Perfect Pairs for a Fragrant Garden

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.