17 Lavender Companion Plants to Grow in Garden

Lavender is known to add beauty and aroma to your space. It attracts pollinators to your vegetable garden and can be grown as a hedge in the backyard.

Renowned for its culinary and medicinal benefits, lavender can be grown indoors or in your backyard, depending on your climatic conditions.

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the common variety grown in USDA Zone 5. Spanish lavender is another cultivar that prefers USDA Zones 7-9.

If you have a garden, you’re probably not just growing lavender. Companion planting is a great way to make the most of your garden space while naturally keeping pests and diseases at bay.

Planting other plants along with lavender can beautify your backyard naturally and inhibit bugs naturally.

Before proceeding, let’s understand the importance of companion planting.

What Is Companion Planting and How Does it Work?

In simple terms, companion planting is growing different plant species together so that they benefit from each other.

For instance, Rosemary and lavender have similar growing needs, and their strong aroma can effectively keep pests away from your vegetable garden.

Companion planting allows plants to benefit from the natural relationships between plants to improve soil, offer shade or ground cover, and keep pests and infestations away.

17 Lavender Companion Plants to Grow in Your Garden

Lavender prefers well-drained soil and full sun to thrive. Before choosing companion plants, ensure the growing requirements of plants are identical.

Depending on your garden space, you can grow companion plants in raised garden beds or containers.

Flowering plants like lavender are often placed near vegetable gardens to attract pollinators and prevent pests.

You can grow the following lavender companion plants to help keep pests and common diseases at bay.

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant, evergreen herb that can thrive in dry conditions. Its intense aroma and small, pale blue flowers are visually appealing and often used for culinary purposes.

When grown alongside lavender, Rosemary is an excellent companion plant. Both plants thrive in similar conditions, such as well-drained soil and full sun, making them ideal partners in a garden bed. Thanks to its strong scent, Rosemary can help deter pests that might otherwise be attracted to lavender. Additionally, the compact, bushy growth of Rosemary can provide a protective barrier for lavender, helping to shield it from harsh winds and creating a more favorable microclimate.

To grow Rosemary successfully, follow these tips:

• Use well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Ensure the plant gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Water occasionally, especially during prolonged dry spells, despite its drought tolerance.
• Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.

2. Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb with small, aromatic leaves and pink, purple, or white flowers. It’s a hardy plant that can withstand drought and poor soil conditions.

As a companion to lavender, thyme helps improve the overall health of your garden. Its strong scent deters pests and attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Thyme’s low-growing habit also helps to suppress weeds and keep the soil cool and moist.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline pH.
• Provide full sun for optimal growth.
• Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Trim back regularly to promote new growth and prevent woodiness.

3. Sage

Sage is a hardy, evergreen herb with soft, gray-green leaves and spikes of purple flowers. It’s known for its earthy aroma and culinary uses.

Sage makes a great companion plant for lavender because it repels pests and attracts pollinators. Both plants enjoy similar growing conditions, which makes them easy to care for together. Sage’s bushy growth also provides a good windbreak for lavender.

Growing Tips:

• Use well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Plant in full sun for the best growth.
• Water moderately, letting the soil dry out between waterings.
• Prune after flowering to keep the plant healthy and compact.

4. Oregano

Oregano is a robust, perennial herb with small, dark green leaves and tiny pink or white flower clusters. It’s widely used in Mediterranean cuisine.

When paired with lavender, oregano acts as a natural pest repellent. Its aromatic leaves deter harmful insects, while its flowers attract pollinators. Oregano’s spreading growth habit also helps to cover the ground, reducing weed competition.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline pH.
• Ensure full sun exposure for the best flavor.
• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess.

5. Red Valerian

Red Valerian, also known as Jupiter’s beard, is a hardy perennial with clusters of red, pink, or white flowers. It’s a striking plant that attracts butterflies and bees.

As a companion to lavender, Red Valery adds visual interest and attracts beneficial insects. Both plants enjoy similar soil and sunlight conditions, making them easy to grow together. Red valery’s tall, airy flowers complement lavender’s compact, bushy growth.

Growing Tips:

• Use well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Plant in full sun for the best flowering.
• Water sparingly once established as the plant is drought-tolerant.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

6. Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial with feathery leaves and clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red.

