Are you looking to add a beautiful, fragrant touch to your garden? Lavender could be the perfect option for you! Not only does it have a wonderful scent, but it’s also a low-maintenance perennial.
But what plants should you pair with your lavender? This comprehensive guide will cover all the best plants to pair with lavender, from ornamental grasses and roses to sages and other fragrant herbs.
We’ll also discuss the advantages of planting lavender and how to provide it with adequate care.
So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Lavender is a lovely fragrant plant to have in any garden.
When planning a garden with lavender, some plants that make good companion plants are rosemary, thyme, sage, and chives.
All of these herbs have similar growing requirements and will also help to repel pests from the lavender.
Additionally, ornamental grasses, such as muhly grass or blue fescue, can look great when planted alongside lavender.
Advantages of Planting Lavender
Planting lavender in your garden is a great way to add a burst of color and a calming atmosphere to your outdoor space.
Lavender produces beautiful purple blooms that will add a peaceful and tranquil feeling to your garden.
It is also known for its fragrant aroma, which can be quite soothing.
Lavender is also quite hardy and easy to maintain, making it a perfect addition to any garden.
Additionally, it is a low-maintenance plant, so you wont need to spend too much time tending to it.
Lavender is also a great choice for those with limited gardening space, as it can be planted in containers as well as in flower beds.
With all of these advantages, its no wonder why lavender is a popular choice for gardeners.
Selecting Companion Plants for Lavender
When selecting companion plants for your lavender, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, look for plants that will benefit from similar growing conditions.
Lavender prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil, so look for plants that also thrive in these conditions.
Good options include ornamental grasses, roses, sages, and other fragrant herbs.
These plants will not only complement the appearance of lavender in your garden, but will also create a balanced ecosystem that helps to promote healthy growth.
You should also avoid aggressive plants that may overshadow your lavender, such as tall shrubs and tall-growing trees.
These plants can block out the sun and reduce air circulation, both of which are essential for lavender to thrive.
Additionally, be sure to provide plenty of air circulation and good drainage to keep your lavender plants happy and healthy.
Finally, consider the aesthetic of your garden when selecting companion plants for your lavender.
Lavender has a unique purple hue that can be complemented by other colors in the garden.
Consider plants with contrasting colors, such as yellow or orange, that will stand out against the backdrop of lavender.
Additionally, look for plants with different textures and shapes to create an interesting and eye-catching display.
With the right companion plants, you can create a stunning display of color and fragrance in your garden.
Lavender is a great choice for a low-maintenance addition to your landscape, and with the right companion plants, you can create a beautiful and tranquil space.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses make great companion plants for lavender because they are low-maintenance and provide an attractive contrast in texture and colour.
They thrive in the same growing conditions as lavender, needing well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and plenty of air circulation.
Some popular ornamental grasses that pair well with lavender include pampas grass, fountain grass, and blue oat grass.
These grasses produce an airy, feathery texture that creates a stunning display when combined with the fragrant, purple blooms of lavender.
They also require minimal care, so you can enjoy a vibrant, low-maintenance garden without worrying about over-watering or over-fertilizing.
Additionally, ornamental grasses are drought-tolerant, making them a great choice for areas with dry climates or limited watering resources.
Roses
Roses are a popular choice for companion planting with lavender due to their beautiful blooms and sweet fragrance.
They also enjoy similar growing conditions to lavender, such as full sun and good drainage.
When selecting a rose variety to plant with lavender, look for a variety with medium to long stems, as this will help to ensure that the lavender does not get overwhelmed.
Additionally, roses come in a variety of sizes, colors, and fragrances, so you can customize your garden to your own liking.
Planting roses with lavender will add an extra dimension to your gardens fragrance and beauty, making it a perfect choice for a romantic evening or a special occasion.
Be sure to provide plenty of air circulation and good drainage to help your lavender and roses thrive in your garden.
Sages
Sages are a popular choice for companion plants to lavender, as they share similar growing conditions and are often fragrant.
Salvia officinalis (common sage) is a popular choice for the garden due to its attractive foliage and its ability to attract butterflies and pollinators.
It can be planted alongside lavender to create a stunning display of color and texture.
When selecting sages to pair with lavender, consider varieties with silver or gray foliage, as these will contrast beautifully with the purple blooms of lavender.
Additionally, consider planting taller varieties of sage around the perimeter of your lavender bed to create a border.
Be sure to provide good air circulation and good drainage to ensure the health of both plants.
Other Fragrant Herbs
Fragrant herbs are an ideal companion for lavender plants, as they share the same needs for good drainage, plenty of air circulation, and full sun.
They can also add a delightful aroma to your garden, as well as a variety of colors and textures.
Some fragrant herbs to consider for planting with lavender include rosemary, thyme, oregano, chamomile, mint, and basil.
Rosemary and thyme are both evergreen perennials that can provide year-round interest and their aroma will be especially noticeable when planted near lavender.
Oregano is a hardy perennial that will provide a splash of color with its bright pink to purple flowers.
Chamomile is a low-growing herb with white daisy-like flowers which will create a carpet of color in your garden.
Mint will provide a variety of colors and aromas, while basil will provide a bright pop of color and its leaves can be used in many dishes.
All of these herbs are easy to grow and can thrive in the same conditions as lavender, making them perfect companions for your garden.
Providing Adequate Care for Lavender
When it comes to caring for lavender, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, lavender needs plenty of sunlight to thrive and produce flowers.
Choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Additionally, lavender needs well-draining soil.
If the soil doesn’t drain properly, the roots of the lavender plant can become waterlogged, leading to root rot and other issues.
To ensure good drainage, add compost or other organic matter to the soil when planting and consider building a raised bed for your lavender.
When watering your lavender, aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
During the summer months, you may need to water your lavender plants every day, especially if you live in a particularly hot climate.
Additionally, it’s important to provide adequate air circulation for your lavender plants.
Crowding them with other plants can lead to problems with fungal diseases, so give your lavender room to breathe.
Finally, pruning your lavender plants regularly can help them maintain their shape and encourage new growth.
Final Thoughts
With its fragrant scent and beautiful blooms, lavender is a great addition to any garden.
When selecting companion plants for your lavender, consider ornamental grasses, roses, sages, and other fragrant herbs that will benefit from similar growing conditions.
Be sure to provide plenty of air circulation and good drainage to ensure the health of your lavender plants.
With this comprehensive guide, you can create a stunning display in your garden and enjoy the calming atmosphere that lavender provides.
So what are you waiting for? Get started planting your own lavender garden today!