17 Best Lavender Companion Plants To Grow In Your Garden

Finding the best plants to complement your lavender can be kind of a challenge if you’re not too familiar with lavender.

Lavender has a vibrant purple hue and distinctive scent and thrives alongside certain types of plants that share similar growing conditions.

In this article, I’ll share a few of the best lavender companion plants, how using lavender can improve the growth of your entire garden, and a few companion plants to keep away from lavender flowers.

Key Takeaways

• Lavender thrives in full sun, well-draining soil, and USDA zones 5-9.
• Echinacea, roses, zinnia, rosemary, and thyme are a few plants that go well with lavender since they enrich the soil with nutrients, deter pests, and draw in beneficial insects. They’ll appreciate it, I promise.
• Pairing lavender with compatible companions creates a harmonious and flourishing garden that requires low maintenance.

Understanding Lavender: A Quick Care Guide

Let’s dive into a brief care guide for lavender. Lavender is known as an easy-to-grow plant in home gardens, which is why it’s loved by many gardeners.

1. Recognize the hardy nature of lavender: As a robust perennial, it flourishes in USDA zones 5-9.
2. Understand sunlight needs: Lavender loves the sun and requires full exposure to grow healthy.
3. Acknowledge soil type: Lavender thrives best in well-draining, dry soil conditions.
4. Consider water requirements: Once established, water your lavender lightly once weekly as it showcases high drought tolerance.
5. Learn about its maintenance needs: With low-maintenance requirements, caring for your lavender is simple and straightforward.

Getting To Know Your Lavender In Detail

Plant Family Lamiaceae (Mint family)	Watering Conditions Well-draining soil, allow the soil to dry between waterings	Mature Size Varies by variety, typically 1-3 feet tall and wide
Soil Requirements Sandy or loamy soil with good drainage; slightly alkaline pH	Sunlight Needs Full sun	Temperature Tolerance Hardy in USDA zones 5-9
Growth Habit Compact, bushy, and woody perennial shrub	Flowering Period Late spring to summer	Flower Color Lavender, purple, blue, pink, or white depending on the variety
Foliage Characteristics Narrow, fragrant, gray-green leaves	Propagation Methods Seeds, cuttings, or division of established plants	Pruning and Maintenance Prune after flowering to encourage bushiness; regular deadheading to promote more blooms
Common Pests and Diseases Aphids, spider mites; root rot, powdery mildew	Companion Planting Roses, sage, thyme, rosemary, and other drought-tolerant plants	Edible Parts Aromatic herb, ornamental plant, essential oil extraction, culinary ingredient
Wildlife Attraction Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies	Toxicity Non-toxic	Special Care Instructions Protect from excessive winter moisture to prevent root rot; avoid overwatering

The 17 Best Companion Plants For Lavender

With endless amounts of plants, finding great companion plants for lavender can get a little overwhelming.

A few fantastic plants are echinacea, roses, sedum, alliums, African daisy, zinnia, rosemary, and sage because of the amazing benefits they provide lavender.

1. Echinacea

Echinacea is first on our list and can be found in North America, making it an excellent companion for lavender in your herb garden.

Echinacea and lavender share similar growing conditions – well-draining soil, full sun exposure, and drought tolerance – making them easy to manage together.

Both plants are also considered low maintenance with high resilience towards summer heat, ideal for the busy gardener.

Both plants also do a fantastic job of attracting pollinators. Echinacea’s large flower blooms create a striking color contrast against the calming purple hues of the lavender plant.

This attractive display draws beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies into your garden while providing an eye-catching spectacle for you to enjoy.

2. Roses

Roses, particularly shrub and floribunda varieties, make exceptional companions for lavender in your home garden.

They share similar growing conditions with lavender. They both require full sun and well-draining soil to thrive.

The beauty of pairing lavender and roses goes beyond their shared hardiness or drought tolerance; the aesthetic appeal they offer is extraordinary.

Both are perennials known for their beautiful blooms, bringing a spectrum of color to any landscaping design whether planted together in borders or pots.

More than just beauty, roses and lavender create a healthy garden ecosystem as they don’t compete for nutrients but rather complement each other’s growth patterns.

Besides being low-maintenance plants perfect for both USDA zones 5-9 and various other zones, their combination offers delightful fragrance throughout the garden – an added bonus that enhances the joy of Mediterranean-style gardening!

3. Yarrow

Yarrow is a fantastic companion plant for lavender, especially if you’re looking to create a low-maintenance and visually appealing garden.

This perennial plant thrives in poor soil conditions and shares many preferences with lavender, including alkaline pH levels of 6.7 to 7.3, low nutrient conditions, and periods of drought.

