. This might include factors like soil type, sun exposure, and water needs. Additionally, you might look for plants that complement the look and feel of your lilly pillies - for example, plants with similar foliage or flowers.

The Best Lilly Pilly Companion Plants

Now that we know what lilly pilly companion plants are, let's dive into some specific examples. Here are 15 of the best options to consider:

1. Acacia Limelight

Acacia Limelight is a small shrub that makes an excellent companion plant for lilly pillies. It has bright yellow-green foliage that complements the darker leaves of the lilly pilly, and it also attracts bees and other pollinators.

Why it Works:

Acacia Limelight is a hardy plant that can thrive in similar growing conditions to lilly pillies. It also provides a nice contrast to the darker foliage of the lilly pilly, and its bright color can help draw attention to your garden.

2. Blueberry Bushes

Blueberry bushes are another great option for lilly pilly companion plants. They provide a delicious harvest of fruit each year, and their attractive foliage and flowers make them a great addition to any garden.

Why it Works:

Blueberry bushes have similar soil and water requirements to lilly pillies, and they also attract pollinators that can help your lilly pilly bushes thrive.

3. Lavender

Lavender is a classic garden plant that pairs well with many different shrubs and trees - including lilly pillies! Its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage make it a great addition to any garden.

Why it Works:

Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant that requires similar growing conditions to lilly pillies. Additionally, its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which can help increase the health and vitality of your garden.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is another herb that makes an excellent companion plant for lilly pillies. Its fragrant leaves and delicate flowers make it a great addition to any garden, and it's also a popular culinary herb.

Why it Works:

Rosemary is a tough, hardy plant that can tolerate similar growing conditions to lilly pillies. Additionally, its fragrance can help repel pests like mosquitoes and flies.

5. Kangaroo Paw

Kangaroo Paw is a unique, Australian native plant that makes an excellent companion for lilly pillies. Its unusual flowers and attractive foliage make it a great addition to any garden.

Why it Works:

Kangaroo Paw is a drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in similar growing conditions to lilly pillies. Additionally, its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which can help increase the health and vitality of your garden.

6. Dianella

Dianella is a tough, resilient plant with beautiful blue-green foliage that pairs well with lilly pillies. It's also known as "flax lily," and it's a popular choice for borders and mass plantings.

Why it Works:

Dianella can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including those found in many lilly pilly gardens. Its attractive foliage provides a nice contrast to the darker leaves of the lilly pilly, and it's also a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care.

7. Grevillea

Grevillea is another Australian native plant that makes an excellent companion for lilly pillies. Its unique flowers and attractive foliage make it a great addition to any garden.

Why it Works:

Grevillea can tolerate similar growing conditions to lilly pillies, and its flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators.

8. Gardenia

Gardenia is a classic garden plant with fragrant white flowers that make it a great addition to any garden. It pairs particularly well with lilly pillies thanks to its similar soil and water requirements.

Why it Works:

Gardenia requires similar growing conditions to lilly pillies, and its fragrant flowers can help add a pleasant aroma to your garden.

9. Sage

Sage is another popular herb that makes an excellent companion for lilly pillies. Its fragrant leaves and attractive flowers make it a great addition to any garden, and it's also a popular culinary herb.

Why it Works:

Sage can tolerate similar growing conditions to lilly pillies, and its fragrance can help repel pests like mosquitoes and flies.

10. Salvia

Salvia is a colorful, low-maintenance plant that pairs well with many different shrubs and trees - including lilly pillies! Its vibrant flowers make it a great addition to any garden.

Why it Works:

Salvia requires minimal care and can thrive in similar growing conditions to lilly pillies. Additionally, its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which can help increase the health and vitality of your garden.

11. Echium

Echium is a unique, eye-catching plant with tall spikes of blue or purple flowers. It pairs particularly well with lilly pillies thanks to its similar soil and water requirements.

Why it Works:

Echium can tolerate similar growing conditions to lilly pillies, and its striking flowers can help add visual interest to your garden.

12. Tea Tree

Tea Tree is another Australian native plant that makes an excellent companion for lilly pillies. Its fragrant leaves and delicate flowers make it a great addition to any garden.

Why it Works:

Tea Tree can tolerate similar growing conditions to lilly pillies, and its flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

13. Lomandra

Lomandra is a tough, resilient plant with attractive spiky foliage that pairs well with lilly pillies. It's also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for borders and mass plantings.

Why it Works:

Lomandra can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including those found in many lilly pilly gardens. Its attractive foliage provides a nice contrast to the darker leaves of the lilly pilly, and it's also a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care.

14. Hellebores

Hellebores are a unique, shade-loving plant with beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors. They pair particularly well with lilly pillies thanks to their similar soil and water requirements.

Why it Works:

Hellebores can thrive in the shade and require similar growing conditions to lilly pillies. Additionally, their flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which can help increase the health and vitality of your garden.

15. Nandina

Nandina is a tough, resilient plant with attractive foliage that comes in shades of green, yellow, and red. It pairs particularly well with lilly pillies thanks to its similar soil and water requirements.

Why it Works:

Nandina can tolerate similar growing conditions to lilly pillies, and its attractive foliage provides a nice contrast to the darker leaves of the lilly pilly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grow lilly pillies in pots?

Yes, lilly pillies can be grown in pots - but you'll want to select a large enough container to accommodate their root systems.

2. How often should I water my lilly pillies?

Lilly pillies prefer evenly moist soil, so you'll want to water them regularly - particularly during hot, dry weather.

3. Do lilly pillies attract pests?

While lilly pillies are generally pest-resistant, they can occasionally attract scale insects or caterpillars. Regular pruning and monitoring can help keep these pests under control.

4. Can I plant lilly pillies in full sun?

Yes, lilly pillies can tolerate full sun - but they may need more frequent watering in these conditions.

5. How often should I fertilize my lilly pillies?

Lilly pillies benefit from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer, particularly during the growing season. Consult with your local nursery or garden center for specific recommendations.

By selecting the right companion plants, you can help your lilly pillies thrive and create a beautiful, cohesive garden design. Whether you opt for fragrant herbs, colorful flowers, or attractive foliage, there's a perfect lilly pilly companion plant out there for you!

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