Hello there, green thumb comrades! If you’re anything like me, you’ve fallen head over heels for the intoxicating aroma and graceful aesthetics of lavender.
But let’s be honest, growing lavender in your garden can sometimes feel like hosting a prom queen: they’re fabulous, they steal the show, but gosh, they can be a bit picky. That’s where companion planting comes in!
By pairing lavender with the right company, you can improve its growth, pest control, and overall health. So, grab your favorite gardening gloves and let’s jump into our list of 24 amazing companion plants for your lavender!
1. Rosemary:
Lavender’s cousin from the Mediterranean, rosemary, shares many of its preferences – well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and a disdain for too much water. They’re like two peas in a well-drained pod!
2. Thyme:
Time and thyme again, this herb proves itself to be an excellent companion for lavender. Not only does it have similar growth needs, but its small, delicate flowers provide a lovely contrast to lavender’s show-stopping spikes.
3. Sage:
Are you sage enough to plant sage with lavender? They enjoy the same dry, sunny conditions, and their silvery-green foliage forms a breathtaking duo. Plus, sage can keep certain pests at bay.
4. Oregano:
This Mediterranean herb not only spices up your dishes but also your lavender’s life! It shares lavender’s love for sunshine and tolerates drought well. Besides, the earthy green of oregano leaves highlights the vibrant purple of lavender.
5. Marigold:
This sunny flower is like the life-of-the-party guest who also happens to keep pests away. Its strong scent can deter aphids and nematodes, keeping your lavender safe and sound.
6. Yarrow:
A hardy perennial that comes in various shades, yarrow can handle the heat just like lavender. It has a bonus feature – attracting beneficial insects to keep your garden ecosystem thriving.
7. Rue:
Don’t rue the day, plant rue with lavender! Its blue-gray leaves contrast beautifully with lavender’s purple flowers, and it repels pests like aphids and beetles. Just be cautious, as rue’s sap can irritate the skin.
8. Garlic:
Smelly but effective! Garlic planted around lavender can ward off various pests. Plus, the tall lavender stalks complement the lower-growing garlic nicely.
9. Cabbage:
Unexpected? Definitely! But cabbage and lavender make a great pair. Lavender can repel cabbage moths, and the stark difference in their aesthetics makes for a captivating contrast.
10. Black-Eyed Susan:
With its bright, cheery flowers, this plant doesn’t just enhance your garden’s visual appeal but also attracts pollinators to ensure your lavender’s successful reproduction.
11. Poppies:
Poppies share lavender’s dislike for wet feet and love for basking in the sun. Their red blooms against the purple of lavender can create a stunning display that’s hard to forget.
12. Phlomis (Jerusalem Sage):
Its bold, architectural foliage and yellow flowers create a striking contrast to lavender’s more delicate structure.
13. Coneflower (Echinacea):
This sturdy native flower thrives in similar conditions as lavender, and their flowers are a pollinator’s dream. They’re like the power couple of the prairie!
14. Stonecrop (Sedum):
A low-maintenance succulent that blooms in late summer, just when your lavender may need a boost of color nearby.
15. Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina):
These fuzzy, silver-leafed plants bring a touch of whimsy to your garden, complementing the lavender’s royal purple.
16. Zinnias:
These bold, vibrant flowers bring a pop of color to your garden and attract pollinators. They’re like the fireworks display at the lavender’s gala!
17. Cosmos:
With their airy structure and vibrant flowers, cosmos can provide a stunning contrast to the rigid, upright growth of lavender.
18. Basil:
Who knew basil could be more than just a pizza topping? As a companion for lavender, it repels pests and requires similar growing conditions.
19. Russian Sage:
Tall, with silvery foliage and purple flowers, Russian sage can give your lavender a run for its money. However, together, they create a dynamic duo that’s hard to ignore.
20. Asters:
Asters’ fall blooms can keep your garden colorful after the lavender has finished its show. Plus, they attract pollinators!
21. Catmint:
Don’t be surprised if you find your feline friends visiting more often. Catmint’s blue-violet flowers and gray-green foliage make a beautiful partnership with lavender.
22. Feverfew:
This herb can be a great low-growing border around your taller lavender plants, creating a layered effect. Plus, it repels some pests.
23. Alliums:
From chives to ornamental onions, alliums have a dramatic presence that adds depth to your lavender garden, both in height and color.
24. Salvia:
Not to be confused with sage, salvia’s bright, tubular flowers can bring another layer of color and texture to your lavender garden.
Companion Planting with Lavender: Top Five Tips and Tricks
As we dive into the art of companion planting with lavender, there are a few golden rules that can make the difference between a thriving garden and a sad, wilting one.
Let’s think of these rules as the VIP backstage pass to the rock concert that is lavender gardening. Let’s delve into the top five tips and tricks for companion planting with lavender.
Sunbathe Lavender in Plenty of Light:
Lavender adores sunlight like a cat loves a warm, cozy spot on a windowsill. So, be sure to plant it where it gets at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Don’t underestimate this diva’s need for the spotlight!
Ensure Well-Drained Soil:
Lavender, with its Mediterranean roots, prefers its feet dry, much like a beachgoer who can’t stand soggy sandals. Plant it in well-drained soil or consider raised beds or gravelly ground to avoid waterlogging.
Avoid Overcrowding:
Overcrowding in the garden can lead to poor air circulation, much like a crowded concert can get stuffy and uncomfortable. So, give your lavender plants enough room to “breathe” – about 1 to 3 feet apart should do the trick.
Pair with Drought-Tolerant Plants:
Lavender prefers life on the dry side, much like a cactus or my humor on Monday mornings. So, when thinking about companions, consider plants that also thrive with less water. This will ensure they live in harmony, without one guzzling all the moisture.
Watch Out for Invasive Species:
Finally, be aware of invasive species that might compete for resources with your lavender. It’s a bit like having an uninvited guest hogging all the snacks at your party. Try to choose companion plants that respect boundaries and grow at a compatible pace with your lavender.
Now you’re armed with 24 fantastic options for companion plants for your lavender. From herbs to succulents to vibrant flowers, you can create an enchanting landscape where your lavender will not only survive, but thrive.
Remember, gardening is not an exact science, but an art that’s open to experimentation. So, get out there, have fun, and may the sweet scent of success (and lavender) fill your garden!