How to Companion Garden With Cherry Trees & Lilies

Purchase lilies and a cherry tree to plant. Cherries grown for fruit have white flowers, while those grown for their flowers come in shades of white and pink -- either can be grown with lilies. Many of the flowering cherry varieties also have burgundy foliage. It is best to use a full-size cherry, rather than a dwarf, so the canopy is higher and more light is let in to the understory for the lilies. Plus, lilies have an erect, upright growth habit that combines well with a taller tree. Lilies vary considerably in their cold hardiness, so pick one that is locally adapted. While any lily can be planted with a cherry tree, the Asiatic or martagon types are easier to grow than the Oriental lilies. White or other light-colored lilies will show up best against the grey bark and dark green or burgundy leaves of cherry trees.

Select a planting location suitable for both plants. Cherries need at least six hours of sun each day, but lilies can tolerate a bit more shade, which makes them suitable for growing under cherry trees; the martagon class of lilies is the most shade-tolerant. Avoid locations where other trees or buildings would cast additional shade so you don't rob too much light from the lilies. Both plants require excellent drainage and grow best in a rich, fertile loam.

Spread 2 or 3 inches of compost over the planting area and mix it into the soil to a depth of 6 inches using a digging fork. Lilies like relatively acidic soil conditions -- and cherries will tolerate a fairly low pH -- so if the soil is alkaline, spread an inch of shredded peat moss over the soil and mix it in along with the compost. If planting in clay soil or a low-lying area, grade the soil into a low, broad mound.

Plant the cherry tree in the center of the planting area and plant the lily bulbs in clumps around it. Plant the lilies at least 6 or 8 feet from the trunk of the cherry, leaving space to grow more shade-tolerant perennials as a backdrop between the lilies and the trunk of the cherry. Group different types of lilies in clumps of five or seven scattered around the periphery of the cherry. The planting depth and spacing of lily bulbs varies considerably depending on the variety, so follow the planting instructions that come with them. Cherry trees and lilies can be planted together in spring or fall -- or the cherry can be planted as a "bare root" specimen in winter and the lilies added another time.

Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the planting area to conserve soil moisture. This also helps to keep the lily roots cool, which is one of the secrets to growing them successfully. Neither cherries or lilies are drought-tolerant, so water whenever the top 1/2 inch of soil becomes dry.

Prune the cherry each winter for form and fruit production. Pruning to an "open-center" or vase-shaped form will allow the maximum sunlight through to reach the lilies. Remove the lower limbs of the cherry tree, as well, to avoid crowding the lilies -- a good rule of thumb is to maintain a single trunk on the bottom one-third of the tree and then let the branches grow. The lily flowers should be removed as they fade each year and the stalk can be cut to the ground after the first frost in fall.