Lavender is a Mediterranean plant grown for its spikelets of attractive, fragrant flowers. Dried lavender is occasionally used for cooking. It is included in some versions of the French herb mix called herbes de Provence. When seeking a companion plant for use while growing lavender, it is a good idea to keep lavender’s environmental preferences in mind. A companion plant will have to share these needs, or at least not have needs that differ too drastically. Below are some good lavender companion plants.
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Echinacea
Lavender and echinacea make good companions because they both grow well in similar conditions. Echinacea requires the same amount of sun and can do with even less water than the drought-tolerant lavender. Echinacea and lavender plants will both need well-draining soil. Along with thriving in low-moisture environments, lavender, and echinacea look great when planted together.
Rosemary
Lavender and rosemary belong to the same family and come from the same Mediterranean environment. Rosemary is another one of the ingredients in herbes de Provence. They both like warm, dry conditions and lots of sunlight. Lavender and rosemary will provide the same benefits for your garden, including the ability to attract pollinators and discourage some pests. Rosemary blooms are pink or white and can be attractive when paired with lavender.
Thyme
Because it is another Mediterranean herb that grows well in the same kind of sandy soil and heat that lavender likes, thyme is an excellent companion for lavender. Plant the two in an area that receives full sun and watch them thrive.
Sage
All varieties of sage will thrive in the same kind of location that lavender likes. Like fellow members of the Lamiaceae family rosemary and thyme, sage does best in full sun and in soil that drains well.
Oregano
Because it is hardy in sunny and dry conditions, oregano is a great companion for lavender. Like lavender, oregano can help to discourage aphids and other pests. The two plants also attract pollinators that can benefit the rest of your garden.
Brassicas
Lavender can help to repel some of the pests that lay eggs on cabbage leaves, as well as on the leaves of cabbage relatives like kale and cauliflower. It can also attract ladybugs and other beneficial insects. Lavender may also help to deter larger pests like mice, rabbits, and deer.
Roses
Lavender is a good companion plant for flowering perennials like roses. Lavender can help to protect your roses from pests, and the two flowering plants can be especially beautiful when paired together. Their scents can be mutually complementary as well.
Fruit trees
Because of lavender’s ability to bring pollinators to your garden, it is particularly beneficial to apple and pear trees, as well as to citrus and stone fruit trees. However, you shouldn’t plant lavender too close to fruit trees since they might compete with them for nutrients. They can be good companions, even without being too close to each other.
What plants should not be planted with lavender?
The main plant that you should not plant near your lavender is one of its relatives: mint. There are many good reasons to have mint somewhere in your garden, it just does not belong anywhere near lavender. Even though mint dislikes water-logged soil, it still needs more water than lavender. The differing water needs mean that you won’t be able to water your mint sufficiently without also over-watering your lavender if they are too close to each other.