Yarrow is an excellent companion plant for lavender because it attracts beneficial insects and repels pests. Its deep roots also help improve soil structure and nutrient availability. The tall flower stalks of yarrow provide a nice contrast to the low-growing lavender.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Ensure full sun exposure for vigorous growth.
• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Cut back after flowering to promote a second bloom.

7. Marigold

Marigolds are bright, cheerful annuals with yellow, orange, and red flowers. They are known for their pest-repellent properties.

Marigolds make great companions for lavender because they deter a wide range of pests. Their strong scent masks the aroma of lavender, making it less attractive to insects. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects, which help keep the garden healthy.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral pH.
• Provide full sun for the best flowering.
• Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

8. Coneflower

Coneflower, or Echinacea, is a hardy perennial with large, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white.

Coneflower is a good companion for lavender because it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Both plants enjoy similar growing conditions, making them easy to care for together. The tall, sturdy coneflower stems provide a pleasant backdrop to the lower-growing lavender.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Ensure full sun exposure for the best flowering.
• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth.

9. African Daisy

African Daisy, also known as Osteospermum, is a tender perennial with daisy-like flowers in vibrant colors, including purple, pink, yellow, and white.

African Daisy pairs well with lavender due to its similar growing requirements. Both plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun. The bright, cheerful flowers of African Daisy add a splash of color to the garden and attract pollinators.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Provide full sun for the best flowering.
• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

10. Roses

Roses are classic garden favorites with their fragrant, colorful blooms. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Roses and lavender make a beautiful and beneficial combination in the garden. Lavender can help deter pests that commonly affect roses while providing a lovely visual contrast with its purple blooms. Both plants enjoy similar growing conditions.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Ensure full sun exposure for at least six hours a day.
• Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
• Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth.

11. Legumes

Legumes, such as beans, peas, and clover, are excellent nitrogen-fixing plants that improve soil fertility.

When grown alongside lavender, legumes enrich the soil by adding nitrogen, which benefits lavender and other nearby plants. The dense foliage of legumes also helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral pH.
• Provide full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety.
• Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
• Support climbing varieties with trellises or stakes.

12. Zinnia

Zinnias are vibrant annuals with bright, daisy-like flowers in various colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, and white.

Zinnias make great companions for lavender because they attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Their bright, cheerful blooms add a splash of color to the garden and complement the purple hues of lavender.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Provide full sun for the best flowering.
• Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

13. Catmint

Catmint is a hardy perennial with soft, gray-green leaves and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It’s known for its aromatic foliage and attraction to cats.

Catmint pairs well with lavender due to its similar growing requirements. Both plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Catmint’s bushy growth helps suppress weeds and create a lush, attractive garden bed.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Provide full sun for the best growth.
• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Cut back after flowering to encourage a second bloom.

14. Alliums

Alliums are bulbous perennials with tall, slender stems and spherical clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow.

Alliums make excellent companions for lavender. They repel pests like aphids and attract beneficial insects. Their tall flower stalks add vertical interest to the garden and complement the lower-growing lavender.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Ensure full sun exposure for the best flowering.
• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Plant bulbs in the fall for spring and summer blooms.

15. Blue Fescue

Blue Fescue is an ornamental grass with delicate, blue-gray foliage and small, tufted flower heads. It’s a low-maintenance plant that adds texture to the garden.

Blue Fescue pairs well with lavender due to its similar growing requirements. Both plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun. The cool, blue tones of Blue Fescue provide a nice contrast to the purple blooms of lavender.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Provide full sun for the best growth.
• Water sparingly, as the plant is drought-tolerant.
• Trim back old foliage in the spring to encourage new growth.

16. Red Hot Poker

Red Hot Poker, known as Kniphofia, is a striking perennial with tall spikes of tubular, red, orange, and yellow flowers.

Red Hot Poker is a great companion for lavender due to its similar growing requirements. Both plants enjoy well-drained soil and full sun. The tall, vibrant flowers of Red Hot Poker add a dramatic touch to the garden and attract pollinators.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Ensure full sun exposure for the best flowering.
• Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Cut back spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms.

17. Basil

Basil is a popular annual herb with aromatic leaves and small white or purple flowers. It’s widely used in cooking for its fresh, spicy flavor.

Basil makes a good companion for lavender by repelling pests and attracting pollinators. Its fragrant foliage helps mask the scent of lavender, making it less attractive to insects. Both plants enjoy similar growing conditions.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Provide full sun for at least six hours a day.
• Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
• Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.