With its fern-like foliage and flat-topped flower clusters that come in various colors like yellow, pink, or white, yarrow adds stunning beauty to any garden bed or border.

When planted alongside your lavender plants, yarrow attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden. It also helps repel unwanted pests due to its aromatic leaves.

4. Sedum

Sedum is a spectacular companion plant for lavender in your garden. This versatile plant not only adds visual appeal with its various colors and forms, but it also offers practical benefits when paired with lavender.

When planted alongside lavender, sedum can provide shade to keep the soil damp, which is particularly important in hot and dry climates.

Additionally, sedum thrives in well-draining soils, making it a great match for lavender’s preference for sandy or rocky soil types.

With its low maintenance requirements and ability to withstand drought conditions, sedum is an excellent choice to complement your lavender plants and create a stunning garden display.

5. Alliums

Alliums make the perfect companion plants for lavender in your garden. These stunning flowers come in a variety of colors like white, yellow, pink, purple, or blue, and sizes, allowing for fun and creative combinations with lavender.

You can pair them with lavender along the border of your garden or plant them together in pots to create endless combinations.

Both plants need full sunlight and well-draining soil. They are also pretty low-maintenance so they make great choices for beginner gardeners.

In addition to their visual appeal, alliums attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting both plants.

With their deer-resistant properties, alliums are also suitable companions for lavender if you want to keep deer and rabbits out of your garden.

6. African Daisy

African Daisy is a fantastic companion plant for lavender, flourishing in similar sunny conditions and well-draining soil.

This vibrant flowering perennial adds a pop of color to your garden while complementing the beauty of lavender.

Like lavender, African Daisy is highly drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardening.

Pair them together along borders or in pots to create a stunning display that will attract pollinators and add life to your outdoor space.

7. Zinnia

A lovely annual flower that goes well with lavender is zinnia. Since lavender prefers full light, these resilient plants are a great match because of how well they grow in hot, humid climates.

Zinnias come in a wide array of vibrant colors, allowing you to create stunning combinations with the soft purple hues of lavender blooms.

Not only do zinnias add visual appeal to your garden, but they also attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies, creating a lively and buzzing ecosystem.

With low maintenance requirements and their ability to tolerate heat and humidity, zinnias are the perfect choice for adding pops of color and attracting pollinators to your lavender garden.

8. Gaillardia

Gaillardia, also called Blanket Flower, is a beautiful companion plant for your lavender. These two plants both have similar growing conditions. So if you choose to plant them together it should require very little time on your part.

Gaillardia is a drought-tolerant plant, just like lavender, which means they both require minimal watering.

When planted together, gaillardia adds a vibrant splash of color to your garden alongside the soothing hues of lavender.

Gaillardia and lavender attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. This creates an ecological balance in your garden.

Plus, these plants are low maintenance and easy to care for, making them a great choice for any gardener looking to create a stunning and harmonious display border or pot arrangement.

9. Rosemary

Rosemary is considered a classic companion plant for lavender. This aromatic herb shares similar growing needs and maintenance requirements, making it an ideal pairing in the garden.

Both rosemary and lavender thrive in warm climates with well-draining soil, so they can be planted together to create a Mediterranean-style garden that exudes beauty and fragrance.

Rosemary adds a pop of color with its slender leaves and delicate blue flowers. Because of that it also attracts pollinators like bees to the garden, benefiting both plants.

All in all, I’d say rosemary is a win for any garden.

10. Thyme

Thyme is another great option to pair with lavender. These two herbs share similar soil and growing requirements, making them compatible planting partners.

Thyme attracts beneficial insects and pollinators that can also help with the health of your lavender plants.

Plus, thyme provides some much-needed shade for lavender, which thrives in full sun conditions.

Additionally, thyme helps keep the soil damp, providing optimal moisture levels for lavender’s growth.

Combining thyme and lavender creates an aromatic oasis in your garden.

The best part is that thyme is low-maintenance and requires minimal watering, making it an easy choice as a companion plant for lavender.

11. Sage

If you have a small yard or prefer container gardening, sage is the ideal lavender companion plant. It’s a hassle-free addition to your yard because it’s simple to grow and has similar maintenance as lavender.

Not only do both plants emit fragrances that repel bugs, but they also enhance the beauty and style of your garden when planted together.

Sage attracts beneficial insects and pollinators while providing shade and keeping the soil damp for lavender.

Plus, their complementary scents create a delightful aroma in the summer months. We can sometimes get stuck in our ways when it comes to gardening.

Try adding a little diversity to your herb garden and plant some sage alongside your lavender.

