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Lavender is a woody perennial known for its aromatic purple flowers that attract beneficial insects and pollinators, making it a beloved addition to flower and vegetable gardens. Thriving in warm, well-draining soil and full sun, lavender shines even more when paired with several common plants. This is what’s known as companion planting.

Trained master gardener Stacy Ling, who has been growing lavender for years, noted that lavender “performs and looks its best” when planted with the “right companions”. So if you have ever planted lavender by itself and wondered why the plant only looks good for a few weeks out of the year, it’s because they need “partner plants”. With this in mind, Stacy has shared some of the “best companion plants for lavender” on her Youtube channel that she uses in her garden to “create longer bloom seasons, healthier plants and a much more cohesive garden design”.

The gardening guru noted that companion planting isn’t just about making your garden “look prettier”. The right plant combinations ensure plants receive similar growing conditions like improved airflow, ability to attract pollinators, reduced maintenance, and the assistance to creating a garden that “looks beautiful well beyond a single bloom period”.

When growing lavender, Stacy warned that the “biggest mistake” gardeners make is pairing lavender with plants that need rich soil, frequent watering, or shade. These factors can lead to your lavender plants dying.

Plants to make your lavender bloom longer and healthier

Thyme

A lot of herbs pair well with lavender, and thyme is one of the best ones. Stacy said, “Thyme and lavender are practically made for each other. Both love full sun, excellent drainage, lean soil, and less frequent watering.

The gardener pointed out that she “especially loves creeping thyme”, as it forms a living carpet around lavender plants while helping to “suppress weeds”. She added that the fine texture contrasts beautifully with lavender’s upright form.

Companion planting “really starts to shine” when you pair lavender with roses. Stacy said, “One of my favourite companions for lavender is roses; you just can’t beat it.”

Lavender helps soften the base of rose shrubs while adding fragrance, pollinator activity, and colour contrast. This classic pairing has remained popular for generations because it just works.

Most commonly known as catmint, nepeta’s foliage textures complement lavender, and the bloom colours blend beautifully. Both plants tolerate heat and drought once established.

Stacy said, “If I had to pick one perennial companion that always works with lavender, it’s nepeta.”

What’s more, nepeta often flowers for a very long period with minimal maintenance. The combination creates that “soft romantic cottage garden look” many gardeners strive to achieve.

Another “amazing companion for lavender” is zinnias. These easy-to-grow annuals thrive in full sun, attract pollinators, and provide “armloads of flowers” throughout the season.

Stacy noted: “I especially love pairing them with lavender because they begin hitting their stride just as lavender’s first flush starts to fade, helping keep the garden colourful for months.”