Rosemary and lavender are two widely appreciated and aromatic perennial herbs that will never leave your garden once planted that also make excellent companions. Both herbs share a preference for well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and thrive in similar growing conditions. Their compatibility in terms of soil requirements allows for easy integration into a cohesive garden design. This shared preference minimizes the need for specialized care, making it convenient for gardeners to cultivate and maintain these aromatic herbs side by side or in the same raised garden bed, benefiting from their exceptionally fragrant scents.
Secondly, rosemary and lavender complement each other visually, creating an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious garden landscape. The contrasting yet complementary hues of their needle-like leaves and vibrant blossoms add texture and color diversity. The silvery-green foliage of rosemary provides an attractive backdrop to the lavenders delicate, aromatic blooms. This visual synergy enhances the overall appeal of the garden, creating a sensory-rich environment that engages both sight and smell.
Furthermore, planting rosemary and lavender together can offer practical benefits in pest management. Both herbs are known for their aromatic oils, which possess natural insect-repelling properties. The fragrance emitted by rosemary and lavender can help deter certain pests—particularly mosquitoes—acting as a natural form of pest control. Integrating these herbs strategically in the garden can contribute to a healthier overall ecosystem, reducing the likelihood of pest infestations and promoting the well-being of neighboring plants.
Lavender and rosemary are two of the most popular herbs grown in gardens With their attractive flowers, fragrant foliage and similar growing needs, these Mediterranean natives make excellent companion plants Growing lavender and rosemary together can create a beautiful, sensory-pleasing duo in your outdoor space.
An Overview of Lavender
Lavender is a flowering herb that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae There are over 40 species of lavender, with the most common being English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) Lavender is characterized by its aromatic, purple flowers that bloom in summer. The gray-green foliage is also very fragrant when rubbed or brushed against.
Lavender originally hails from the Mediterranean region and thrives in hot, sunny climates. It grows best in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Mature lavender plants typically reach 1-3 feet tall and wide. Lavender is deer and rabbit resistant.
All parts of the lavender plant are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The flowers and leaves can be used fresh or dried to make teas, tinctures, syrups, infused honey, baked goods and more. Lavender essential oil is popular in aromatherapy for its relaxing, stress-reducing properties.
An Overview of Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen herb that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae, along with lavender. It has fine, needle-like leaves and flowers that can be white, purple, pink or blue depending on variety. Rosemary has an intense, piney fragrance.
Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary thrives in hot, dry climates. It requires full sun and well-drained soil to reach its maximum size of 4-6 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. Rosemary is quite drought tolerant once established The leaves and woody stems are used for culinary and medicinal purposes
Why Grow Lavender and Rosemary Together
When grown as companion plants, lavender and rosemary offer several benefits:
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Complementary scents – The floral aroma of lavender combines beautifully with the woodsy fragrance of rosemary. Planting them together creates a sensory delight.
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Shared growing needs – Both herbs thrive in hot, sunny spots with well-drained soil. Grouping plants with similar needs makes gardening easier.
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Pest deterrence – The strong fragrances help repel deer, rabbits and insects. Interplanting creates natural pest protection.
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Extended bloom season – Lavender blooms in early summer, followed by rosemary’s flowers in late summer. You’ll have color all season.
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Culinary usage – Having both fresh herbs in one spot makes harvesting easier for cooking.
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Visual appeal – The contrasting textures and hues of foliage and flowers look very attractive together.
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Pollinator friendly – The flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds over many months.
How to Plant Lavender and Rosemary Together
When planting lavender with rosemary, make sure to give them enough room to reach mature size. Space plants 2-3 feet apart in an area that gets full sun and has very good drainage. Here are some tips:
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Prepare soil with compost to improve nutrition and drainage. Both plants thrive in lean, sandy soil.
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If transplanting seedlings or mature plants, dig holes the width of the root ball. Set at same level as grown in pots.
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Water thoroughly after planting. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Let plants establish for 1-2 months before harvesting any foliage. Don’t prune significantly the first year.
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For containers, plant one rosemary and one lavender in a large pot (12+ inches) with drainage holes.
Caring for Mature Lavender and Rosemary Plants
Once established, lavender and rosemary require very little maintenance to thrive:
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Water deeply once a week during summer, less in other seasons. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Prune annually in early spring to shape and remove dead stems. Don’t shear lavender too severely.
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Fertilize very sparingly, if at all. Excess nitrogen causes leggy growth.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites, aphids and whiteflies. Treat organically if populations spike.
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Protect from winter freezes. Mulch heavily and wrap plants if needed.
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Propagate new plants from tip cuttings to expand or replace older plants.
Choosing the Best Varieties
When selecting rosemary and lavender varieties to plant together, opt for types with comparable growth habits and flowering seasons. Some excellent options include:
Lavenders
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English Lavender – hardy, fragrant, purple blooms, 2-3 feet tall
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Spanish Lavender – abundant lavender blooms on plants 3-4 feet tall
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Hidcote Lavender – dwarf variety, 12-18 inches tall with deep violet flowers
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Lavandula stoechas – top hat type with showy purple flower heads, 1-2 feet tall
Rosemaries
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Tuscan Blue – upright growth to 3-5 feet, blue flowers
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Arp – excellent cold hardiness, pink flowers, 3-4 feet tall
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Hill Hardy – drought tolerant, blue blooms, 3-4 feet height
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Blue Spire – prolific blooms, upright growth to 3-5 feet
Creative Ways to Use Lavender and Rosemary
Once your lavender and rosemary are established, you’ll have an abundance of fragrant herbs to use:
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Add fresh or dried leaves to soups, stews, meats, veggies and more.