12. Oregano

Oregano is a versatile herb that makes an excellent companion plant for lavender in your garden.

Not only does it add visual interest with its lush green foliage, but oregano also attracts bees, providing an extra boost of pollination for both plants.

This fragrant herb loves warm temperatures, direct sunlight, and loose soil. Start using every square inch of your growing space and plant some oregano next to your lavender.

13. Jasmine

Lavender and jasmine make an excellent combination. Like the majority of the plants on this list, jasmine prefers full light and soil that drains well.

With its ethereal white blossoms, jasmine provides a touch of beauty. When placed close to the lavender in your garden, it also adds a lovely smell.

These two plants attract pollinators and beneficial insects, creating a vibrant ecosystem in your garden.

With their contrasting colors and textures, the combination of lavender and jasmine adds visual interest to any landscape design.

Jasmine has the added benefit of providing some shade and guarding lavender plants from pests. These plants are easy to maintain, so you can enjoy their lovely blooms without putting in a lot of effort.

14. Mugwort

When growing lavender in the garden, mugwort makes an excellent companion plant.

It not only has lovely lacy foliage that accentuates the slender stems and fragrant flowers of lavender, but it also has tremendous ecological advantages for the garden.

Mugwort attracts bees and butterflies, which can aid in pollination and lower the amount of pests. This flexible herb is renowned for its capacity to ward off insects like moths and fleas.

Because of this, it’s a fantastic option for safeguarding your lavender plants without the usage of pesticides.

Mugwort is a natural insect repellant that also has medical benefits and can be used in teas.

Mugwort is one of lavender’s ideal partners, so don’t forget to add it if you want to grow a flourishing garden with a variety of plants while admiring its beauty.

15. Catmint

Catmint, also known as Nepeta, is a perfect companion plant for lavender in your garden. These two plants share similar growing conditions and create a beautiful combination of color and texture.

Catmint is a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, just like lavender.

Both plants are drought-tolerant and low maintenance, making them ideal choices for busy gardeners.

Catmint attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the overall biodiversity of your garden while also providing a natural pest control solution.

With its vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage, catmint adds another layer of beauty to any garden bed or border where it is paired with lavender.

16. Blue Fescue

Blue Fescue is a fabulous companion plant to pair with lavender in your garden. This dwarf ornamental grass is known for its stunning silver-blue foliage, adding a pop of color to your landscape.

Not only does Blue Fescue provide visual interest, but it’s also drought tolerant and deer resistant, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice alongside lavender.

Both Blue Fescue and lavender thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them the perfect match.

The compact size of Blue Fescue creates a beautiful contrast with the upright growth of lavender, whether used as a border or filler plant.

Also, its silvery-blue foliage complements the vibrant flowers of lavender, resulting in an eye-catching combination that will enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden.

17. Olives

Olives, like lavender, thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, making them a perfect companion plant for each other. Both plants have similar water requirements, with only light watering needed once a week.

This means that they can be easily cared for together in the garden. Plus, lavender’s nitrogen-fixing abilities can benefit the growth of olive trees without competing for other nutrients.

Planting these two together, you not only create an attractive and low-maintenance landscape but also reduce the need for pesticides and chemicals as lavender repels pests harmful to olives.

The Benefits of Companion Planting with Lavender

Companion planting with lavender offers several benefits for both your garden and the plants themselves.

First, lavender attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden.

The vibrant blooms of lavender also add aesthetic appeal to any landscape or flower bed.

In addition to its visual charm, companion planting with lavender can help deter pests naturally.

Lavender’s strong fragrance repels insects like mosquitoes, moths, and flies, reducing the need for chemical insecticides in your garden.

Plus, certain companion plants like rosemary and thyme have natural pest-repellent properties as well when paired with lavender.

Another advantage of growing compatible plants alongside lavender is that they can provide shade and protection from harsh elements.

Plants like roses can act as a windbreak or offer shelter during extreme weather conditions.

This intermingling creates microclimates within your garden that aid in establishing healthy plant growth.

Lastly, companion planting helps promote biodiversity by creating ecological checks and balances.

By strategically selecting plants that thrive together based on their soil preferences and water requirements, you are fostering sustainable gardening practices while enhancing overall plant health.

4 Plants to Avoid Near Lavender

Before you start choosing plants to grow near your lavender, we need to take a look at some bad companion plants for lavender.

For example, mint, hostas, and impatiens are a few plants that should be avoided near lavender as they have different soil and sun requirements.

1. Mint

Mint and lavender may seem like a natural pairing in the garden, but they actually have different needs that can make them incompatible companions.

While lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, mint prefers partial shade and moist conditions.

