Lavender and chamomile can be planted together successfully, as they share several fundamental preferences for a garden environment. Lavender is a woody perennial native to the Mediterranean, thriving in hot, arid climates. Chamomile, which can be an annual (German) or a perennial (Roman), also prospers in similar conditions. Achieving a successful mixed planting relies on understanding both their shared needs and their subtle differences in water and growth. This pairing creates a fragrant, visually appealing garden section.
Environmental Needs That Align
The primary shared requirement is their need for maximum sun exposure. Both lavender and chamomile require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce strong growth and abundant flowering. A location with full, unobstructed sun is non-negotiable for their co-existence.
Another crucial commonality is their preference for poor to moderately fertile soil with exceptional drainage. Lavender is highly intolerant of “wet feet” and will quickly succumb to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Chamomile also thrives in loose, sandy, or loamy soil that allows water to pass through freely. Both plants prefer soil that is not overly rich, as high nutrient levels can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production and scent intensity.
Finally, their ideal soil pH ranges offer a significant overlap. Lavender prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.7–7.5), which mimics its native habitat. Chamomile is adaptable and performs best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.6–7.5). A neutral to slightly alkaline soil mixture is acceptable for both.
Managing Differences in Water and Growth
While the plants share a tolerance for similar soil and light, their mature watering needs diverge, requiring careful management. Mature lavender is highly drought-tolerant, often needing little supplemental watering once established, as its deep root system seeks out moisture. German chamomile, particularly when young or actively flowering, requires slightly more consistent moisture than lavender.
The solution is to adopt a deep, infrequent watering strategy that focuses on the lavender’s needs while satisfying the chamomile. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out completely before watering deeply. This encourages the lavender’s roots to grow downward and prevents the constant surface moisture that would rot the lavender’s crown.
Consideration of the specific chamomile type can further mitigate the moisture difference. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a low-growing perennial that is more drought-tolerant than the taller, annual German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Roman chamomile is a better pairing for lavender, as its growth habit and water requirements align more closely.
Tips for Successful Mixed Planting
Proper spacing is the most important practical step for the long-term health of both plants. Lavender grows into a substantial, woody shrub that requires excellent air circulation around its base to prevent fungal issues. Depending on the variety, lavender should be spaced 18 to 36 inches apart to allow for its mature size.
Chamomile tends to sprawl outward and should be planted to fill the gaps between the lavender plants without crowding the lavender’s crown. This arrangement allows the low-growing chamomile to act as a fragrant ground cover while ensuring air moves freely around the base of the lavender stems.
If planting in a container, select a large pot that accommodates the mature root ball of the lavender. Fill it with a gritty, sandy potting mix to ensure rapid drainage. Container planting demands more vigilant watering, but the principle of allowing the top layer to dry completely remains paramount.
Maintenance involves staggered harvesting and pruning schedules. Chamomile flowers prolifically and benefits from regular harvesting, which encourages more blooms. Lavender is typically harvested once or twice a season and requires annual pruning of its woody growth in late summer or early spring to maintain its shape. Use a non-organic mulch like gravel or small stones instead of wood chips around the lavender base. This material reflects heat and prevents the retention of moisture that could harm the lavender.