Lavender (Lavandula) is a resilient and easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in various growing environments. While it can flourish with minimal attention, one effective way to ensure a successful harvest is by planting lavender alongside compatible companion plants. Pairing lavender with other garden favorites such as marigolds, rosemary, garlic, or sage creates a harmonious garden setting where the plants mutually support each other. The tall, aromatic lavender shields smaller plants from sun exposure and pests, while the ground-level companions protect the soil around the lavender. Below, we present recommended companion plants for lavender that will help your garden thrive.
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Rosemary
Lavender and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) make a great pair due to their complementary fragrances. According to Alex Betz, the strong scent of rosemary acts as a deterrent for pests like aphids and whiteflies, reducing the risk of infestation on lavender. In return, lavender’s aroma repels pests from rosemary, creating a protective environment for both plants. Additionally, lavender helps maintain stable soil moisture levels around rosemary.
Zones: 7 to 10
Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil
Thyme
Fragrant thyme (Thymus vulgaris) serves as a natural pest repellent for lavender and acts as a moisture-retaining mulch with its low-growing habit. Lavender, on the other hand, repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes from thyme while providing wind protection and partial shade during the day.
Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil
Marigold
Marigolds (Tagetes) benefit from lavender’s pest-repelling properties, while they help suppress nematodes that may be attracted to lavender. The exchange between the two plants creates a protective barrier against threats, with lavender attracting pollinators that enhance marigold flowers.
Zones: 2 to 11
Size: 6 to 36 inches tall x 6 to 24 inches wide (varies by variety)
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil
Coneflower
Coneflowers (Echinacea) attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while deterring aphids and Japanese beetles from lavender. Some echinacea species aid in soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, benefiting neighboring plants. Lavender, in turn, shields coneflowers from pests and provides wind and shade protection with its height.
Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 1 to
Size: Ranges from 1 to 10 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, depending on variety
Care requirements: Requires full sun and well-drained soil
Garlic, depicted by Aksana Zavadskaya / Getty Images, aids lavender by attracting pollinators and enhancing soil quality. In return, lavender shields garlic from aphids, whiteflies, and root rot with its potent aroma and antifungal traits. According to Betz, “Garlic’s root compounds improve soil structure and boost microbial activity, leading to improved soil health and better growth conditions for lavender.”
Zones: Suitable for zones 3 to 9
Size: Typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and 6 to 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Needs full sun and well-drained soil
Basil, illustrated by Sand86 / Getty Images, complements lavender by enriching its flavor and supporting healthy growth while deterring pests and attracting beneficial pollinators. Betz explains, “Lavender’s pest-repelling properties shield basil from harm, attract pollinators, and foster beneficial soil microorganisms, thereby enhancing soil health and nutrient absorption for basil plants.”
Zones: Thrives in zones 2 to 11
Size: Height ranges from 12 to 24 inches with a width of 12 to 18 inches
Care requirements: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil
Sage, captured by Yuliia Bilousova, enhances lavender’s essential oil content, intensifying its fragrance. Betz notes, “Sage emits aromatic compounds like camphor and cineole, repelling pests such as moths, beetles, and specific flies to protect lavender from infestations. Its dense foliage also suppresses weed growth around lavender plants, reducing nutrient competition.”
Zones: Suited for zones 5 to 9
Size: Typically grows 12 to 30 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Requires full sun and well-drained soil
Catmint, showcased by AlpamayoPhoto / Getty Images, attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to lavender while repelling pests and inhibiting weed growth. Betz elaborates, “Catmint’s roots stimulate beneficial soil microorganisms, enhancing soil health and promoting growth of both lavender and catmint. Lavender’s pollinator attraction aids catmint by improving pollination rates, resulting in enhanced flower production and potentially higher yields.”
Zones: Suitable for zones 3 to 8
Size: Typically grows 12 to 24 inches tall; width varies
Care requirements: Flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil
Creeping Thyme, captured by Laszlo Podor / Getty Images, fortifies lavender by forming a weed-suppressing mat. Betz mentions, “Creeping thyme adds organic matter to the soil through leaf litter and root turnover, enhancing soil
Shade, moisture, and rich, acidic soil are crucial for the healthy growth of certain plants. When it comes to shade-loving plants, such as hosta, fern, astilbe, bleeding heart, and heuchera, it is advised by Betz to steer clear of planting them in the same area as lavender plants. This is because these shade-loving plants have different requirements than lavender.
For water-loving plants that thrive in moist soil conditions, including mint, begonias, fuchsias, and impatiens, they are unlikely to do well when planted alongside lavender. Betz suggests that these water-loving plants may not coexist harmoniously with lavender due to their differing moisture needs.
Plants such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, and other vegetables or flowers that are heavy feeders and require nutrient-rich soil may not be ideal companions for lavender. This is because these heavy-feeding plants could potentially deplete the soil of the necessary nutrients that lavender also requires, leading to competition for resources.
In terms of soil pH preferences, lavender tends to favor slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH range of around 6.5 to 7.5. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid planting lavender alongside acid-loving plants that thrive in lower pH levels, such as rhododendrons, azaleas, blueberries, camellias, and gardenias, according to Betz’s recommendations.
For more gardening tips and information, you can refer to the original article on Martha Stewart.
