What To Plant With Lavender

Companion Plants for Lavender

When planning your garden, it’s important to choose companion plants that will not only enhance the beauty of your lavender but also provide functional benefits. Companion planting involves selecting plants that have a mutually beneficial relationship with each other, promoting healthy growth and deterring pests. Here are some excellent companion plants that pair well with lavender:

Rosemary: This aromatic herb shares similar growing conditions with lavender and is known to improve the oil content and fragrance of lavender flowers. Both plants repel pests like mosquitoes and moths, making them a stunning and effective combination.
Sage: Sage is a hardy herb that thrives alongside lavender. It adds a contrasting texture to the garden and its pungent scent helps to deter pests. Plus, both plants are attractive to bees and beneficial insects, making them a dynamic duo for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Thyme: Like lavender, thyme appreciates well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. These two herbs complement each other visually, with their delicate foliage and clusters of small flowers. Thyme also acts as a natural ground cover, protecting the soil and preventing weed growth around lavender plants.
Marigold: This vibrant, cheerful flower offers more than just a burst of color in the garden. Marigolds repel aphids and nematodes, which can be harmful to lavender plants. Planting marigolds around your lavender can act as a natural pest control method, while creating a visually pleasing display.
Agastache: Also known as hyssop, agastache is a beautiful perennial that features tall spikes of tubular flowers. It attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, acting as a natural companion for lavender. Both plants thrive in similar conditions and create a stunning visual contrast.

By planting these compatible companions alongside your lavender, you not only create a visually appealing garden but also promote a healthy and thriving ecosystem. Remember to consider the specific growing requirements of each plant and provide adequate spacing to ensure they have enough room to grow and flourish.

Herbs That Pair Well with Lavender

Lavender is not only a beautiful and fragrant addition to the garden but also a versatile herb with various culinary and medicinal uses. Pairing lavender with other herbs can enhance its flavor and provide a delightful blend of scents in your garden. Here are some herbs that pair well with lavender:

Mint: The refreshing aroma of mint complements the floral notes of lavender, making them a perfect pair in teas, desserts, and cocktails. Both plants are also known to repel pests, making them a dynamic duo for outdoor seating areas.
Lemon balm: This citrus-scented herb pairs beautifully with lavender in herbal blends and infused oils. Lemon balm adds a hint of zesty freshness while balancing the calming properties of lavender, creating a harmonious combination.
Rosemary: Known for its robust flavor and aromatic foliage, rosemary pairs well with lavender in savory dishes. The earthy and pine-like notes of rosemary complement the sweet and floral undertones of lavender, creating a flavorful symphony.
Chamomile: Combining the soothing properties of both lavender and chamomile creates a perfect blend for herbal teas and relaxation. The gentle and calming qualities of chamomile harmonize with the relaxing aroma of lavender for a tranquil experience.
Lemon verbena: With its lemony scent, lemon verbena adds a bright and citrusy note to the floral fragrance of lavender. This delightful combination can be used in baked goods, beverages, and herbal infusions.

When using herbs alongside lavender, it’s important to consider their growth habits and requirements. Some herbs may have different water and sunlight needs, so it’s essential to provide proper care to ensure their mutual growth and well-being. Additionally, remember to harvest herbs at their peak to maximize their flavors and aromas.

Experimenting with different herb combinations can lead to exciting culinary creations and aromatic garden displays. Whether you’re using them in cooking, crafting herbal products, or simply enjoying their beauty, the pairing of lavender with these herbs will add depth and complexity to your herb garden.

