Lavender is prized for its soothing fragrance and silvery-green foliage, making it a favorite choice for container gardening. Successfully pairing it with other plants requires careful consideration of its specialized needs. As a Mediterranean native, lavender thrives in conditions many common garden plants cannot tolerate. The goal is to select companions that mimic its native arid habitat, ensuring a cohesive and thriving arrangement.
Shared Environmental Needs for Success
A successful mixed container requires that all plants share the same environmental requirements, especially drainage, sun exposure, and soil composition. Lavender demands a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to prevent leggy growth and ensure prolific blooming. Any companion plant must be equally sun-loving, ruling out anything requiring partial or full shade.
The most non-negotiable requirement is sharp drainage, as lavender is highly susceptible to root rot. The potting mix must be very loose and porous, often achieved by mixing standard potting soil with grit, perlite, or coarse sand. Lavender also prefers lean, low-fertility conditions and a slightly alkaline soil pH (ideally 6.5 to 7.5). This preference means plants that are heavy feeders or require consistently moist, rich soil, such as mint or impatiens, are incompatible.
Recommended Companion Plant Pairings
The best companions originate from similar hot, dry climates, aligning with lavender’s need for full sun and infrequent watering. A range of herbs and ornamental plants offer textural and color contrast while thriving in these specific conditions. Mediterranean herbs make excellent partners because they share the same rugged, drought-tolerant nature.
Rosemary is the perfect match for lavender, as both are aromatic shrubs that prefer full sun and poor, well-draining soil. Oregano and thyme are also excellent choices. Thyme, with its creeping habit, can spill over the container edge and act as a living mulch, helping to regulate soil temperature. These herbs provide continuous green or silvery foliage, contrasting the purple blooms of the lavender.
For greater variety, several flowering and ornamental plants are suitable. Sedum varieties are highly drought-tolerant succulents that offer a different leaf structure and often bloom after the lavender has faded. Ornamental grasses like Blue Fescue provide a fine, silvery-blue texture that complements lavender’s foliage while sharing its low-water and full-sun needs. Annuals such as zinnias, lantana, and calibrachoa tolerate hot, dry conditions and can add bursts of contrasting color.
Container Arrangement and Ongoing Care
Selecting the right container is the first practical step, and it should be large enough to accommodate the lavender’s extensive root system. For a single arrangement, a container at least 12 to 16 inches in diameter is recommended to prevent overcrowding and allow for healthy root development. Terracotta pots are preferred because their porous nature allows excess moisture to evaporate through the sides, further aiding drainage compared to non-porous materials.
When planting, arrange companions to provide visual interest without compromising airflow around the lavender. The tallest plant, often the lavender itself, is typically placed in the center, with shorter or trailing companions positioned around the edges. Watering requires attention, as the established lavender should dictate the schedule. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between thorough waterings.
Maintenance involves regular deadheading of spent lavender flowers to encourage new blooms and light pruning after the main flowering period to maintain a dense, shrubby shape. Companion plants should also be deadheaded or lightly trimmed to prevent them from becoming leggy or dominating the container. Since these plants thrive in lean soil, fertilization should be minimal or avoided entirely, as excessive nutrients can weaken the plant’s structure.