Lavender Companion Plants: Best Matches for a Buzzing Garden

Years ago, when I planted my first little lavender patch, I treated it like a diva—special spot, lots of attention, no neighbors. And it flopped. Hard. Turns out, lavender actually loves company—if you pick the right companions! Learning how to choose lavender companion plants not only saved my lavender, but turned my garden into a buzzing, fragrant paradise. Today, I’m here to share my best lessons (and a few funny mistakes) to help your lavender thrive too!

🌱 What Makes a Good Companion for Lavender?

Companion planting is all about pairing plants that naturally help each other grow better. Some combinations boost pest control, others improve pollination, and some just make your garden look drop-dead gorgeous (and smell even better).

Lavender is a dream plant for companion planting because it’s drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and attracts beneficial insects. But not every plant can keep up with lavender’s sun-loving, dry-soil attitude. That’s why picking the right lavender companion plants is crucial.

For even more ideas on boosting your garden’s beauty naturally, visit our Growing Guides!

And if you want to dig even deeper, I highly recommend the Old Farmer’s Almanac Companion Planting Guide — it’s packed with practical advice!

🌼 Best Plants to Grow with Lavender

After years of experimenting (and occasionally apologizing to dead plants), here are my absolute favorite lavender companion plants:

• Rosemary: Like two old friends at a backyard barbecue, rosemary and lavender thrive under the same conditions: full sun, well-drained soil, and very little water. Plus, the scent combination is heavenly.
• Sage: Sage shares lavender’s love of dry soil and hot weather. And as an added bonus, it brings gorgeous texture and color contrast to the lavender’s purple blooms.
• Thyme: This low-growing herb acts like a living mulch around lavender, helping to retain heat and suppress weeds. Plus, thyme flowers attract beneficial pollinators by the dozens!
• Yarrow: Yarrow’s feathery leaves and clusters of colorful blooms complement lavender beautifully. It also attracts pollinators and is tough as nails in drought conditions.
• Echinacea: Also known as coneflower, echinacea is another sun-lover that pairs well with lavender. The bold pink and purple blooms make a show-stopping combo.
• Alliums: Those funny pom-pom-shaped flowers aren’t just cute—they help repel pests and thrive in the same dry, sunny conditions lavender craves.

🚫 Plants That Don’t Get Along with Lavender

Through much trial and tribulation (and one very soggy summer), I learned that not all plants are a good match for lavender. Here’s who to keep at a distance:

• Hostas: Hostas love shade and moisture, basically the opposite of what lavender wants.
• Ferns: Ferns are humidity-loving shade seekers—not ideal neighbors for a sun-worshipper like lavender.
• Camellias: These acid-loving plants prefer rich, moist soil, while lavender craves lean and dry.
• Mint: Mint is aggressive and loves wet soil, two qualities that spell doom for nearby lavender.

If your goal is low-maintenance, stress-free gardening (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that?), stick with tough, drought-tolerant companions that don’t mind poor soil.

🌸 Why Lavender Thrives with the Right Companions

Lavender doesn’t just tolerate the right companions—it thrives alongside them. Here’s why companion planting works so well:

• Boosts Pollination: Companions like thyme and yarrow attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that lavender also benefits from.
• Improves Soil Conditions: Ground covers like thyme prevent soil erosion and reduce the need for watering, creating the perfect conditions for lavender.
• Repels Pests: Herbs like rosemary and alliums can help deter garden pests naturally, meaning fewer chemicals and less work for you (and more hammock time—I highly recommend it!).
• Maximizes Garden Space: Lavender’s upright growth habit pairs beautifully with spreading herbs or bold perennials, making your beds look full and lush without crowding.

🛠️ Tips for Planting Lavender with Other Plants

If you want to ace your lavender companion planting game, here’s my best advice (learned the hard way!):

• Use Well-Draining Soil: Lavender will not forgive you if its roots stay wet. Amend with sand or gravel if needed.
• Choose Full Sun Locations: Both lavender and its companions need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. No compromises.
• Water Sparingly: Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots and drought tolerance.
• Space Properly: Airflow is crucial. Don’t cram plants together—even if it feels like they’d be cute best friends!

🌎 Final Thoughts on Growing Lavender with Friends

Planting companions for lavender isn’t just smart—it’s downright delightful. You’ll get healthier plants, a more biodiverse garden, and a riot of color, scent, and buzzing life. Plus, there’s nothing quite like stepping into a sunny, lavender-scented garden where bees hum happily and your plants look effortlessly fabulous.

And honestly? It’s much cheaper than therapy.

If you’re ready to plan your best garden yet, be sure to check out our Growing Guides for more in-depth tips. And if you need gear to make it even easier, don’t miss our Essential Gardening Tools recommendations too!