Lavender shrubs are gorgeous plants, adding colour and fragrance to any garden by themselves.
However, even plants can benefit from having friends around – that’s where companion planting comes in! Whether for visuals or function, companion plants make the most out of your garden.
Lavender thrives in hot, dry summers and well-draining soil that’s slightly alkaline. When picking companion plants for lavender, look for ones that have the same growing conditions.
It’s also important to look up local council or state regulations around plants, as some could be monitored as weeds.
Pair up your plants to keep them healthy and happy! Here are some of the best lavender companion plants in Australia.
Growing Conditions | Lavender Companion Planting Chart | Herbs | Flowers | Fruits | Vegetables | Trees | Australian Native Plants | Companion Planting by Location | What Not to Plant | FAQs
Benefits of Companion Planting Lavender
Companion planting is a common practice among gardeners. It involves growing different plant species or varieties close together, to the benefit of one or more plants.
It also allows you to make the most out of your garden space (especially for small gardens). Oftentimes, companion plants can even deter pests or attract beneficial insects.
However, it’s essential that you choose the right companion plants – otherwise, you could compromise one or both.
Growing Conditions for Lavender Companion Plants
If you’re planning on growing lavender alongside other plants, they’ll need to tolerate the same environment!
Companion plants can thrive alongside lavender if they can grow in the same conditions:
- Well-draining soil
- Full sun and hot weather
- Low water requirements
- Cool, temperate, or arid climates
- Low nutrients (especially nitrogen)
- Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7.0-8.0) soil
For example, you’ll want to avoid plants that like consistently moist or acidic soils – they won’t get along with lavender much.
What To Plant With Lavender In Australia
The best companion plants for lavender include:
- Herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme
- Flowers like Baby’s Breath, billy buttons, and chamomile
- Fruit trees like apricots and olives
- Vegetables like alliums, brassicas, and silverbeet
- Trees like Casuarina and Silver banksia
- Australian native plants like grevilleas, Silver Princess, and wax flowers
That’s not all of them, of course, but these can get you started!
If you’re unsure, consult a local expert gardener – they’ll know best about which plants can grow alongside lavender in Australia.
Lavender Companion Planting Chart
| HERBS | FLOWERS | FRUITS | VEGETABLES | TREES | NATIVE PLANTS |
| Rosemary | Baby’s Breath | Apricots | Alliums | Casuarina | Grevilleas |
| Sage | Billy buttons | Olives | Brassicas | Silver banksia | ‘Silver Princess’ Eucalyptus |
| Thyme | Chamomile | Silverbeet | Wax flowers |
Herbs to Plant with Lavender
Whether you’ve started a little herb garden or just want to give your lavender some friends, you’ve got a lot of options!
Besides the plants listed here, there are many herb companion plants for lavender – such as oregano, parsley, and even basil.
Rosemary
This is another plant that thrives in Mediterranean climates and well-drained soil that’s slightly alkaline. The flowers come in white, blue, and even purple, so they’ll complement lavender well.
You can grow rosemary alongside culinary types of lavender – the English and Portuguese varieties are great choices. Keep them close to your kitchen for easy access!
Sage
Sage plants also prefer temperate and arid climates, full sun, and well-draining soil. And since they don’t need much water either, they’re perfect for growing alongside lavender.
Moreover, you can prune lavender and sage around the same time – early spring and autumn (or after flowering).
Thyme
Both lavender and thyme are Mediterranean herbs, so they have the same growing conditions – well-draining, slightly alkaline soil and lots of sun.
Neither plant needs fertiliser as well, and they’re very drought-tolerant.
If you’re growing a tall variety of lavender, opt for creeping thyme! It’s a different species (Thymus serpyllum) and ornamental rather than edible, but can thrive in the shade of your lavender plants.
Flowers to Plant with Lavender
Lavender makes a great companion for flowering plants since the blooms help attract pollinators.
Roses are a classic choice for any garden, but here are some other plants to try!
NOTE: Some common flowering companion plants for lavender may be considered a weed in Australia – including yarrow and jasmine. Check your local regulations first before planting.
Baby’s Breath
Also called gypsophila, Baby’s Breath likes slightly alkaline soil and hot, dry weather. It’s a popular dried flower, and the white blooms will make lavender’s purple flowers pop!
Gypsophila is also drought-tolerant when mature, though it may struggle to germinate from seed in too-arid conditions. You can germinate seeds indoors before transplanting the seedlings to your lavender garden.
Billy buttons
If you’re fond of flower arrangements, grow some billy buttons alongside lavender! These cheerful yellow pom-poms are easy to dry and display with lavender blooms.
