8 Flowers That Go Well With Lavender: A Guide To Perfect Pairings

Lavender is cherished for its calming scent and beautiful purple spikes, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to any garden. But to help it truly shine, thoughtful companion planting is key. Pairing lavender with the right plants not only creates a visually stunning display but also ensures all your plants thrive together by sharing similar needs. 

This guide explores the best companion plants for lavender, perfectly suited for gardeners in Singapore. We will cover everything from classic perennials and vibrant annuals to creating beautiful arrangements in pots, ensuring a healthy and harmonious garden.

Perennials are a wonderful choice for planting with lavender because they grow back year after year, creating a stable and low-maintenance garden bed. They form the backbone of your garden design, providing structure and reliable colour. When chosen carefully, these long-term partners will mature beautifully alongside your lavender plants.

1. Echinacea (Coneflower)

Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is a fantastic companion for lavender. Its large, daisy-like flowers have prominent central cones that provide a bold, robust shape, creating a wonderful textural contrast with lavender's slender, delicate spikes. Both plants adore full sun and well-drained soil, making them perfect neighbours. 

Echinacea blooms from summer into autumn, ensuring your garden remains vibrant for months. The classic purple coneflower complements lavender's hue, while pink or white varieties offer a delightful contrast.

2. Roses

The pairing of roses and lavender is a timeless classic, evoking the image of a romantic English cottage garden. This combination is not just beautiful but also practical. Lavender is known to help deter aphids and other pests that can trouble rose bushes. To ensure both plants thrive, choose drought-tolerant rose varieties, such as shrub roses. Most importantly, provide ample spacing between them. This allows for good air circulation, which is critical for preventing fungal diseases like black spot on roses, especially in humid weather.

3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

For a truly striking colour combination, plant Black-Eyed Susans with your lavender. The brilliant, golden-yellow petals of Rudbeckia stand out dramatically against the cool purple tones of lavender, creating a high-contrast display that draws the eye. These cheerful, hardy flowers are easy to grow and share lavender's love for sun-drenched spots and well-drained soil, making them an effortless and rewarding pairing.

4. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)

There is something so clean and joyful about the combination of lavender and Shasta Daisies. The daisies' classic white petals and sunny yellow centres provide a crisp, bright backdrop that makes the purple of the lavender appear even more rich and vibrant. This timeless pairing offers a fresh, clean aesthetic that suits many garden styles. Like lavender, Shasta Daisies are hardy, sun-loving perennials that are not fussy about soil, as long as it drains well.

5. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum, also known as Stonecrop, is an excellent ground cover or border plant to pair with lavender. It is a succulent, meaning it is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in the same hot, dry, and sunny conditions that lavender loves. Its fleshy leaves provide a wonderful textural contrast, and many varieties, like 'Autumn Joy', produce clusters of pink or red flowers late in the season, extending the garden's interest. Its low-growing habit allows the taller lavender spikes to stand out.

Vibrant Annuals to Complement Lavender

Annuals complete their entire life cycle in one growing season, making them perfect for adding a temporary splash of colour to your garden. They are ideal for filling in gaps between newly planted perennials or for allowing you to experiment with different colour schemes each year. Their versatility and vibrant nature make them a wonderful addition to any lavender-centric planting.

6. Zinnias

Zinnias are a gardener's dream, especially in a warm climate like Singapore's. They are incredibly easy to grow from seed and bloom profusely throughout the season. Zinnias come in almost every colour imaginable, from hot pinks and fiery oranges to soft yellows and whites. This allows you to create either a bold, contrasting colour palette or a soft, harmonious one next to your lavender. They love heat and full sun, and they are not particular about soil, making them an easy and cheerful companion.

7. Marigolds

Marigolds are more than just a pretty flower; they are a hardworking addition to any garden. Their strong scent is famous for deterring a range of garden pests, including nematodes in the soil and flying insects above ground. Planting marigolds near your lavender provides a natural form of pest control. Their cheerful pom-poms of orange, yellow, and red create a warm and inviting colour scheme and they thrive in the same sunny, well-drained conditions as lavender.

8. Cosmos

For a soft, whimsical, and romantic garden feel, look no further than Cosmos. These delicate flowers grow on tall, airy stems that dance in the breeze, creating a sense of movement. Their daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and magenta float gracefully above the denser mounds of lavender. Cosmos prefer soil that is not too rich and, like lavender, they are sun-loving and can tolerate dry spells, making them a perfectly compatible and enchanting partner.

Understanding Lavender’s Needs: The Foundation for Success

Before you can choose the perfect partners for your lavender, it is essential to understand what it needs to flourish. Successful companion planting relies on grouping plants with similar requirements. For lavender, this means mimicking the sunny, dry conditions of its native Mediterranean home.