Planting them together can lead to a struggle for resources, hindering the growth of both plants.

Additionally, mint’s aggressive spreading habit can overpower the delicate lavender, limiting its space to thrive.

To ensure the health and vigor of both plants, it is best to avoid planting mint near lavender in your garden.

2. Camellias

Camellias may be beautiful flowering shrubs, but when it comes to companion planting with lavender, they are not a suitable match.

Camellias have different soil and light requirements compared to lavender, making them incompatible as companions.

Lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, while camellias prefer partial shade and acidic soil conditions.

Additionally, camellias require consistent moisture levels, which can be challenging to maintain for the drought-tolerant lavender.

3. Hostas

Hostas are not suitable companion plants for lavender due to their incompatible light requirements.

Lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, while hostas prefer shady areas with moist soil.

Planting them together can lead to competition for resources, resulting in poor growth and health for both plants.

So if you’re planning a lavender garden, it’s best to avoid including hostas in the mix.

4. Impatiens

Impatiens should be avoided as companion plants for lavender. While both plants are beloved for their vibrant colors, they have incompatible needs when it comes to soil, sunlight, and water requirements.

Lavender prefers sandy, well-drained soil, full sun exposure, and tolerates hot summer temperatures with ease.

On the other hand, impatiens thrive in shady areas with moist soil conditions.

Planting these two together may lead to compromised growth and health for both plants.

It’s best to choose companions that share similar preferences and can enhance the beauty of your lavender garden with harmonious growth and aesthetics.

The Best Conditions for Lavender to Grow

Lavender plants thrive in specific conditions that mimic their native Mediterranean climate.

To ensure the best growth and a healthy harvest, it’s essential to provide lavender with the ideal environment.

Lavender requires full sun exposure for at least six hours per day, so make sure to plant them in an area that receives plenty of direct sunlight.

Second, well-draining soil is crucial as lavender dislikes wet feet and can suffer from root rot if exposed to excessive moisture.

Sandy or loamy soil types are perfect as they allow water to drain away quickly without becoming waterlogged.

Also, lavender likes slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. If your garden’s soil is acidic, try adding lime to raise the pH level.

When it comes to irrigation, be mindful not to overwater lavender plants as they are highly drought tolerant once established. Light watering once a week should suffice unless there has been an extended period without rain.

It’s worth noting that proper spacing is vital when planting lavenders as they appreciate good air circulation around their foliage and roots.

This helps prevent diseases such as powdery mildew caused by poor airflow and high humidity levels.

By providing your lavender plants with these optimal growing conditions – full sun exposure, well-draining soil, slightly alkaline pH levels, and limited watering needs – you’ll be rewarded with robust and fragrant bushes that will brighten up your garden while attracting bees and butterflies alike!

Key Rules of Companion Planting with Lavender

• Choose companion plants that have similar soil and sunlight requirements as lavender.
• Avoid planting high-nitrogen plants near lavender to prevent over-fertilization.
• Plant lavender in well-draining soil to prevent root rot and ensure optimum growth.
• Keep lavender away from shaded areas as it requires full sun exposure.
• Incorporate lavender with other drought-tolerant plants for a water-wise garden.
• Consider planting lavender alongside herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano for a fragrant culinary garden.
• Create a diverse ecosystem by including pollinator-friendly plants alongside lavender to attract beneficial insects.

Final Thoughts

Your garden’s beauty and health can be improved by finding the ideal lavender companion plants.

Whether you choose vivid flowers like echinacea, roses, or yarrow or prefer aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, these complementary plants will not only create a spectacular visual display but will also help each other’s growth.

Selecting the best lavender companions from the list above will almost guarantee gardening success.

However, like anything worth having, it will require some work, so enjoy the process. 

FAQs About The Best Lavender Companion Plants

How far apart should I space my lavender plants from their companions?

Spacing between lavenders and their companion plants depends on the specific variety of lavenders being grown as well as the growth habits of the companion plants.

Generally, you want about 18-24 inches between individual plants although distances could vary.

Which lavender varieties grow well with other plants?

English lavender, Spanish lavender, and French lavender are just a few varieties that tend to grow well close to other plants.

Make sure you follow each plant’s specific planting requirements so you don’t create issue in the long run.

Does lavender need to be planted near other plants?

Lavender doesn’t necessarily need to be planted near other plants, but it can benefit from the companionship of certain plants that complement its growth.

Can lavender be planted next to rosemary?

Yes, lavender and rosemary are great companion plants and can be planted next to each other in the garden.

Can lavender be planted near plants that require more water?

It is not recommended to plant lavender near plants that require more water than lavender, as it prefers well-drained soil.