Lavender grows best with a few reliable companions nearby. Whether you’re planting it in a garden bed, border, or container, choosing the right nearby plants can help support healthy growth and a balanced garden. Here are 12 companion plants that grow well with lavender, both visually and in terms of similar care needs.
1. Roses
Roses and lavender make a classic pair in the garden. Lavender helps deter aphids and other pests that often target roses, while its scent and texture contrast beautifully with rose flowers.
Both plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. That said, roses prefer slightly richer soil with more moisture than lavender. To keep both plants happy, plant them a bit apart, where lavender can enjoy drier conditions and roses can get extra water as needed. With proper spacing and care, they can grow well side by side and support each other’s health and beauty.
2. Alliums
Most lavender plants have shorter stems than most of the large ornamental alliums, although there are some shorter ornamental onion varieties. The height difference will make a lovely comparison in your flower garden. Alliums and lavender look well together as garden borders or in pots. Both of them require full sun and little water. They also both enjoy sandy soil, making it convenient to plant them together in garden beds.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary and lavender make a classic pair. Adding rosemary to your herb garden will expand the herbs you can use in your cooking. If you are trying to expand your already existing lavender garden, rosemary is a great option because it isn’t very bothered by existing plants.
Both lavender and rosemary attract beneficial insects and pollinators. They also deter deer and rabbits, keeping them away from valuable plants that aren’t as highly scented.
4. Sage
Sage is a strong companion for lavender because both herbs prefer similar growing conditions of full sun, well-drained soil, and low to moderate watering. They both attract pollinators while discouraging common garden pests, making them a practical and beautiful pairing.
Sage has a slightly bolder leaf shape and deeper color, which complements lavender’s soft texture and silvery-green foliage. Just like lavender, sage doesn’t like wet roots, so planting them together in a sunny, dry spot helps both plants thrive. Their matching care needs make them an easy and effective duo in herb gardens and ornamental beds.
5. Coneflower (Echinacea)
Echinacea are lovely lavender companion plants because they look very nice sitting next to one another. They both thrive in similar conditions and require the same amount of sunlight. You can plant them in the garden together, but be sure to water the Echinacea a little more than your lavender for the best blooms.
Both plants require well-draining soil to produce their beautiful blooms. Once fully grown, you’ll have a lovely lilac-filled garden.
6. Apples
Apple trees and lavender grow well together because they thrive in similar conditions and offer mutual benefits. Lavender attracts pollinators that help apple blossoms set fruit, and its strong scent can help deter pests like aphids and codling moths.
Both plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. While apple trees need more water than lavender, you can plant lavender just beyond the tree’s root zone where the soil stays drier. This pairing not only supports a healthier orchard but also adds color and fragrance beneath the trees.
7. Yarrow
Yarrow is a lovely perennial plant that does well in poor soil. Most types of yarrow are white, but you can also buy pink, red, or white cultivars.
Yarrow is extremely drought tolerant. And just like lavender, this plant does best in full sun. Paired with the pale purple of lavender, the yarrow adds to a beautiful and thriving garden.
8. Marigold
Marigolds are a helpful companion plant for lavender, especially in gardens focused on pest control and pollinator support. Both plants prefer full sun and can handle dry conditions once established. Marigolds can help repel pests like aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes, which can benefit nearby lavender. In return, lavender attracts pollinators that also visit marigold blooms. Their different flower shapes and colors create visual interest while supporting garden health. Just be sure to give each plant enough space and avoid overwatering, as both prefer well-drained soil and dry roots.
9. Shasta daisy
Shasta daisies make a great companion plant for lavender thanks to their similar growing needs and complementary appearance. Both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to grow together in borders or cottage gardens.
Shasta daisies have upright stems and bright white blooms that contrast nicely with lavender’s soft purple flowers and silvery foliage. They both attract pollinators and bloom around the same time, adding long-lasting color and texture to the garden. Just be sure to avoid overwatering, as both plants prefer drier conditions.
10. Sedum
Sedum is an excellent companion plant for lavender because both thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil and low water needs. Sedum’s thick, fleshy leaves store moisture, helping it stay healthy in dry conditions that also suit lavender.
The rounded forms and bold textures of sedum contrast nicely with lavender’s soft foliage and upright flower spikes. Sedum also extends the season of interest by blooming later in the year, often into fall, while lavender blooms earlier in summer. Together, they create a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, pollinator friendly planting.
11. Blanket flower (Gaillardia)
Blanket flower is a strong companion plant for lavender, especially in sunny, low-water gardens. Both plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they share a tolerance for heat and drought.
Blanket flowers produce bold red, orange, and yellow blooms that contrast beautifully with lavender’s soft purple tones. Together, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies throughout the growing season. Neither plant needs rich soil or frequent watering, making them easy to grow side by side. Their long bloom times and shared care needs make this pairing both practical and colorful.
12. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Black-eyed Susan pairs well with lavender in sunny garden beds and borders. Both plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they can tolerate dry conditions once established. The bright yellow blooms and dark centers of Black-eyed Susans contrast beautifully with lavender’s soft purple flowers and silvery foliage.
This combination supports pollinators and adds long-lasting color through summer and early fall. While Rudbeckia prefers slightly more moisture than lavender, planting them a short distance apart allows you to meet both plants’ needs without overwatering. Together, they create a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly display.
Leave a Reply