I have Oriental and Orienpet lilies mixed in my beds for just that reason. They work better than daylilies since they grow vertically and don't really shade the iris plant. Have you thought of iris reticula or sdb's for early bloom with crocus.

Several of my gardens are designed for "four seasons" and I've mixed daffodils,Irises, and daylilies together. They do just fine!

Meg :)

I haven't mixed lilies and bearded iris because of the different soil and moisture requirements. But since it has worked for others maybe I'll try. Sounds great.

I grow mine in the same soil, as far as moisture requirements whats the diffrence? does lilies need more water or less? if more then I think it would work out as they are set so deep in the ground where the iris sets on top so to speak. I was hoping this would work as liles like their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade so I was hoping the flag part of the iris could offer some shade for the lilly roots.

Lavender goes well with iris - same water requirements, had them together for 5 years and this Spring 20F freeze after 80F in March killed the lavender. Replanted it again - it actually hides yellowing foliage of iris in Summer and blooms nicely.

I know this is an old thread but....I have hundreds of them mixed with several varieties and was wondering if anyone has bothered to divide them to thin them out or how well they will do if i just let them do their thing ?