--- title: "Companion Planting Lavender: Pollinators and Pest Deterrent" description: Best companions for lavender (roses, rosemary, alliums, marigolds) and what to avoid (hostas, hydrangeas, blueberries, mint). Spacing, pH, and pollinator data. image: https://growperma.com/hubfs/blog/images/gp-0137-lavender-border-hero.webp --- [Skip to content](https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-lavender-pollinators-and-pest-deterrent#main-content) [![GrowPerma Logo](https://growperma.com/hs-fs/hubfs/icon-512.png?width=40&height=40&name=icon-512.png)](https://growperma.com/) - [Blog](https://growperma.com/blog) - [About](https://growperma.com/about) [Join the Weekly Dig](https://growperma.com/newsletter) - [Blog](https://growperma.com/blog) - [About](https://growperma.com/about) [Join the Weekly Dig](https://growperma.com/newsletter) ![Cottage garden border in summer bloom with rows of English lavender, pink and white roses, rosemary, sage, and yellow yarrow visited by bees](https://growperma.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/images/gp-0137-lavender-border-hero.webp?width=1200&height=520&name=gp-0137-lavender-border-hero.webp) In This Article Table of Contents ![Peter Vogel](https://growperma.com/hubfs/Peter%20Vogel%20Portait.png) Peter Vogel Peter Vogel is the founder of GrowPerma, bringing together evidence-based gardening advice with permaculture principles. When he's not writing about companion ... [Companion Planting](https://growperma.com/blog/tag/companion-planting) May 19, 2026 # Companion Planting Lavender: Pollinators and Pest Deterrent Plant with lavender anything that wants the same four things lavender does: six or more hours of full sun, lean soil, sharp drainage and very little water. That means roses, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, echinacea, yarrow, alliums, catmint, sedum, lamb’s ear, marigolds and brassicas. Keep hostas, ferns, impatiens, hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, blueberries, mint and thirsty vegetables such as cucumbers, squash and basil in a different bed, because each of them wants shade, steady moisture or acidic soil. Rosemary is the safest pairing of the lot, spaced 24 to 30 in (60 to 75 cm) apart. Soil pH belongs between 6.5 and 7.5, and the mulch is gravel, never bark or compost. Spacing is the part most borders get wrong: 18 to 24 in (45 to 60 cm) for English lavender, 30 to 36 in (75 to 90 cm) for Lavandin. Everything below is sourced from RHS, Penn State Extension, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Xerces Society and peer-reviewed entomology, with the folklore claims flagged as folklore. 6+ hrs Direct sun lavender needs daily to flower well RHS Growing Guide 6.5-7.5 Soil pH range lavender prefers (slightly alkaline) UC ANR ~3x Bumblebee visit rate to Lavandin vs English lavender OSU Extension 5-9 USDA hardiness zones for English lavender Cornell Garden-Based Learning ## The Short Answer: What to Plant With Lavender If you only have time for the headline list, here it is. **Plant with lavender:** roses, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, echinacea, yarrow, alliums (chives and ornamental [onions](https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-onions-pest-repelling-powerhouses)), catmint, sedum, lamb's ear, marigolds, and brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale). **Keep away from lavender:** hostas, ferns, impatiens, hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, blueberries, mint, and most thirsty vegetables (cucumbers, squash, basil). ![Two-column infographic showing companion plants for lavender and plants to avoid near lavender](https://growperma.com/hubfs/blog/images/gp-0137-do-dont-infographic.webp) The principle behind every entry on those lists is simple: lavender wants Mediterranean conditions (hot, dry, alkaline, lean). Plants that share those conditions thrive next to it. Plants that need the opposite (shade, moisture, acidic soil, rich feeding) suffer next to it, or worse, drag the lavender into root rot. Our broader [companion planting chart for every vegetable](https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-chart-the-complete-guide-for-every-vegetable) covers the full matrix; this article goes deep on Lavandula. ## Why Lavender Earns Its Garden Real Estate ![Close-up of a honeybee with golden pollen baskets visiting a lavender flower spike](https://growperma.com/hubfs/blog/images/gp-0137-bee-on-lavender.webp) Three reasons. First, pollinator pulling power. A peer-reviewed nectar-secretion study in PMC documented lavender as one of the highest-nectar-yielding plants in its category, comparable to or exceeding many traditional honey crops. [OSU Extension's "Bumblebees and lavender"](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/bumblebees-lavender) reports that Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) cultivars like 'Phenomenal' and 'Provence' attract significantly more bumblebees than English lavender (L. angustifolia), with one observational study showing roughly three times the visit rate. Second, pest deterrence. Lavender's