Looking for the 13 Best Companion Plants for Lavender? Explore the variety of options that pair best with this plant.
Lavender plants thrive in full sun and benefit from growing alongside companion plants that can protect them from pests and promote their growth. If you’re looking for the Best Companion Plants for Lavender, consider incorporating some of the options mentioned below.
Read: Viola Companion Plants
List of Best Companion Plants for Lavender
1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow bears a resemblance to Lavender as it thrives in well-draining soil with ample sunlight and minimal watering needs. Moreover, Yarrow’s stunning blooms can lure honeybees and other pollinators, which could potentially aid in the growth of Lavenders.
2. Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflower is one of the Best Companion Plants for Lavender; this drought-tolerant perennial flower attracts beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden. It also repels pests such as Japanese beetles and aphids.
3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is another herb that pairs well with lavender. Both plants love full sun and well-drained soil. Thyme’s low-growing habit also makes it a good ground cover around lavender plants.
4. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary and lavender have similar growing conditions, making them great companions. The strong scent of this herb also helps in repelling pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and cabbage moths.
5. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is a natural insect repellent and can help keep pests away from lavender plants. It also has similar growing conditions, making it a great companion.
6. Marigold (Tagetes)
Marigolds are known to repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies, making them excellent companions for lavender. They also add a pop of color to the garden, making it more visually appealing.
Note: Consider growing marigolds as annuals as companions with lavender. The bright orange florets of marigolds are attractive to pollinators like bees and ladybugs.
7. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum)
The shasta daisy is an ideal companion plant for lavender because it shares similar requirements for well-draining soil, full sun, and low maintenance. If you prefer a garden with perennials that don’t need to be replanted every year, consider pairing the shasta daisy with your lavender.
8. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
With their vibrant colors and sunny faces, these perennials are an excellent complement to the purple hues of lavender in your garden. Not only do they add visual interest, but they also thrive in hot and dry conditions, making them an excellent low-maintenance companion for lavender.
9. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnia is also one of the Best Companion Plants for Lavender; the attractive flowers of this plant are not only pleasing to the eye but also serve a functional purpose by attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
10. Geraniums (Geranium)
Geraniums are colorful, low-maintenance flowers that attract beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs to the garden. They also repel pests such as leafhoppers and cabbage worms.
11. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil can help lavender grow and deter pests such as aphids, but avoid planting basil near sage, rosemary, or thyme, as they have different requirements.
12. African Daisy (Osteospermum)
This beautiful plant shares the same growing conditions as lavender and requires little maintenance apart from some winter care. With proper attention, it should return each year, making it an excellent low-maintenance companion for lavender.
13. Artemisia (Artemisia)
Planting Artemisia near lavender can be beneficial because its fragrant smell can repel whiteflies and aphids, which may otherwise feed on the sap of lavender. By using this companion plant to deter pests, you can help protect the health and growth of your lavender plants.
Read: Nasturtium Companion Plants
Bad Companion Plants for Lavender
Lavender thrives in areas with full sun and dry soil, making it incompatible with perennials and annuals that prefer shade. The below species are not compatible with lavenders;
- Impatiens are beautiful flowering perennials that prefer full shade and may struggle in higher temperatures.
- Hosta requires shade or dappled light to thrive, which can make them incompatible with the full sun conditions that lavender prefers.
- Camellias typically prefer a lot of shade, and they can struggle in full sun conditions like those favored by lavender.
- Fuchsias are lovely, shade-loving plants that require plenty of dappled light to grow and bloom.
- Mint typically requires rich, moist soil and plenty of water, which can lead to problems if planted too close to lavender.
- Coleus is a beautiful plant that thrives in cool and moderately moist conditions with well-drained soil; it may not be the best companion plant for lavender.
