Combining lavender: 22 ideal companion plants

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Companion plants lavender

table of contents

  • Herbs
  • Perennials and other flowering plants from B to F
  • Perennials and other flowering plants from H to L
  • Perennials and other flowering plants from M to R
  • Perennials and other flowering plants from S to Z
  • frequently asked Questions

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) can be combined with numerous plants that also prefer a dry and sunny location in the garden. We introduce you to the most beautiful accompanying plants for beds and pots.

In a nutshell

  • needs a lot of sun, warmth and dry soil
  • Choose species with the same location and soil requirements
  • other Mediterranean species very well suited
  • Violet lavender goes very well with white or yellow blooming companion plants
  • also blooms in blue, white and pink

Herbs

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

This popular herb is also known as wild marjoram or wild dost. It originates from the Mediterranean countries, where it grows wild in warm, dry places.

Origanum vulgare, oregano
  • sunny, warm location
  • permeable, poor soil
  • only fertilize with ripe compost
  • blooms between July and September
  • attracts bees and butterflies

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is at home on sunny rocky slopes in the Mediterranean. With us, the shrub that needs warmth is not winter hardy, apart from special varieties such as 'Arp'.

blooming rosemary
  • lots of sun and warmth
  • permeable, humus-rich soil
  • Growth height up to approx. 100 centimeters
  • evergreen subshrub

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage comes in many different varieties, some of which have attractive variegated foliage. Like all Mediterranean herbs, this companion plant also needs a sunny and warm location.

Sage, companion plants
  • woody perennial
  • will be approx. 80 centimeters high
  • pretty purple flowers
  • blooms between June and August

Thyme (thymus vulgaris)

There is also a large variety of thyme varieties, which differ not only in appearance, but also in their scent. Lemon thyme, for example, is very pretty with its brightly colored leaves and purple flowers.

Thyme, companion plants
  • flat-growing subshrub
  • will be up to approx. 40 centimeters high
  • evergreen
  • blooms between May and October

Tip: So-called summer thyme, also known as French thyme, grows quickly, but is sensitive to frost. The German or winter thyme is much more resistant.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm in bloom is also a popular bee plant.

Lemon balm
  • grows up to a meter high
  • robust and hardy
  • bushy growth
  • white flowers from June to August

Tip: You can make a refreshing tea from the tender, young leaves.

Perennials and other flowering plants from B to F

Blue rattle flower (Catananche caerulea)

This perennial makes pretty purple or blue cup-shaped flowers that bloom well into autumn.

Blue rattle flower (Catananche caerulea)
Source: Joan Simon from Barcelona, ​​España, Catananche caerulea (15158725598), Edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Height of growth 40 to 80 centimeters
  • Flowering period June to September
  • valuable nectar and pollen plant

Curry herb (Helichrysum italicum)

The bright yellow flowers of the species, also known as the Italian straw flower, form a beautiful contrast to the purple flowers of lavender as a companion plant.

Curry herb (Helichrysum italicum)
  • subshrub up to 90 centimeters high
  • densely bushy growth
  • blooms from July to September
  • light fragrance

Tip: The curry herb is also an old herb and medicinal plant. A tea made from leaves is said to help against coughs, for example.

Sedum

High sedum species can withstand a lot of drought and need full sun. Otherwise they are very undemanding.

Fat hen, sedum in the garden bed
Fat hen, Sedum
  • Thick leaf plant
  • Growth height up to 70 centimeters, depending on the variety
  • Flowering period August to October
  • attract butterflies and bees

Tip: Sedum can be combined not only with lavender, but also with grasses and pillow asters.

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla)

The felt lady's mantle (Alchemilla glaucescens) and the silver lady's mantle (Alchemilla hoppeana) are particularly suitable for dry and poor locations.

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla)
  • pretty yellow single flowers
  • very long flowering time into October
  • popular bee food plant

Perennials and other flowering plants from H to L

Holy herb (Santolina)

The evergreen holy herb is ideal for stone and gravel gardens.

Silvery Holy Herb (Silvery Holy Herb (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
  • heavily branched subshrub
  • hairy leaves
  • Flowering period from June to August
  • yellow or white flower heads

Carthusian Carnation (Dianthus carthusianorum)

The native Carthusian carnation is also known as stone carnation and is characterized by its unpretentiousness. These and other types of carnation can be combined perfectly with lavender.

Carthusian carnation (Dianthus carthusianorum), companion plant
  • Growth height up to 60 centimeters
  • Flowering period June to September
  • purple cup-shaped blossoms
  • smell subtle

Mullein (Verbascum)

The high peduncles of these attractive summer flowers look like noble giant candelabra. With their yellow flower candles, mullein can be wonderfully combined with lavender.

Mullein
  • Height of growth 150 to 250 centimeters
  • Flowering period June to August
  • sow themselves
  • well-known medicinal plant

Lupine (Lupinus)

Lupins belong to the family of butterflies and with their tall flower candles in white, yellow, red, pink, blue or purple they form wonderful groups - also as accompanying plants to lavender.