Vegetables That Grow Well Alongside Lavender

Growing vegetables alongside lavender can not only maximize your garden space but also provide a visually stunning and functional combination. Lavender’s aromatic qualities can help deter pests, while the vegetables benefit from the well-drained soil and improved pollination attracted by lavender. Here are some vegetables that grow well alongside lavender:

Tomatoes: Lavender’s strong scent can help repel pests that often affect tomato plants, such as aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, lavender’s attractive flowers can attract pollinators like bees, which can improve tomato fruit set and yield.
Peppers: Lavender’s strong fragrance can also help deter pests that commonly bother pepper plants, such as aphids and spider mites. The beautiful purple flowers of lavender can create a striking contrast when planted alongside peppers.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers benefit from the insect-repellent properties of lavender. Lavender’s fragrance can ward off pests like cucumber beetles and aphids, reducing the risk of damage to cucumber plants.
Beans: Lavender can actually improve the growth of beans by attracting pollinators like bees, which are essential for bean plant fertilization. Planting lavender near beans can increase pollination rates and result in better bean yield and quality.
Carrots: Lavender can provide a natural deterrent against carrot fly, a common pest that affects carrot crops. The strong aroma of lavender helps mask the scent of carrots, making it harder for carrot flies to locate them.

When planting vegetables alongside lavender, it’s important to consider the specific needs of each plant. Lavender prefers well-drained soil, while some vegetables may have different water and sunlight requirements. Ensure that the vegetables have enough space to grow without being overshadowed by the lavender.

Remember to monitor your plants for any signs of pests or diseases. While lavender can help deter some pests, it’s still important to maintain good garden hygiene and take appropriate measures to protect your vegetables.

With careful planning and proper care, combining vegetables with lavender can create a functional and visually appealing garden that benefits both plants. Enjoy the beauty and flavors of your lavender and vegetables as they thrive harmoniously together.

Flowers That Complement Lavender

Lavender is already known for its beautiful flowers and fragrant aroma, but pairing it with other complementary flowers can elevate the visual appeal of your garden. By selecting flowers that bloom in different colors and heights, you can create a stunning display that complements the soft hues and elegant form of lavender. Here are some flowers that pair well with lavender:

Roses: The timeless beauty of roses pairs exquisitely with lavender. Both flowers have a romantic and classic appeal, and their colors harmonize wonderfully. Roses also attract beneficial insects, like bees, which can enhance pollination in the garden.
Salvia: The vibrant spikes of salvia flowers create a striking contrast when planted alongside lavender. Salvia comes in various colors, including red, purple, and blue, which can complement or create a bold contrast with the soothing purple hues of lavender.
Geraniums: Geraniums offer a wide range of colors and varieties, making them versatile companions for lavender. Their mounding growth habit and vibrant blooms add height and texture to the garden, providing an attractive backdrop for the delicate lavender flowers.
Verbena: Verbena’s dainty clusters of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white create a harmonious combination with lavender. Both flowers thrive in similar growing conditions, and their fragrances blend beautifully to create a captivating sensory experience.
Calendula: The cheerful and vibrant flowers of calendula pair perfectly with the calming and aromatic lavender. Calendula’s orange and yellow hues create a striking contrast against the purple tones of lavender, adding a pop of color to the garden.

When choosing flowers to complement lavender, consider their growth habits and the bloom times to ensure a continuous display of color throughout the seasons. Cluster plants with similar water and sunlight needs together to ensure they thrive in harmony.

Creating a diverse and visually appealing garden by combining flowers with lavender not only enhances the beauty of your space but also attracts beneficial insects and pollinators. Enjoy the mesmerizing combination of colors, scents, and textures as you create a captivating garden oasis.

Tips for Planting Lavender with Other Plants

Integrating lavender with other plants in your garden requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a harmonious and thriving combination. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when planting lavender alongside other plants:

Consider Companion Planting: Choose plants that have similar growing requirements and provide mutual benefits. Look for companions that repel pests, attract pollinators, or enhance the overall health of the garden when paired with lavender.
Allow Adequate Space: Lavender needs plenty of air circulation and sunlight, so ensure that other plants are not overcrowding or shading the lavender. Leave enough space between plants to facilitate healthy growth and prevent competition for resources.
Opt for Well-Drained Soil: Lavender thrives in well-drained soil, so ensure that the companion plants have similar soil preferences. Avoid planting lavender with water-loving plants that require constant moisture to prevent root rot and other water-related issues.
Mind the Height Difference: Consider the height variations between lavender and the companion plants to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Plant taller companions towards the back and shorter ones in front of the lavender to create a visually appealing layered effect.
Group Plants by Water Needs: Group plants with similar water requirements together to ensure efficient watering and avoid overwatering or underwatering. Some companion plants may have different water needs, so separate them accordingly to maintain the optimal moisture levels for each plant.
Plan for Continuous Bloom: Select companion plants that bloom at different times throughout the season to ensure a continuous display of flowers and foliage. This will provide visual interest and prevent your garden from appearing dull during periods when lavender is not in bloom.
Regular Pruning and Maintenance: Lavender requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Ensure that companion plants do not impede the pruning process and that they can coexist without becoming entangled or hindering lavender’s maintenance needs.