volatile oils, dominated by linalool and camphor depending on species, function as olfactory deterrents to several common garden pests. [Penn State Extension](https://extension.psu.edu/herbs-make-good-plant-partners-and-companions/) lists lavender among the aromatic herbs that confuse pest insects searching for host plants. The peer-reviewed compound profile of lavender essential oils, summarized in [a 2023 PMC review](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10079719/), identifies linalool and camphor as the primary insect-deterrent constituents. Third, drought and browse resistance. [Walters Gardens](https://www.waltersgardens.com/photo_essay.php?ID=318) lists lavender among the most reliably deer- and rabbit-resistant perennials, and once established it survives on whatever the sky delivers in most temperate climates. That makes it the rare plant that earns its space three ways: it looks good, it feeds the pollinators, and it asks for almost nothing back. Why This Works: Mediterranean Polyculture The companion planting wisdom around lavender isn't really folklore. It's an accidental rediscovery of Mediterranean polyculture, the centuries-old practice of growing plants from the same ecoregion together because they want the same things. Rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, and oregano are all native to the same rocky, sun-baked, alkaline hillsides around the Mediterranean basin. Planting them together is just letting them re-form the community they evolved in. This same logic shows up in our [permaculture zones explained](https://growperma.com/blog/permaculture-zones-explained-from-your-doorstep-to-the-wild) guide, where ecologically similar plants get grouped into shared microclimates. The pest-deterrent benefits are real, but they're a side effect of getting the conditions right. ## The Best Lavender Companions ![Pink English roses growing alongside mature lavender plants in full bloom](https://growperma.com/hubfs/blog/images/gp-0137-roses-and-lavender.webp) **Roses.** The classic English cottage-garden pairing. Lavender's aromatic oils help deter aphids that target rose buds, and the visual contrast (lavender's soft purple spikes against rose blooms) is iconic. [The New York Botanical Garden's research guide on companion planting for roses](https://libguides.nybg.org/companionplantingroses) lists lavender as a top recommendation. Plant lavender roughly 18-24 in (45-60 cm) from the rose canes to avoid crowding the rose root zone. **Rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano.** Same Mediterranean origins, same growing conditions. [Joy Us Garden's rosemary companion list](https://www.joyusgarden.com/rosemary-companion-plants/) and Penn State Extension both confirm these four are reliably compatible with lavender. Mix them in a herb border or pot together for a tidy, pest-resistant planting that looks intentional year-round. **Echinacea (coneflower) and yarrow (Achillea).** Both drought-tolerant, both [pollinator magnets](https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-sunflowers-living-trellises-and-pollinator-magnets), both happy in lean alkaline soil. They extend the flowering season around lavender. Echinacea picks up the bloom calendar just as English lavender finishes its first flush, and yarrow flowers reliably from early summer right through fall. **Alliums (chives, [garlic chives](https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-chives-allium-protection-for-every-bed), ornamental Allium).** Compatible conditions plus a pest deterrent stack. [Gardenia's chives compatibility guide](https://www.gardenia.net/guide/chives-best-worst-companion-plants) confirms the pairing. Ornamental alliums like 'Globemaster' give you architectural purple globes in late spring just before lavender hits its peak. **Catmint (Nepeta) and lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina).** Both happy in identical conditions, both supporting pollinators. [Great Garden Plants' catmint companion guide](https://blog.greatgardenplants.com/15-companion-plants-for-catmint-nepeta/) lists lavender as a top match. [Garden Design's lamb's ear guide](https://www.gardendesign.com/perennials/lambs-ear.html) confirms the same soil and sun preferences. **Marigolds (Tagetes).** Annuals that complement lavender's perennial structure and add a pest-deterrent layer. [Gardenia's marigold companion guide](https://www.gardenia.net/guide/marigold-companion-plants-grow-these-together-for-pest-control) covers placement. Plant French marigolds at the front edge of a lavender border for a continuous summer-long color band. The [science behind marigold pest control](https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-marigolds-the-science-behind-pest-control) covers why this pairing pulls double duty. **Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts).