Companion Plants for Spanish Lavender: A Guide to Beautiful Garden Design

Oleh Anonymous November 06, 2022 Post a Comment

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Spanish Lavender Companion Plants:

If you're looking for an elegant and fragrant addition to your garden, Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a great choice. With its distinctive purple flowers and grey-green foliage, it's a showstopper in any garden. But what are the best companion plants to pair with Spanish lavender? In this guide, we'll explore some of the best options for creating stunning garden designs with Spanish lavender.

Why Use Companion Plants?

Before diving into our list of companion plants, let's take a moment to talk about why companion planting is beneficial. Companion planting involves growing different plants together to create mutually beneficial relationships. For example, some plants can repel pests or attract pollinators, while others can provide shade or support to neighboring plants. By pairing Spanish lavender with complementary plants, you can create a more resilient and beautiful garden.

Companion Plants for Spanish Lavender

Here are some of the best companion plants to pair with Spanish lavender:

1. Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a Mediterranean herb that pairs perfectly with Spanish lavender. Both plants prefer similar growing conditions, such as full sun and well-draining soil. Rosemary also has attractive blue-green foliage and produces delicate blue flowers in the spring. Plus, it's a culinary herb that can be used to flavor dishes like roasted meats and vegetables.

2. Sage

Sage (Salvia spp.) is another Mediterranean herb that makes a great companion for Spanish lavender. Like rosemary, sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It also has attractive foliage and produces colorful flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. Sage is also a medicinal herb with a long history of use for digestive and respiratory ailments.

3. Thyme

Thyme (Thymus spp.) is a low-growing herb that pairs well with Spanish lavender. Both plants prefer similar growing conditions and have fragrant foliage. Thyme produces delicate pink or purple flowers in the summer and is a culinary herb that can be used to flavor soups, stews, and roasted meats.

4. Catmint

Catmint (Nepeta spp.) is a hardy perennial that produces attractive blue-purple flowers in the spring and summer. It's a great companion for Spanish lavender because it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plus, it's easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.

5. Russian Sage

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a tall, airy plant that produces striking purple-blue flowers in late summer and fall. It pairs well with Spanish lavender because it provides a contrasting texture and color. Russian sage also attracts pollinators and is drought-tolerant once established.

6. Coneflowers

Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) are hardy perennials that produce large, colorful flowers in shades of pink, orange, yellow, or white. They're a great choice for pairing with Spanish lavender because they bloom at different times, extending the flowering season in your garden. Coneflowers also attract pollinators and are easy to care for.

7. Black-eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.) are another hardy perennial that produces bright yellow or orange flowers with dark centers. They're a great companion for Spanish lavender because they bloom at different times and attract pollinators. Black-eyed Susans also tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, making them a versatile choice for any garden.

8. Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush (Buddleia spp.) is a large shrub that produces fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, or blue. It's a great choice for pairing with Spanish lavender because it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Butterfly bush also blooms later in the season, providing color when other plants have finished blooming.

9. Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea spp.) is a hardy perennial that produces attractive foliage and colorful flowers in shades of yellow, pink, or white. It's a great companion for Spanish lavender because it attracts pollinators and has a long flowering season. Yarrow is also drought-tolerant and easy to care for.

10. Lavender Cotton

Lavender cotton (Santolina spp.) is a low-growing shrub with fragrant foliage and yellow flowers. It pairs well with Spanish lavender because it provides a contrasting texture and color. Lavender cotton is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens with wildlife.

How to Design With Companion Plants

Now that you know some of the best companion plants for Spanish lavender, how can you incorporate them into your garden design? Here are a few tips:

1. Consider Color

When selecting companion plants, think about how their colors will complement or contrast with Spanish lavender. For example, pairing lavender with yellow or orange flowers creates a striking contrast.

2. Think About Texture

Pairing plants with different textures can create visual interest in your garden. For example, pairing Spanish lavender with feathery plants like Russian sage or yarrow creates a pleasing contrast.

3. Pay Attention to Bloom Time

Selecting plants that bloom at different times can extend the flowering season in your garden. For example, pairing Spanish lavender with coneflowers or black-eyed Susans creates a longer-lasting display of color.

4. Consider Growing Conditions

Choose companion plants that prefer similar growing conditions to Spanish lavender, such as full sun and well-draining soil. This will help ensure that all of your plants thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant Spanish lavender with other types of lavender?

Yes, you can! Spanish lavender pairs well with other types of lavender, such as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or French lavender (Lavandula dentata). Just make sure they have similar growing conditions and don't overcrowd each other.

2. Can I grow Spanish lavender in a container?

Yes, Spanish lavender can be grown in containers. Make sure the container has good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch and fertilize once a month during the growing season.

3. Do companion plants need to be planted at the same time as Spanish lavender?

No, companion plants can be added to your garden at any time. Just make sure they have similar growing conditions to Spanish lavender and are spaced appropriately.

4. How do I care for my Spanish lavender and companion plants?

Spanish lavender and its companion plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch and fertilize once a month during the growing season. Prune Spanish lavender after it blooms to encourage bushier growth.

5. Can I use companion plants with other types of lavender?

Yes, companion planting can be used with many different types of plants, including other types of lavender. Just make sure the plants have similar growing conditions and don't overcrowd each other.

Pairing Spanish lavender with complementary companion plants is a great way to create a stunning and resilient garden design. By considering factors like color, texture, and bloom time, you can create a beautiful and functional garden that will thrive for years to come.