Billy buttons are a native Aussie flower, but unlike other native plants, they don’t like acidic soil. They’re also drought-tolerant and sun-loving, so they’re one of the best native lavender companion plants.
Chamomile
One of the best things to combine with lavender is chamomile – they make a great herbal tea! And they don’t just go well together in a cup, they can grow together in the ground.
Chamomile only needs occasional watering when mature, and it can grow in a pH of up to 7.5.
It’s technically an herb, but chamomile is most known for its white-and-yellow flowers. You can also grow it as ground cover or even a lawn substitute!
Fruits to Plant with Lavender
Like other edible plants, lavender’s strong scent makes it a good companion plant for fruit trees. It can deter common pests while attracting beneficial pollinators to enhance fruiting.
However, it’s tricky to find fruit trees that can grow in alkaline soil since higher soil pH limits the availability of essential nutrients like phosphorus and iron.
Apricots
Apricot trees grow best in temperate climates, although they do need some cold to turn the flowers into fruit. Hot, dry summers will give you the best flavour.
They’re good companion plants for lavender since they can tolerate slightly alkaline soil so long as it’s well-draining. They also like direct sunlight!
Plus, lavender can deter common apricot pests like fruit flies.
Olives
Yes, olives are fruits! They’ll grow well in a Mediterranean type climate and slightly alkaline soils (up to 8.0 pH), so olive trees are great lavender companion plants.
Olives are very drought-tolerant once mature, and they benefit from regular pruning. This will help you keep a good shape that won’t cover any plants underneath.
Vegetables to Plant with Lavender
Planting lavender in your vegetable garden gives you an excellent, natural pest deterrent. The strong scent of lavender flowers often repels harmful insects.
This is a bit of a one-sided relationship, though, as lavender benefits your veggies more than the other way round!
Alliums
Lots of edible alliums – such as onions, garlic, and shallots (both the little brown onion and green onions) – go great with lavender. The same goes for their ornamental cousins, which you can plant alongside lavender in autumn.
Onions and shallots can grow even in small spaces, so you can position them in between shrubs. Lavender helps repel pests, letting your veggie plants thrive.
Brassicas
Cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, and other brassicas all benefit from growing near a lavender plant. The fragrant flowers keep away pests like aphids and cabbage moths.
Brassicas can also grow perfectly well in alkaline soil up to 7.8 pH.
However, since brassicas need regular watering, plant your lavender at least 30cm away so it doesn’t get wet feet!
Silverbeet
Also known as Swiss chard, this leafy green loves full sun and can grow even in slightly alkaline soils! Despite the name, though, only the leaves are edible – it doesn’t have a root bulb like other beets.
Like brassicas, these veggies will need regular watering in the growing season. Plant them slightly apart or in separate containers so your lavender doesn’t get waterlogged.
Trees to Plant with Lavender
Growing lavender alongside trees can be a challenge. Lavender needs direct sunlight, so the tree shouldn’t give too much shade.
Moreover, many trees will not tolerate poor nutrition and elevated soil pH. Still, there are some trees that work as a companion plant for lavender!
Casuarina
Also called She-oak, Casuarinas are an evergreen shrub or tree native to parts of Australia. It can tolerate most types of soils, so long as it’s not waterlogged.
The Casuarina equisetifolia is fast-growing and can reach a mature height of 8-16m. Smaller shrubs include Casuarina ‘Cousin It’ and other Casuarina glauca varieties.
Silver banksia
Be sure to get Silver banksia (Banksia marginata) – many other banksia trees are more partial to acidic soils. Silver banksia is more tolerant of most soil pH levels, including slightly alkaline conditions.
Just make sure the soil pH doesn’t go too high, or your tree could develop chlorosis.
Like other Australian native trees, Silver banksia is drought-tolerant and well-suited to dry weather.
Australian Native Plants to Grow with Lavender
It’s difficult to find Australian native plants that grow well with lavender, since most native plants have adapted to acidic soils.
Still, there are a few plants that you can grow alongside lavender – some with a bit more care.
Grevilleas
Some grevillea shrubs can grow in neutral to slightly alkaline soils, such as the Grevillea ‘Frosty Pink’ and Grevillea ‘Pink Spider.’
Ask your local nursery or garden centre about compatible varieties, and try to keep your soil closer to neutral.
However, grevillea tolerates drought and poor soil nutrition well – something in common with lavender!
‘Silver Princess’ Eucalyptus
Like lavender, ‘Silver Princess’ Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus caesia) prefers temperate and Mediterranean climates. As a low-maintenance tree, it can tolerate most soils and loves light.