** An underrated pairing. Lavender planted at the edge of a brassica bed acts as a pest-deterring border, particularly against cabbage moths whose adults are confused by the strong aromatic oils. [Practitioner data on cabbage moth protection methods](https://thecottagevegetable.com/2023/06/09/cabbage-moth-protection-netting-diy-net-frame/) includes aromatic herbs like lavender as one component of a layered approach. Be realistic: lavender helps, but heavy cabbage moth pressure still benefits from physical row covers. For the bigger picture on which crops fight each other, see our guide to [companion planting mistakes to avoid](https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-mistakes-12-combinations-to-avoid). **Fruit trees (apple, plum, cherry).** Lavender under fruit trees pulls in pollinators during fruit-tree bloom and continues attracting them through summer. [Companion planting under fruit trees](https://www.thehomesteadgarden.com/companion-planting-for-under-your-fruit-trees/) covers placement: keep lavender 3-4 ft (90-120 cm) from the trunk to avoid crowding the root flare. This is the same logic our [fruit tree companion planting guide](https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-fruit-trees-building-productive-guilds) uses for full orchard guilds. ## What Not to Plant Near Lavender The Single Most Important Rule: Match the Water and the pH Lavender hates moist soil and acidic soil. Any plant that wants either of those things will either suffer next to lavender (the soil isn't right for them) or, much worse, force you to water and amend in ways that rot the lavender. [RHS Growing Guide for lavender](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/lavender/growing-guide) is unambiguous: poor drainage and over-watering kill more lavender than any pest or disease. **Hostas, ferns, impatiens.** Shade-loving, moisture-loving plants. They'll be miserable in full sun and lean alkaline soil, and they'll signal to you visually that you're watering too much. [Proven Winners' hosta companion guide](https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/hosta/companion-plants) doesn't list lavender for exactly this reason. **Hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, blueberries.** Acid-loving plants that want soil pH 4.5-5.5, the opposite of what lavender wants. [Oregon State Extension](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-acidify-soil-rhododendrons-azaleas-other-acid-loving-plants) explains the soil chemistry. If you grow both in the same yard, keep them in completely separate beds, ideally on opposite sides of the garden so [soil amendments](https://growperma.com/blog/soil-amendments-explained-what-to-add-and-when) don't migrate. **Mint.** Aggressive spreader, prefers moister soil, and will physically swamp lavender if given the chance. If you want both, mint goes in a pot, never in the open ground next to lavender. **Most water-hungry vegetables.** Cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, basil, and tomatoes all need consistent moisture and richer soil than lavender will tolerate. Keep them in your vegetable beds, not in the herb border. [Gardenia.net on Lavandula x intermedia](https://www.gardenia.net/plant/lavandula-x-intermedia-phenomenal-lavender) reinforces the watering distinction. ## Setting Up a Lavender Border That Works ![Top-down view of a sunny garden border with lavender surrounded by rosemary, sage, thyme, marigolds, and coneflowers](https://growperma.com/hubfs/blog/images/gp-0137-lavender-border-layout.webp) 1 Confirm the site has full sun and drainage RHS calls out 6+ hours of direct sun and free-draining soil as non-negotiable. If your site is heavy clay, work in coarse grit or sand at planting (UC ANR recommends 30-50 percent inorganic amendment by volume for heavy soils) or build a raised mound. Lavender on a 6-inch raised mound in clay soil outperforms lavender planted flat almost every time. Opening compacted clay without turning the profile over is broadfork work rather than spade work, and our guide to [which broadfork handles heavy clay](https://growperma.com/blog/best-broadfork-picks-by-garden-size) covers the tine length that gets through a hardpan. 2 Check soil pH and lime if needed Lavender wants pH 6.5-7.5. A $15 home soil test kit gives you the answer in 30 minutes. If your soil tests below 6.5, add agricultural lime per the kit's recommendation. Most US east-coast suburban soils trend acidic and will benefit from lime around lavender. 3 Choose the right lavender species for your zone English lavender (L. angustifolia) is hardy USDA zones 5-9 and best for cold-winter regions. Lavandin (L. x intermedia) is hardy zones 5-8, larger, and a stronger bumblebee magnet. French (L. dentata) and Spanish (L. stoechas) need zones 7-10 and won't survive a Minnesota winter. [Monrovia's lavender selection guide](https://www.monrovia.com/be-inspired/choose-the-best-lavender-for-your-garden.html) walks through cultivars. 4 Space lavender for air circulation, not density English lavender wants 18-24 in (45-60 cm) between plants. Lavandin wants 30-36 in (75-90 cm). Skimping on spacing causes the interior of the plant to stay damp, which is the leading cause of fungal collapse. Plant companion herbs (thyme, oregano) in the gaps, not crammed against the lavender stems. 