By following these tips, you can create a harmonious and visually appealing garden where lavender seamlessly coexists with other plants. Remember to monitor the condition of the plants regularly, provide appropriate care, and make adjustments when necessary to maintain a thriving and integrated garden space.

Creating a Lavender Hedge with Compatible Plants

Lavender hedges not only provide a beautiful and fragrant border to your garden but also serve practical purposes such as defining spaces, acting as a natural fence, and attracting beneficial insects. When creating a lavender hedge, it’s essential to select compatible plants that will complement and enhance the stunning display. Here are some tips for creating a lavender hedge with compatible plants:

Select Lavender Varieties: Opt for compact and bushy lavender varieties that are suitable for hedging, such as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or Lavandula intermedia cultivars like ‘Grosso’ or ‘Provence’. These varieties have a sturdy growth habit and can withstand frequent pruning.
Plan for Sun and Good Drainage: Lavender thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, so choose a location that provides at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Consider Plant Spacing: To create a dense and compact hedge, space the lavender plants about 1 to 1.5 feet apart. This will allow the plants to grow together while still leaving enough room for air circulation and healthy growth.
Choose Companion Plants: Select companion plants that can thrive alongside lavender in similar growing conditions. Low-growing herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage make excellent companions, adding texture, fragrance, and enhanced pest-repelling properties to the hedge.
Prune Regularly: To maintain the hedge’s shape and density, prune the lavender plants at least once a year, ideally after blooming. This will encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming leggy or woody.
Consider Height Variations: Plant taller companions towards the back of the hedge and shorter ones in front to create a visually appealing layered effect. This will add depth and dimension to the hedge while still maintaining the compactness of lavender in the forefront.
Provide Adequate Watering: While lavender is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is crucial during the first year after planting. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, ensuring the health and vitality of the entire hedge.
Maintain Good Garden Hygiene: Regularly remove any weeds, debris, or dead plant material from the lavender hedge to maintain its neat and tidy appearance. This will also help prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

With careful planning and proper care, creating a lavender hedge with compatible plants can transform your garden into a visually stunning and aromatic sanctuary. Enjoy the beauty, fragrance, and functional benefits that this hedge provides as it becomes a focal point in your outdoor space.

Planting Lavender in Containers with Companion Plants

Lavender planted in containers not only adds beauty to small spaces but also allows for better control of soil conditions and mobility. When planting lavender in containers, you can enhance the visual appeal by including companion plants that complement and thrive alongside it. Here are some tips for planting lavender in containers with companion plants:

Choose the Right Container: Select a container that provides ample space for the lavender plant to grow and has good drainage. Consider using a terracotta or ceramic pot to regulate moisture levels and promote better air circulation.
Select Compact Lavender Varieties: Opt for compact lavender varieties that can thrive in a container, such as Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’. Their smaller size makes them ideal for container gardens, and their attractive flowers and fragrance will still be a delightful addition to your space.
Ensure Proper Soil Conditions: Lavender prefers well-draining soil, so use a mix of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand to improve drainage. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Consider Companion Plant Selection: Choose companion plants that have similar water and sunlight requirements as lavender. Herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary make excellent companions, adding texture, fragrance, and culinary value to the container garden.
Plan for Plant Spacing: Place the lavender and companion plants in the container, ensuring that each has enough space for growth. Allow for adequate air circulation between plants to prevent overcrowding and potential disease issues.
Provide Regular Watering: While lavender is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering in containers. Water the container thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering. Check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil to ensure it is moist but not saturated.
Feed with Fertilizer: Lavender in containers may benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced organic fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions and avoid overfertilization, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Regularly inspect your container plants for any signs of pests like aphids or diseases like powdery mildew. Promptly address any issues by using organic pest control methods or adjusting the growing conditions as needed.

