Lavender offers a beautiful, soothing scent and is an easy-care perennial that can be used in any garden or landscape. But how do you get the most out of your lavender plantings? The key is to choose plants with complementary colors and textures to create an eye-catching display. Here are some of the best companion plants with lavender:
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow has feathery foliage that adds texture and movement to gardens, plus it comes in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, red, and purple. Its brightly colored flowers also attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees. Yarrow is a low-growing plant, so it complements the upright habit of lavender without competing for space.
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)
Hollyhocks have large, showy flowers in shades of pink and purple that will draw attention to your lavender plants. They’re easy to grow, and they bloom in late summer when many other flowers have finished blooming. The tall flower stalks also provide support for the smaller lavender plants.
Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantine)
This perennial has soft, furry foliage that adds texture to the garden and contrasts nicely with the spiky foliage of lavender. Lamb’s ears bloom in late spring with small, pale purple flowers that attract beneficial pollinators.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
The blue-purple flowers of rosemary add a splash of color to the garden in late winter or early spring. The aromatic foliage also provides a habitat for beneficial insects and birds. Plus, rosemary is an edible herb, so you can use it in your cooking as well as enjoy its beauty in the garden.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage has attractive gray-green foliage and purple flowers that bloom from midsummer to fall. The fragrant leaves are often used in cooking and will add flavor to your meals as well as beauty to your garden. Like rosemary, sage is an attractive addition to any companion plants with lavender and will attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
Catmint has long-lasting blue or purple blooms that will attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to the garden all summer long. Its foliage contrasts nicely with the silver-gray foliage of lavender, and it’s easy to care for — just prune it back in spring for a tidy look.
These are just some of the many companion plants that can be used successfully with lavender in gardens. By combining colors, textures, and flowering times, you can create a beautiful display that will provide months of enjoyment.
In addition to these companion plants, you can also add other flowering perennials, such as daylilies and black-eyed Susans, for more color and texture in your garden. With some careful planning and a little experimentation, you’ll be able to create an impressive display with lavender as the centerpiece.