5 Mulch with gravel, not bark or compost This one trips up most new lavender growers. Organic mulches hold moisture against the crown and rot the plant. Use 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of pea gravel or crushed rock around the base. Looks tidy, suppresses weeds, reflects heat up into the plant, and keeps the crown dry. ## Lavender in Containers ![Terracotta pot on a sunny patio with English lavender, trailing thyme, rosemary, and flowering chives](https://growperma.com/hubfs/blog/images/gp-0137-lavender-container.webp) Lavender does well in pots if you respect the same drainage and sun rules. [Gardenia's container lavender guide](https://www.gardenia.net/guide/planting-and-caring-for-lavender-in-pots) recommends terracotta pots (porous, breathes better than plastic), at least 12 inches deep with multiple drainage holes, and a free-draining potting mix with at least 30 percent perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. Best container companions for lavender: trailing thyme (cascades over the pot edge), upright rosemary (matches lavender's habit), and a clump of chives (purple flowers stagger before lavender's main bloom). Skip impatiens, fuchsia, begonia, and other moisture-loving annuals in a lavender pot. They will either kill the lavender (over-watering) or look pathetic (under-watering). | Companion | Why It Works | Best Placement | Spacing From Lavender | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Roses | Aphid deterrent for roses, classic visual pairing | Back of border | 18-24 in (45-60 cm) | | Rosemary, sage | Same Mediterranean conditions, pest deterrent stack | Adjacent in herb border | 24-30 in (60-75 cm) | | Thyme, oregano | Ground cover with matching needs | Front edge or gaps | 12-18 in (30-45 cm) | | Echinacea, yarrow | Extends pollinator season, same soil | Mid-border | 18-24 in (45-60 cm) | | Alliums (chives) | Pest deterrent, complementary bloom time | Between lavender plants | 12 in (30 cm) | | Marigolds (Tagetes) | Annual color, pest deterrent | Front edge | 12-18 in (30-45 cm) | | Catmint (Nepeta) | Same conditions, pollinator value | Adjacent or as border | 18-24 in (45-60 cm) | | Lamb's ear | Silver foliage contrast, drought tolerance | Front edge as ground cover | 12-18 in (30-45 cm) | Sources: RHS Growing Guide for lavender (spacing and drainage), UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (soil pH and inorganic amendment rates). The same lean-and-dry logic runs through the whole Mediterranean herb group, and our [companion planting guide for herbs](https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-herbs-the-complete-guide) carries the full do and do-not lists for basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, parsley and mint. ## Lavender and Vegetables: Which Crops Belong in the Same Bed Lavender in a vegetable bed is a drainage decision before it is a companion decision. The bed that keeps a cucumber happy is the bed that rots a lavender crown, so the crops that pair well are the ones that tolerate lean soil and infrequent water. Brassicas are the one group that gains something measurable from the pairing, because lavender at the bed edge adds a scent layer against cabbage white and cabbage moth. | Crop | Plant with lavender? | Why | | --- | --- | --- | | Cabbage, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts | Yes, at the bed edge | Tolerate lean soil, and gain a pest-deterrent scent layer from the lavender | | Garlic, onions, shallots, chives | Yes | Want the same sharp drainage and dislike standing moisture as much as lavender does | | Carrots, beets, parsnips | Workable | Lean soil suits them, but keep lavender out of the rows you intend to fork over | | Cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini | No | Need consistent moisture and a rich bed, the two conditions that kill lavender | | Tomatoes, peppers | No | Heavy feeders on a steady watering schedule, and they shade the lavender out by midsummer | | Basil | No | Mediterranean by origin but not by habit: it wants far more water than lavender tolerates | Sources: Penn State Extension (herbs as plant partners), UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (lavender water and soil requirements). If the only sunny ground you have is the vegetable bed, grow the lavender in a pot on its edge instead. You keep the pollinator draw and the scent barrier without having to water two incompatible things on one schedule. ## Two Myths Worth Correcting **Myth 1: "Lavender repels mosquitoes."** The evidence is mixed at best. Lavender essential oil applied to skin shows some short-term repellency in lab tests, but a lavender plant growing in your border does not measurably reduce mosquito populations. [A Biogents mosquito cage test on lavender oil](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMp1xEGRqBs) demonstrates the limit of the effect even with concentrated oil. Plant lavender because pollinators love it, not because you're hoping it will fix your mosquito problem. **Myth 2: "All lavenders are equal for pollinators."