By planting lavender in containers with compatible companion plants, you can create a beautiful and versatile display in even the smallest of spaces. Enjoy the captivating fragrance, vibrant colors, and the convenience of container gardening as you watch your lavender thrive alongside its companions.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Lavender

While companion planting can have many benefits for lavender, there are some plants that are not compatible with lavender and can hinder its growth and overall well-being. It’s important to be aware of these plants and avoid planting them near lavender. Here are some plants to avoid planting near lavender:

Moisture-Loving Plants: Plants that require consistently moist soil, such as water-loving annuals or bog plants, should be avoided near lavender. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other issues.
High Nitrogen Plants: Plants that have a high nitrogen demand and require frequent fertilization can be detrimental to lavender. Excessive nitrogen can result in vigorous leaf growth but may inhibit lavender’s flowering and fragrance production.
Aggressive Spreaders: Avoid planting invasive or aggressive spreading plants near lavender. These plants can quickly crowd out the lavender and steal essential nutrients and sunlight, compromising its growth and overall health.
Plants Susceptible to the Same Pests and Diseases: Some plants are more susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can also affect lavender. Planting these plants near lavender may increase the risk of infestation or disease transmission.
Shade-Loving Plants: Lavender thrives in full sunlight, so avoid planting shade-loving plants that will cast too much shade on the lavender. Insufficient sunlight can result in weak growth, fewer flowers, and an increased risk of fungal diseases.

By being mindful of the plants to avoid planting near lavender, you can ensure that your lavender thrives and remains healthy. Take the time to research each plant’s characteristics and growing requirements before deciding on suitable companions for your lavender.

Creating a well-planned and compatible planting scheme around lavender will not only encourage its growth but also promote a balanced and harmonious garden ecosystem. Enjoy the beauty, fragrance, and numerous benefits of lavender as it flourishes without the interference of incompatible neighboring plants.

How to Maintain a Beautiful Lavender Garden

A beautiful lavender garden requires regular care and maintenance to ensure the health and vitality of the plants. By following these essential maintenance tips, you can enjoy the full beauty and fragrance of your lavender garden for years to come:

Prune Regularly: Pruning is a crucial maintenance task for lavender. Trim back the plants by about one-third of their height after flowering to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess. This will also help maintain the compact shape of the plants.
Water Sparingly: Lavender is drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions. Water the plants sparingly, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Provide Well-Drained Soil: Lavender thrives in well-drained soil, so ensure that the planting area or containers have good drainage. Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter or create raised beds to improve drainage for optimal plant growth.
Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Regularly check your lavender plants for signs of pests such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies, as well as common diseases like powdery mildew or root rot. Apply organic pest control methods or consult with a professional if necessary.
Fertilize Sparingly: Lavender is a low-maintenance plant and often does not require regular fertilization. If necessary, apply a slow-release, balanced organic fertilizer in the spring. Avoid overfertilization, which can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Deadhead Spent Flowers: Remove faded or spent flowers regularly to encourage additional blooms and maintain the overall neat appearance of the garden. This will also prevent the energy from being directed towards seed production, allowing the plant to focus on growth and flowering.
Mulch the Soil: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your lavender plants to help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Avoid deep mulching, as it can cause excessive moisture retention and promote root rot.
Protect from Extreme Winter Conditions: In regions with harsh winters, protect lavender plants from freezing temperatures and excessive moisture. Use a light layer of mulch or cover with burlap to shield the plants from winter damage.
Rejuvenate Old Plants: Lavender plants have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. If your lavender starts to decline after several years, consider replacing or propagating new plants to maintain a vigorous and beautiful garden.

By following these maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your lavender garden remains healthy, vibrant, and visually stunning. Regular care and attention will reward you with an enchanting display of fragrant flowers and a serene ambiance in your outdoor space.