Lupine (Lupinus)
  • Height of growth 80 to 120 centimeters
  • Flowering period May to July
  • Cut off withered for re-flowering in September
  • very robust and grow almost anywhere

Perennials and other flowering plants from M to R

Girl's eye (coreopsis)

The girl's eye, which belongs to the composites, is characterized by tireless, months-long summer bloom.

Girl's eye (coreopsis)
  • bright yellow flowers
  • Height of growth 30 to 100 centimeters, depending on the variety
  • Flowering period July to September
  • nice contrast to blue lavender

Tip: Coreopsis grandiflora 'Cut Gold' has particularly large flowers.

Marguerite (Leucanthemum x superbum)

The tall white summer daisies from the family of Composites belong to the classic perennials and can be combined very nicely with lavender.

Companion plant, marguerite (Leucanthemum x superbum)
Source: Captain-tucker, Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky' in NH, Edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
  • Height of growth 50 to 100 centimeters, depending on the variety
  • Plant spacing 50 to 80 centimeters
  • Flowering period July to August
  • Propagation by division and sowing

Tip: A bed with daisies, delphinium, poppy seeds, phlox and lupins as accompanying plants to fragrant lavender is very attractive.

Mary's bellflower (Campanula medium)

Mary's bellflowers form large, rounded bells that grow in abundance. There are filled and unfilled varieties in white, pink and purple-blue.

Mary's bellflower (Campanula medium)
Source: Daderot, Campanula medium - Longwood Gardens - DSC01098, Edited by Plantopedia, CC0 1.0
  • Height of growth 40 to 80 centimeters
  • Flowering period June to July
  • Sowing May to June
  • needs nutrient-rich soil

Delphinium

The delphinium with its striking, mostly blue flower panicles and growth almost as tall as a man is one of the most beautiful companion plants for lavender. It is best to choose white-flowered varieties.

Larkspur (Delphinium) companion plants
  • attract bees and bumblebees
  • Flowering time between late June to September
  • annual and perennial varieties
  • also pink, red and purple flower colors

Perennials and other flowering plants from S to Z

Gypsophila (gypsophila)

The petite one Carnation family is covered with a veil of pink or white flowers at flowering time.

Baby's breath (Gypsophila), companion plants
  • different types and varieties
  • nice to lavender especially Gypsophila elegans
  • also attractive gypsophila (Gypsophila repens)
  • as a fragrant gap filler between lavender bushes

Tip: The short-lived Gypsophila elegans blooms for an additional six weeks about six weeks after sowing. Sown at intervals of two to three weeks, you will have flowering gypsophila by autumn.

Scabiosis

Scabioses, also known as pincushions, bloom on long stems in pink, lavender, or dark purple. They belong to the cardiac family.

Scabiosa, companion plant
  • densely double flowers
  • Height 40 to 90 centimeters, depending on the variety
  • Flowering period July to November
  • annual, sowing from March

Spider Flower (Cleome spinosa)

The spider flower is an attractive annual plant with distinctive inflorescences in white, lavender or pink and an ideal companion plant for lavender.

Spider Flower (Cleome spinosa)
Source: Dinkum, Cleome spinosa "Helene Cambel", Edited by Plantopedia, CC0 1.0
  • prefer from March
  • 90 to 100 centimeters in height
  • Flowering period July to September
  • works best in group plantings

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

The huge one Mallow family is an unmistakable eye-catcher with its colorful flowers.

Hollyhock, Alcea rosea, companion plant
Hollyhock, Alcea rosea
  • Flowers of many colors
  • Growth height two to three meters
  • Flowering period July to September
  • need nutrient-rich soil

Tip: To prevent the long shoots from kinking, you should attach them to a planting stick or similar. ä. tie up.

Ornamental onion (Allium)

Of the Ornamental onion belongs to the bulb flowers and delights with its spherical flower balls in white, red, pink or purple.

Ornamental onion, companion plant
  • belongs to the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)
  • many different types and varieties
  • Growth height up to 150 centimeters
  • Flower balls with a diameter of up to 25 centimeters

frequently asked Questions

Why are there no roses in this list?

Roses and lavender make a wonderful combination and are therefore often planted together. This classic companion plant does not appear in our list for two reasons: On the one hand this arrangement is well known and it is important to us to give you a few new ideas present. On the other hand, the two species also have very different requirements in terms of location, soil and care, which can lead to problems.

What is the planting distance between the plants?

When fully grown, a lavender bush becomes about 30 to 40 centimeters wide and just as high. If you want to plant several lavender plants together, the planting distance should be at least 30 centimeters. How much space you leave between other species depends on their expected growth and can therefore vary considerably.

Are there any other types of lavender?

In addition to the real lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) there are other types that you can of course combine with each other. The crested lavender (Lavandula stoechas), for example, is very popular, although it is not hardy and therefore has to be replanted every year. The so-called Provence lavender (Lavandula x intermedia) is a particularly strongly fragrant hybrid breed. With a height of up to 100 centimeters, the little-known Speik lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is significantly larger than other types of lavender.