** They aren't. [OSU Extension's bumblebee study](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/bumblebees-lavender) showed Lavandin cultivars (L. x intermedia) attracted bumblebees at roughly three times the rate of English lavender (L. angustifolia). If pollinator support is your priority, plant 'Phenomenal', 'Provence', or 'Grosso' Lavandin rather than English lavender. If essential-oil quality or culinary use matters more, English lavender still wins. The Bottom Line Lavender thrives next to plants that share its Mediterranean origins: roses, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, echinacea, yarrow, alliums, catmint, sedum, lamb's ear, marigolds, and brassicas. Avoid anything that wants shade, consistent moisture, or acidic soil (hostas, hydrangeas, azaleas, blueberries, ferns, impatiens, mint). Give lavender 6+ hours of sun, free-draining soil at pH 6.5-7.5, gravel mulch instead of organic mulch, and the right spacing (18-24 in / 45-60 cm for English, 30-36 in / 75-90 cm for Lavandin). Get those four conditions right and your lavender border becomes one of the highest-value pollinator features in the entire garden. Get the Weekly Dig One practical permaculture guide a week, written for gardeners who do this on weekends: companion pairings that hold up under scrutiny, and the ones that do not. Free, no spam, unsubscribe any time. [Join the Weekly Dig](https://growperma.com/newsletter) [Browse All Guides →](https://growperma.com/blog) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What to plant with lavender in a border? Plant roses, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, echinacea, yarrow, ornamental alliums, catmint, lamb's ear, marigolds, and sedum. These all share lavender's needs for full sun, sharp drainage, alkaline soil, and low water. For a long-flowering pollinator border, combine English lavender or Lavandin with catmint, echinacea, and yarrow as the perennial backbone and add marigolds for annual color along the front edge. ### Can you plant lavender and rosemary together? Yes. Lavender and rosemary are arguably the most compatible Mediterranean herb pairing in the home garden. Both want full sun, sharp drainage, lean alkaline soil, and infrequent watering. Space them 24-30 in (60-75 cm) apart for good air circulation. Both will thrive together in the open ground. They also share a pot, provided it is at least 16 in (40 cm) across and 12 in (30 cm) deep with a free-draining mix, since rosemary outgrows a smaller pot within two seasons and crowds the lavender root plate. ### Can you plant lavender and marigolds together? Yes. Marigolds are a recommended annual companion for lavender. They share the full-sun preference, tolerate dry conditions once established, and add a pest-deterrent layer to the border. Plant French marigolds along the front edge of a lavender border for season-long color and complementary pollinator function. ### Can you plant lavender and sage together? Yes. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) and lavender share the same Mediterranean origins and growing requirements. They make excellent border partners. Space them 24-30 in (60-75 cm) apart and they will look like they belong together because, ecologically speaking, they do. ### What vegetables should you not plant with lavender? Avoid cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, basil, and tomatoes, which all want consistent moisture and richer soil than lavender will tolerate. Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts) are the exception and actually benefit from lavender's pest-deterrent properties at the bed's edge. ### Is lavender drought tolerant? Once established (typically after the first full growing season), yes. English lavender and Lavandin are among the most drought-tolerant flowering perennials available, requiring no supplemental irrigation in most temperate-summer climates. In year one, water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root development. After that, lavender often does better with less water than more. ### What to plant with lavender in a container? Trailing thyme (cascading over the rim), upright rosemary, and a clump of chives for vertical interest and a complementary bloom time. Use a terracotta pot at least 12 inches deep with multiple drainage holes and a free-draining mix amended with 30 percent perlite or coarse sand. Avoid moisture-loving annuals like impatiens, fuchsia, or begonia in the same container. ### What not to plant next to lavender? Avoid shade-loving and moisture-loving plants: hostas, ferns, impatiens, hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and blueberries (all of which also want acidic soil incompatible with lavender's alkaline preference). Keep mint in a separate container because it spreads aggressively and prefers moister soil. Most thirsty vegetables also belong in a different bed. ## Resources - [Royal Horticultural Society, How to Grow Lavender](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/lavender/growing-guide) - [UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, All About Lavender (PDF)](https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2023-06/385323.pdf) - [Penn