Sunlight and Soil Requirements

Lavender is a sun-worshipping plant. It requires at least six to eight hours of direct, bright sunlight every day to produce its iconic, fragrant blooms. When choosing companions, select plants that also thrive in full sun. Anything that prefers shade will struggle next to lavender. It’s also where flowers get their colour.

The right soil is just as crucial. Lavender demands well-draining, gritty, or sandy soil that is slightly alkaline. It absolutely cannot tolerate "wet feet" or sitting in waterlogged soil, which leads to root rot. In Singapore's humid climate, ensuring excellent drainage is paramount. You can improve heavy soil by adding sand or fine gravel. Good air circulation around the plant is also vital to prevent fungal issues, so avoid overcrowding your plants.

Watering: The "Less is More" Approach

One of the most common mistakes in caring for lavender is overwatering. This plant is remarkably drought-tolerant once established. It prefers its soil to dry out completely between waterings. Its ideal companions must also be able to withstand these drier conditions. Plants that need consistent moisture will not survive alongside lavender, as one of them will always be in the wrong environment.

What to Plant With Lavender in Pots and Containers

Growing lavender in pots is a fantastic option, especially if you have a balcony, patio, or heavy garden soil. Container gardening gives you complete control over the soil and drainage. However, it also presents unique challenges, as the pot environment can heat up and dry out quickly.

Choosing the Right Container

The right pot is critical for a happy lavender plant. Terracotta pots are an excellent choice because they are porous, allowing the soil to breathe and dry out more evenly. This helps to prevent root rot. Whatever material you choose, ensure the pot has at least one large drainage hole at the bottom. In terms of size, select a container that gives the roots plenty of room to grow without being excessively large. A pot that is about 30-40 cm in diameter is a good starting point for a single lavender plant.

Ideal Pot Companions

When planting companions with lavender in a container, think about the "thriller, filler, spiller" design principle. Lavender itself acts as the "thriller"—the tall, dramatic centrepiece. For the "filler," you can use compact annuals like sweet Alyssum, which produces a carpet of tiny, fragrant flowers. For the "spiller," choose plants that will trail over the edge of the pot. Trailing Rosemary, various types of Thyme, or low-growing Sedum are perfect choices. They share lavender's love for sun and dry soil and will create a lush, layered look.

Creating a Lavender-Centric Garden Design

Lavender is incredibly versatile and can be the star of several different garden styles. By choosing the right companions, you can create a cohesive and beautiful design that reflects your personal taste.

The Mediterranean or Rock Garden

To create a garden that feels like a sun-baked Mediterranean hillside, group lavender with other plants from that region. Herbs like Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme are natural partners, as they all thrive in full sun and gritty, well-draining soil. Their silvery foliage and varied textures complement lavender beautifully. You can also add structural plants like ornamental grasses or succulents like Agave and Echeveria to complete the look. This style is water-wise and low-maintenance, perfect for a sunny, dry spot.

The English Cottage Garden

For a more romantic and lush aesthetic, use lavender as a key element in an English cottage garden design. This style features a dense mix of flowering perennials, annuals, and roses. Pair lavender with cottage garden classics like Shasta Daisies, Delphiniums, Catmint (Nepeta), and of course, Roses. The key to this style is to create layers of colour and texture, with flowers spilling over paths and filling every available space for an abundant, charming feel.

What to Plant with Lavender in Front of the House

Lavender is an excellent choice for front-of-house planting, offering wonderful curb appeal with its colour, fragrance, and neat shape. Create a formal look by planting a hedge of lavender along a walkway. You can underplant it with a neat border of silvery Artemisia 'Silver Mound' or a low-growing ground cover like Thyme. For a more dramatic entrance, interplant lavender with tall, structural Alliums. Their globe-shaped purple flowers bloom just before the lavender, creating a stunning, multi-layered purple display.

Companion Plants for a Lavender-Friendly Vegetable Garden

Integrating flowers into your vegetable garden is a smart strategy for a healthier, more productive plot. Lavender is a particularly useful addition, as its strong fragrance can confuse and deter pests, while its flowers are a magnet for essential pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Beneficial Herb Pairings

Planting lavender alongside other herbs can create a powerful, pest-repelling barrier. The combined scents of lavender, rosemary, mint (always keep mint in a pot to control its spread), and chamomile can help protect your vegetables from a variety of unwanted insects. These herbs also attract beneficial insects that will help pollinate your vegetable crops, leading to a better harvest.

Protecting Brassicas

Members of the brassica family, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, are often targeted by the cabbage white butterfly, which lays its eggs on the leaves. The resulting caterpillars can devastate the crop. The strong scent of lavender can help to mask the scent of the brassicas, confusing the butterflies and encouraging them to lay their eggs elsewhere. Planting lavender as a border around your brassica patch is a natural and beautiful way to protect your harvest.