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Infuse olive oil or vinegar with stems and flowers. Use for dressings, marinades and sauces.
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Craft aromatherapy products like sachets, soaps and potpourri.
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Dry and bundle lavender stems to scent linens and closets.
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Make floral ice cubes with lavender infused water to add to summertime drinks.
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Mix rosemary into bath salts or massage oil for an invigorating, aromatic soak.
With their comparable growing conditions and complementary natures, lavender and rosemary are ideal companion plants for any garden. Plus, you’ll enjoy their beauty, fragrance and versatility for years to come. Give this dynamic duo a try this growing season!
How to plant rosemary and lavender together
Planting rosemary and lavender together in the garden involves careful consideration of their individual needs and preferences. Begin by selecting a well-drained location with full sunlight, as both herbs thrive in these conditions. Ensure that the soil is slightly alkaline and amend it with well-rotted compost to enhance drainage and fertility. When planning the layout, provide sufficient spacing between rosemary and lavender plants to accommodate their mature size and prevent overcrowding. Aim for a spacing of at least 1 to 3 feet between each plant to allow for optimal air circulation, reducing the risk of disease and promoting healthy growth.
Before planting, water the herbs thoroughly and prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork. Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls of the rosemary and lavender plants. Gently remove the herbs from their containers and place them in the prepared holes at the same depth as they were in their pots. Backfill the holes with soil, pressing it down gently to eliminate air pockets.
Water the newly planted rosemary and lavender generously to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Establish a regular watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and promote healthy root development. Fertilize sparingly, as these herbs prefer lean soils.
Grow Lavender & Rosemary from Cuttings! (Easy & FREE!)
FAQ
Can I plant rosemary and lavender together?
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Similar Growing Conditions:Both rosemary and lavender are native to the Mediterranean region and thrive in full sun, well-drained soil, and dry conditions.
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Drought Tolerance:Once established, both plants are relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.
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Aromatic Benefits:Their strong scents can help deter pests, and their combined fragrance creates a pleasant sensory experience.
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Visual Appeal:Rosemary’s upright growth habit contrasts nicely with lavender’s mounding form, adding visual interest to the garden.
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Pest RepellentThe scent of rosemary can help to repel pests that may attack lavender, and vice versa.
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Soil RequirementsBoth plants prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
Can I mix lavender and rosemary?
How Do You Use Rosemary Oil With Lavender Essential Oil? Rosemary and lavender essential oils can also be used separately in hair, but mixing and applying these oils gives you many benefits. Take equal amounts of lavender and rosemary oil and mix well.
What is the saying about lavender and rosemary?
“Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.” – Practical Magic, 1998.
What not to plant next to rosemary?
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Mint:Mint is a vigorous grower that can quickly take over a garden, competing with rosemary for space, water, and nutrients.
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Basil:Basil needs more water than rosemary, and both plants compete for nutrients, making them unsuitable neighbors.
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Cucumbers:Cucumbers require more moisture than rosemary, which can lead to overwatering and negatively impact rosemary’s health.
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Pumpkins:Pumpkins are prone to mildew, which can spread to rosemary and cause root rot.
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Tomatoes:While both plants enjoy full sun, tomatoes require more frequent watering than rosemary, which can lead to overwatering and potentially harm the rosemary.
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Potatoes:Potatoes and rosemary have different watering needs and can compete for nutrients, making them unsuitable neighbors.
Do rosemary & lavender grow together?
Rosemary and lavender are often paired together in gardens because they have similar cultural needs. Both plants are native to the Mediterranean, so they’re accustomed to full sun, dry conditions, and well-drained soil. They’re both drought-tolerant and can thrive even in poor, rocky soil. What not to plant with lavender?
How do you grow lavender & rosemary?
Here are the key growing requirements these Mediterranean herbs share: Sun: Plant lavender and rosemary in a spot that receives full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is particularly important. Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Sandy, gravelly soil that drains readily is ideal.
Do lavender & rosemary make good plant companions?
The answer is yes, and in this blog post, we will discuss why these two herbs make great plant companions. Firstly, lavender and rosemary are both part of the mint family, which means they share similar growing conditions. Both herbs thrive in well-draining soil, full sun, and dry conditions.
How do you mix lavender & rosemary?
Dry lavender flowers and tie bundles together to scent dresser drawers or closets. Mix dried rosemary into a sea salt blend for a relaxing bath soak. With their similar growing habits, complementary scents and ornamental appeal, lavender and rosemary make the perfect dynamic duo for your herb garden.
Can You interplant Rosemary and lavender?
Lavender and rosemary are beautiful Mediterranean herbs guaranteed to spruce up any herb garden. They have the same cultural needs, so you will have an easy time interplanting them. For gardeners living in USDA plant hardiness zone 8 and up, interplanting rosemary and lavender is a beautiful and beneficial choice.
How far apart should you plant rosemary & lavender?
When it comes to planting rosemary and lavender, it’s important to give them enough space to grow and thrive. Generally, it’s recommended to plant rosemary and lavender about 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation, which is important for preventing disease and promoting healthy growth.