State Extension, Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions](https://extension.psu.edu/herbs-make-good-plant-partners-and-companions/) - [Oregon State University Extension, Bumblebees and Lavender](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/bumblebees-lavender) - [Cornell Garden-Based Learning, Lavender](http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene9108.html) - [Oregon State Extension, How to Acidify Soil for Acid-Loving Plants](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-acidify-soil-rhododendrons-azaleas-other-acid-loving-plants) - [New York Botanical Garden, Companion Planting for Roses](https://libguides.nybg.org/companionplantingroses) - [Xerces Society, Conserving Bumble Bees (PDF)](https://www.xerces.org/sites/default/files/2018-05/12-028_01_XercesSoc_Conserving-Bumble-Bees-Guidelines_web.pdf) - [Xerces Society, Monarch Butterfly Nectar Plant Lists (PDF)](https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/publications/18-003_02_Monarch-Nectar-Plant-Lists-FS_web%20-%20Jessa%20Kay%20Cruz.pdf) - [PMC, Nectar Secretion Dynamics and Honey Production Potentials](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5198994/) - [PMC, Bioactive Components and Pharmacological Properties of Lavender](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10079719/) - [PMC, Chemical Composition of New Lavender Cultivars](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8465323/) - [PMC, Lavandula dentata Phytochemical Analysis](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8840530/) - [Monrovia, Types of Lavender Selection Guide](https://www.monrovia.com/be-inspired/choose-the-best-lavender-for-your-garden.html) - [Monrovia, Ultimate Lavender Care Guide](https://www.monrovia.com/be-inspired/lavender-plant-care-guide.html) - [Gardenia.net, Planting and Caring for Lavender in Pots](https://www.gardenia.net/guide/planting-and-caring-for-lavender-in-pots) - [Gardenia.net, Lavender Companion Plants Guide](https://www.gardenia.net/guide/drought-tolerant-companion-plants-for-lavenders) - [Garden Design, How to Grow Lavender Plants](https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/lavender.html) - [Walters Gardens, Deer and Rabbit Resistant Perennials](https://www.waltersgardens.com/photo_essay.php?ID=318) **Tags:** [Companion Planting](https://growperma.com/blog/tag/companion-planting) ## Related Articles ![Raspberry canes held between wires on a wooden T-trellis with ripe berries and a gardener tying a cane with soft twine](https://growperma.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/images/gp-1137-hero-berry-trellis-20260925-053040.webp?width=400&height=220&name=gp-1137-hero-berry-trellis-20260925-053040.webp) 25 Sep [Companion Planting](https://growperma.com/blog/tag/companion-planting) #### Blackberry and Raspberry Trellis: Dimensions by Type and How to Build One Peter Vogel ![Cucumber vines on a green A-frame trellis over a raised bed with straight cucumbers hanging and a hand picking one, pole beans on a teepee behind](https://growperma.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/images/gp-1136-hero-cucumber-trellis-20260924-180613.webp?width=400&height=220&name=gp-1136-hero-cucumber-trellis-20260924-180613.webp) 24 Sep [Companion Planting](https://growperma.com/blog/tag/companion-planting) #### Cucumber Trellis: How Tall, Which Kind, and What to Buy for Every Climber Peter Vogel ![Late autumn raised bed of frost-touched collard greens interplanted with sweet alyssum and a row of dill going to seed behind](https://growperma.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/images/gp-0548-hero-collard-bed-20260908-064751.webp?width=400&height=220&name=gp-0548-hero-collard-bed-20260908-064751.webp) 8 Sep [Companion Planting](https://growperma.com/blog/tag/companion-planting) #### Collard Companion Plants: What the Evidence Supports Peter Vogel ![GrowPerma](https://growperma.com/hubfs/icon-512.png) Gardens That Work Like Forests — the smart-friend guide to permaculture for normal backyards. #### Explore - [Blog](https://growperma.com/blog) - [Companion Planting](https://growperma.com/blog/tag/companion-planting) - [Soil & Composting](https://growperma.com/blog/tag/soil-composting) - [Food Forests](https://growperma.com/blog/tag/food-forest) - [Permaculture](https://growperma.com/blog/tag/permaculture-foundations) #### Resources - [About](https://growperma.com/about) - [All Articles](https://growperma.com/blog) #### Legal - [Imprint](https://growperma.com/imprint) - [Privacy Policy](https://growperma.com/privacy-policy) - [Affiliate Disclosure](https://growperma.com/affiliate-disclosure) - Cookie Settings As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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A project by [peppereffect](https://peppereffect.com). ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Peter Vogel", "url" : "https://growperma.com/blog/author/peter-vogel" }, "datePublished" : "2026-05-19T00:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Companion Planting Lavender: Pollinators and Pest Deterrent", "image" : [ "https://growperma.com/hubfs/blog/images/gp-0137-lavender-border-hero.