How to Plant Lavender With Companion Flowers

Proper planting technique is just as important as choosing the right companions. Following a few simple steps will set your garden up for success and ensure all your plants have the best possible start.

• Step 1: Begin by choosing the right location. It must be a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Observe the area throughout the day to be sure.
• Step 2: Next, prepare the soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, it is essential to improve its drainage. Amend the soil by mixing in generous amounts of coarse sand, fine gravel, or perlite. This will create the gritty, fast-draining conditions that lavender and its companions require.
• Step 3: Pay close attention to spacing. This is especially important in Singapore's humid climate. Good air circulation is vital to prevent fungal diseases. Check the mature size of each plant and space them accordingly. As a general rule, plant lavender at least 60 cm away from larger plants like roses to ensure air can move freely between them.
• Step 4: When you are ready to plant, dig holes that are as deep and slightly wider than the pots your plants came in. Gently place each plant in its hole, ensuring the top of its root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the holes with soil.
• Step 5: After planting, water everything thoroughly. This helps to settle the soil around the roots. After this initial watering, switch to a deep but infrequent watering schedule. Allow the soil to dry out completely before you water again.

What Not to Plant With Lavender

Just as important as knowing what to plant with lavender is knowing what to avoid. Planting companions with conflicting needs is a recipe for failure, as one or both plants will inevitably struggle and fail to thrive. Make sure that you can take care of all the flowers simultaneously. This is why careful planning is important.

Plants That Need Too Much Water

The most common mistake is pairing lavender with moisture-loving plants. Plants like Hostas, Impatiens, and most ferns require consistently damp soil to survive. Their needs are the complete opposite of lavender's drought-tolerant nature. If you plant them together, either the lavender will suffer from root rot due to overwatering, or the moisture-loving plants will wither from lack of water. Hydrangeas are another popular plant that should not be planted near lavender due to their high water requirements.

Plants That Prefer Acidic Soil

Soil pH is another critical factor. Lavender thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Many popular garden plants, however, are acid-loving and require a low soil pH to absorb nutrients properly. This group includes beautiful flowering shrubs like Camellias, Azaleas, and Rhododendrons. Planting them next to lavender is not advisable because it is impossible to keep both plants happy in the same soil.

Conclusion On Companion Planting For Lavender

Creating a beautiful garden with lavender is a rewarding experience. The key to success lies in understanding its fundamental needs and choosing companions that share its love for sun, well-draining soil, and drier conditions. By pairing it with compatible perennials, annuals, and herbs, you can design a space that is not only visually stunning but also healthy and harmonious. 

Whether you are aiming for a romantic cottage garden or a modern Mediterranean look, the right plant partners will elevate your lavender and create a garden you can enjoy for years to come.

Show your special someone you're thinking of them with a beautiful bouquet; a flower delivery in Singapore is the perfect and convenient way to send your heartfelt wishes. If you would like to create a bouquet with lavender and your favourite flower, contact us today! 

We’ll be happy to help you out!

Frequently Asked Questions About Companion Planting With Lavender

What Flowers Look Good With Lavender?

Flowers that thrive in similar conditions of full sun and well-drained soil look best with lavender. Excellent choices include Echinacea (Coneflower), Roses, Black-Eyed Susans, Shasta Daisies, and Sedum. These pairings create beautiful contrasts in colour, shape, and texture.

Do Roses and Lavender Go Together?

Yes, roses and lavender are a classic and beautiful pairing. They create a romantic, cottage-garden look. Functionally, lavender can help deter pests like aphids from the roses. Ensure you choose drought-tolerant rose varieties and provide good spacing for air circulation to keep both plants healthy.

What Should You Not Plant With Lavender?

You should not plant anything that has opposite needs. Avoid moisture-loving plants like Hostas, Impatiens, and Hydrangeas, as lavender prefers dry conditions. Also, avoid acid-loving plants like Azaleas and Camellias, as lavender needs neutral to alkaline soil to thrive.

What Is the Best Ground Cover to Plant With Lavender?

The best ground covers are those that are also drought-tolerant and love sun. Sedum (Stonecrop) is an excellent choice as it is low-growing and comes in many textures and colours. Creeping Thyme is another fantastic option that releases a lovely fragrance when walked on and forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat.

Can You Plant Lavender With Other Flowers?

Yes, you can and should plant lavender with other flowers. Companion planting creates a more visually interesting and ecologically balanced garden. The key is to choose flowers that share lavender's requirements for at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day and excellent soil drainage.

Do Lavender and Hydrangeas Go Together?

No, lavender and hydrangeas do not go well together. Their needs are completely different. Hydrangeas require rich soil and consistent moisture to produce their large blooms, while lavender needs poor, gritty soil and must dry out between waterings. Planting them together will cause one or both plants to fail.