Lavender, with its fragrant and soothing qualities, is a beloved plant that can bring beauty and calmness to any garden. However, choosing the right companion plants to grow alongside lavender can enhance its growth and overall aesthetic appeal. In this article, you will discover a variety of plants that are not only compatible with lavender but also provide additional benefits such as attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and creating a diverse and visually enticing garden landscape. Gain invaluable insights on what to plant with lavender to create a harmonious and thriving garden oasis.
Benefits of Companion Planting with Lavender
Companion planting with lavender offers numerous benefits for both the lavender plants themselves and the overall garden ecosystem. By strategically selecting companion plants to grow alongside lavender, you can improve the growth and health of lavender plants, repel pests, attract beneficial insects, enhance the aesthetics of your garden, and increase biodiversity.
Improves Lavender Growth and Health
Companion planting with certain plants can help improve the growth and health of lavender. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil, and planting it alongside plants with similar soil requirements, such as roses and geraniums, can ensure optimal growing conditions for lavender. The compatibility of root systems can also prevent competition for nutrients and moisture in the soil, allowing lavender to flourish.
Repels Pests
One of the remarkable benefits of companion planting with lavender is its natural pest-repellent properties. Lavender emits a strong fragrance that acts as a deterrent to many common garden pests, including mosquitoes, flies, and moths. By planting lavender alongside susceptible plants, such as roses or vegetables, you can minimize pest damage without relying on chemical pesticides.
Attracts Beneficial Insects
Companion planting with lavender can also attract beneficial insects to your garden. Lavender flowers produce nectar that serves as a food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By attracting these pollinators, lavender not only benefits from increased pollination but also supports the overall health and biodiversity of your garden ecosystem.
Enhances Aesthetics
Aside from its practical benefits, companion planting with lavender also adds aesthetic value to your garden. Lavender’s fragrant flowers and elegant, silvery-gray foliage create a visually appealing contrast when paired with complementary plants. For example, the combination of lavender and roses can lend a romantic and timeless charm to your garden.
Increases Biodiversity
By incorporating companion plants alongside lavender, you can increase the biodiversity of your garden. Different plant species attract a diverse range of insects, birds, and other wildlife, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem. This increased biodiversity can lead to natural pest control, improved soil health, and a more vibrant and harmonious garden environment.
Companion Plants for Lavender
When selecting companion plants for lavender, it is essential to consider factors such as climate compatibility, soil requirements, sunlight needs, watering frequency, height and spacing, complementary colors and textures, seasonal interest, and harvesting and maintenance. Here are ten companion plants that pair well with lavender:
1. Roses
Roses are a classic choice for companion planting with lavender. The combination of fragrant lavender flowers and vibrant roses can create a visually stunning display in any garden. Both plants thrive in well-drained soil and require ample sunlight, making them compatible in terms of cultural requirements. Additionally, roses can benefit from lavender’s pest-repellent properties, helping to deter common rose pests such as aphids.
2. Geraniums
Geraniums are another excellent companion plant for lavender. Both plants prefer similar growing conditions, including well-drained soil and full sunlight. The combination of lavender’s soothing fragrance and the vibrant blooms of geraniums can create a vibrant and visually pleasing garden. Additionally, geraniums attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which can further support the health and vitality of lavender plants.
3. Salvias
Salvias are a diverse group of plants that can complement lavender in various ways. Different salvia species offer contrasting flower colors, such as vibrant reds or purples, which can create an eye-catching display alongside the soft hues of lavender. Furthermore, salvias are known for attracting pollinators, including hummingbirds and bees, which can enhance the overall biodiversity of your garden. Many salvias are also drought-tolerant, making them suitable companions for lavender in water-wise gardens.
4. Catmint
Catmint is a close relative of lavender and shares many similarities in terms of cultural requirements and aesthetics. Both plants have fragrant foliage and produce lovely, lavender-colored flowers. Catmint, like lavender, repels insects such as aphids, mosquitoes, and ants, making it an excellent companion for pest control. Combining catmint and lavender can create a harmonious and visually appealing planting scheme, particularly in cottage gardens or herbaceous borders.
5. Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb that pairs well with lavender in companion planting. Both plants prefer similar growing conditions, including well-drained soil, full sunlight, and minimal watering. Thyme’s aromatic foliage complements the fragrant blooms of lavender, creating a delightful sensory experience in your garden. Additionally, thyme has natural pest-repellent properties and can help deter insects such as cabbage worms or whiteflies when planted alongside vulnerable plants.
6. Oregano
Oregano is another herbaceous companion plant that can benefit lavender. Similar to thyme, oregano has similar cultural requirements and can tolerate dry, well-drained soil and full sunlight. The combination of oregano and lavender not only adds visual interest but also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Both plants have aromatic foliage, and the fragrances can mingle to create a delightful sensory experience in your garden.
10. Alliums
Alliums, such as ornamental onions and garlic chives, make unique and visually striking companion plants for lavender. Alliums produce globular flower heads in various shapes and colors, ranging from purple to white. When planted with lavender, the contrasting forms and hues can add drama and interest to your garden. Alliums also have natural pest-repellent properties and can help deter pests such as aphids or slugs.
These companion plants offer a range of benefits when grown alongside lavender. Consider the specific nature of each companion plant and include those that align with your garden goals and preferences. With careful selection and planning, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden ecosystem that maximizes the benefits of companion planting with lavender.