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-lavender-pollinators-and-pest-deterrent", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://growperma.com/hubfs/icon-512.png" } } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-lavender-pollinators-and-pest-deterrent#article", "@type" : "Article", "articleSection" : "Companion Planting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Peter Vogel", "url" : "https://growperma.com" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-19", "datePublished" : "2026-05-19", "description" : "Best companions for lavender (roses, rosemary, alliums, marigolds) and what to avoid (hostas, hydrangeas, blueberries, mint). Spacing, pH, container, and pollinator data.", "headline" : "Companion Planting Lavender: Pollinators and Pest Deterrent", "image" : "https://148149462.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/148149462/blog/images/gp-0137-lavender-border-hero.webp", "keywords" : "companion planting lavender, lavender companion plants, what to plant with lavender, lavender border, lavender container companions", "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-lavender-pollinators-and-pest-deterrent", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "GrowPerma", "url" : "https://growperma.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-lavender-pollinators-and-pest-deterrent#faq", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Plant roses, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, echinacea, yarrow, ornamental alliums, catmint, lamb's ear, marigolds, and sedum. These all share lavender's needs for full sun, sharp drainage, alkaline soil, and low water. For a long-flowering pollinator border, combine English lavender or Lavandin with catmint, echinacea, and yarrow as the perennial backbone and add marigolds for annual color along the front edge." }, "name" : "What to plant with lavender in a border?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Lavender and rosemary are arguably the most compatible Mediterranean herb pairing in the home garden. Both want full sun, sharp drainage, lean alkaline soil, and infrequent watering. Space them 24-30 in (60-75 cm) apart for good air circulation. Both will thrive together in the open ground or in a large shared container." }, "name" : "Can you plant lavender and rosemary together?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Marigolds are a recommended annual companion for lavender. They share the full-sun preference, tolerate dry conditions once established, and add a pest-deterrent layer to the border. Plant French marigolds along the front edge of a lavender border for season-long color and complementary pollinator function." }, "name" : "Can you plant lavender and marigolds together?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) and lavender share the same Mediterranean origins and growing requirements. They make excellent border partners. Space them 24-30 in (60-75 cm) apart." }, "name" : "Can you plant lavender and sage together?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Avoid cucumbers, summer squash, zucchini, basil, and tomatoes, which all want consistent moisture and richer soil than lavender will tolerate. Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts) are the exception and actually benefit from lavender's pest-deterrent properties at the bed's edge." }, "name" : "What vegetables should you not plant with lavender?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Once established (typically after the first full growing season), yes. English lavender and Lavandin are among the most drought-tolerant flowering perennials available, requiring no supplemental irrigation in most temperate-summer climates." }, "name" : "Is lavender drought tolerant?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Trailing thyme (cascading over the rim), upright rosemary, and a clump of chives for vertical interest and a complementary bloom time. Use a terracotta pot at least 12 inches deep with multiple drainage holes and a free-draining mix amended with 30 percent perlite or coarse sand." }, "name" : "What to plant with lavender in a container?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Avoid shade-loving and moisture-loving plants: hostas, ferns, impatiens, hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and blueberries (all of which also want acidic soil incompatible with lavender's alkaline preference). Keep mint in a separate container." }, "name" : "What not to plant next to lavender?" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-lavender-pollinators-and-pest-deterrent#breadcrumbs", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://growperma.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://growperma.com/blog", "name" : "Blog", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://growperma.com/blog/companion-planting-lavender-pollinators-and-pest-deterrent", "name" : "Companion Planting Lavender: Pollinators and Pest Deterrent", "position" : 3 } ] } ```