Plus, the open growth habit allows light to filter down, so it won’t block the sun from lavender and other plants below.
At a mature height of about 8m, it’ll fit in many small gardens as a feature tree.
Wax flowers
Wax flowers or waxflower plants (Chamelaucium) are relatives in the Myrtle family, and they’re native to Western Australia. They come in a whole range of colours, from bright purple to soft white.
Wax flowers can do well even in slightly alkaline soil, and they don’t need any fertilising. Add in a love of sun and drought tolerance, and you’ve got a low-maintenance plant that’ll grow great alongside lavender.
Lavender Companion Planting by Location
Where you grow your lavender will also affect the best companion plants.
Many plants will be happy neighbours outdoors, but it’s harder to pick plants that can share a pot.
What to plant with lavender on a border
When planting lavender as a hedge along a border, look for shrubs or ground cover plants as companions!
Several banksia species grow as small shrubs, while you can train sage and rosemary in the same way. Grevilleas also make great border plants.
You can also plant chamomile as a border plant alongside your lavender.
Sedum is another good choice, but check your local state or council regulations. It is being monitored as a minor or potential environmental weed in certain parts of Australia where it’s been naturalised.
What to plant with lavender in containers
If you’re growing lavender with companion plants in pots, you’ll need to make sure both plants have moderate root growth. Otherwise, they could compete with each other for nutrients and stifle each other’s growth.
Herbs are great companions for lavender in pots. Rosemary, sage, thyme, and even oregano will easily share a container with lavender.
What Not To Plant With Lavender
They may be cousins, but you shouldn’t plant lavender with mint! Mint plants can be very invasive, spreading quickly and overtaking your garden.
Even in pots, mint can suffocate lavender easily.
Avoid any plants that have incompatible growing conditions – including moist soil, acidic soil, and shade. For example, hydrangeas, ferns, and azaleas all need regular watering, so won’t do well with lavender.
Overwatering and soil issues are very common reasons for lavender dying.
Do not grow lavender alongside rhizome-type plants since these could stifle the roots.
FAQs About Companion Plants for Lavender
Want to know more about specific plants alongside lavender?
Here are some common plants people ask about!
Can I grow vegetables alongside my lavender plants?
You can, but you’ll need to be mindful of soil composition and watering. Most edible plants need rich nutrition and regular watering to produce veggies – and lavender likes the opposite.
Vegetable and fruit plants also tend to prefer slightly acidic conditions, while lavender prefers more alkaline ones.
One way you can get around this is by planting your lavender in pots around vegetable gardens.
That lets you keep to lavender’s preferred growing conditions without compromising any of your plants.
What grasses grow well with lavender?
Several ornamental grasses provide an excellent backdrop or ground cover for your lavender plants!
Some great Australian native grasses include blue fescue, kangaroo grass, and Wallaby grass.
Can you plant lavender with tomatoes?
Yes – but plant them apart. Tomatoes have higher water requirements than lavender, so grow your lavender in a pot nearby instead of in the ground.
Pollinators love lavender flowers, which can help increase your tomato yield. The fragrance also repels common tomato pests like whiteflies and aphids.
Can you plant lavender with blueberries?
You can grow lavender alongside blueberries only if lavender is in a separate container.
Blueberries need acidic conditions to thrive, while lavender prefers alkaline soils. Growing them together could compromise both plants.
You can keep lavender in a separate pot or garden bed to attract beneficial insects.
Can you plant lavender with strawberries?
Yes – with some caveats. It’s best to plant lavender in pots around your strawberries, as the fruit plants prefer acidic conditions and rich, moist soil.
NOTE: The garden strawberry (Fragaria) should not be confused with the Strawberry Tree or Irish Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo).
Arbutus unedo is considered invasive in certain parts of Australia, such as the Greater Adelaide region.
Check your local state or council regulations for guidance on growing strawberry trees.
Can you plant marigolds with lavender?
Yes, so long as you keep your soil closer to neutral – ideally around 7.0, but they can tolerate up to 7.5 pH.
Marigolds aren’t too fussy, so will grow in most climates. Like lavender, they need well-drained soil and full sun to thrive.
Moreover, lavender plants can help deter pests such as aphids that can destroy your gorgeous marigold flowers.
Can you plant hydrangeas with lavender?
Avoid planting hydrangeas and lavender together, since hydrangeas require regular watering and semi-shade.
You can grow them indoors near lavender, but hydrangeas are notoriously finicky as houseplants!
