Lavender, with its fragrant blooms and hardy nature, pairs beautifully with various companion plants. Here are eight excellent companions for lavender, chosen for their complementary attributes and benefits:
- Thyme:
- Benefits: Thyme complements lavender’s scent and has insect-repelling qualities.
- Growing Conditions: Thrives in similar conditions as lavender (well-drained soil and full sun). Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
- Rosemary:
- Benefits: Shares similar growing conditions and enhances the garden’s aromatic profile.
- Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
- Sage:
- Benefits: Offers contrasting foliage and shares pest-repellent properties.
- Growing Conditions: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
- Echinacea (Coneflower):
- Benefits: Adds height and color variation, attracting pollinators.
- Growing Conditions: Grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
- Yarrow:
- Benefits: Attracts beneficial insects and provides a different texture.
- Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
- Alliums:
- Benefits: Helps deter pests and adds structural interest.
- Growing Conditions: Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
- Sedum (Stonecrop):
- Benefits: Low-growing, drought-tolerant plant that complements lavender.
- Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
- Catmint (Nepeta):
- Benefits: Shares similar growing conditions and attracts pollinators.
- Growing Conditions: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Tips for Companion Planting with Lavender:
- Soil: Ensure that the soil is well-drained, as lavender does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
- Sunlight: All companion plants listed thrive in full sun, just like lavender.
- Spacing: Allow enough space for air circulation to prevent mold and mildew, especially with dense plantings.
- Watering: Most of these plants are drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for planting alongside lavender.
Choosing these companions can enhance both the beauty and health of your lavender garden, providing a variety of textures, colors, and scents while also supporting a beneficial garden ecosystem.