The Best and Worst Companion Plants for Lavender: What to Grow (and Avoid) in Your Garden
Lavender is a gardener’s dream—drought-tolerant, fragrant, and visually stunning. But to truly make the most of this plant, choosing the right companions is key. Some plants enhance lavender’s growth, repel pests, and thrive under the same conditions, while others can hinder its development.
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Understanding Companion Planting
If you are new to gardening you might not know about companion planting but it is a simple stragey that can have many benefits. Companion planting is a time-tested gardening practice that involves pairing plants strategically to boost growth, improve pest control, and enhance soil health. For lavender, this means selecting plants that thrive in full sun, well-drained soil, and drier conditions.
RELATED: Types of Lavender: A Comparison Guide for the Perfect Choice
1. Rosemary
Rosemary
Rosemary and lavender make a perfect pair since they both prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Rosemary’s strong scent helps deter pests like aphids and snails, protecting your lavender while adding variety to your herb garden. They can look similar too but they definitely smell different.
2. Sage
Sage
Sage’s pest-repelling properties make it a natural ally for lavender. It helps keep cabbage moths and carrot flies away, and its low-growing habit creates a layered look in your garden.
3. Echinacea
Echinacea
Echinacea attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, benefiting lavender’s flowering process. With similar sun and soil requirements, these two plants work together to draw beneficial insects while adding vibrant color.
4. Yarrow
Yarrow
Yarrow improves soil quality and attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps that keep harmful pests at bay. Its deep roots help break up compacted soil, improving drainage for lavender.
5. Thyme
Thyme
Thyme serves as a natural ground cover that suppresses weeds and conserves soil moisture. Its pest-repelling properties make it an excellent companion for lavender, helping to keep whiteflies and cabbage worms away.
6. Marigolds
Marigolds
Marigolds are famous for their ability to deter pests like aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies. When planted near lavender, they create a pest-resistant barrier while adding a cheerful pop of color.
RELATED: The One Flower You’re Probably Overlooking in Your Garden
7. Basil
Basil
Basil repels mosquitoes and flies, making it a practical choice for planting alongside lavender. It also benefits from similar growing conditions and can be harvested alongside lavender for culinary use.
8. Borage
Borage
Borage attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while improving soil health by adding trace minerals. It shades the soil, reducing evaporation and creating a microclimate that helps lavender thrive.
9. Petunias
Petunias
Petunias help repel tomato hornworms and asparagus beetles. Their spreading growth covers bare soil, reducing weeds and conserving moisture, making them an excellent choice to plant near lavender.
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The Worst Companion Plants for Lavender
While many plants pair well with lavender, others should be avoided due to conflicting growth requirements.
1. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint spreads aggressively and can overtake lavender’s space, competing for nutrients and water. If you must grow mint, keep it confined to a container.
2. Hostas (Hosta spp.)
Hostas thrive in shade and moist soil—completely opposite to lavender’s sun-loving, drought-tolerant nature. Placing them together can lead to poor growth for both plants.
3. Camellias (Camellia spp.)
Camellias prefer acidic, well-watered soil, which conflicts with lavender’s preference for neutral to alkaline, well-drained conditions.
4. Ferns
Ferns flourish in shady, humid environments, making them completely unsuitable for pairing with lavender.
5. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)
Like camellias, azaleas require acidic soil and partial shade, which makes them incompatible with lavender’s needs.
6. Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
Impatiens prefer moist, shady conditions and will struggle if planted near lavender, which thrives in dry, sunny spots.
7. Vegetables Requiring Rich, Moist Soil
Cabbage, broccoli, and other heavy feeders require consistently moist, nutrient-rich soil, which is the opposite of what lavender prefers.
8. Shade-Loving Annuals
Begonias and coleus are better suited to shady gardens, whereas lavender demands full sun to thrive.
Tips for Growing Lavender Successfully
Sunlight: Lavender needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Ensure well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Amend heavy soil with sand or gravel for better drainage.
Watering: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Spacing: Provide good air circulation by spacing plants adequately.
Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and prevents plants from getting too woody.
By carefully selecting companion plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving lavender garden. From herbs like rosemary and thyme to flowers like marigolds and echinacea, the right choices will support lavender’s health and longevity. Avoid pairing lavender with moisture-loving plants to keep it happy and productive for years to come.
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