Planting lavender and rosemary together can be a smart and beautiful choice for any herb garden. These two fragrant Mediterranean herbs share similar growing needs, making them excellent companions. Not only do they thrive in the same soil and climate conditions, but they also enhance each other visually and attract pollinators to your garden. If you’ve been wondering whether you can plant lavender and rosemary together, the answer is a resounding yes. However, there are a few important things to consider to ensure both plants grow strong, healthy, and vibrant.
Why Lavender and Rosemary Make Great Companions
Lavender and rosemary both originate from the Mediterranean region, which means they prefer hot, sunny conditions with well-draining soil. They both dislike humidity and overly rich soil, and they thrive when neglected just a bit. Because their needs are so similar, growing them side by side prevents one from outcompeting the other for water, nutrients, or light. Instead, they create a harmonious planting combination that works beautifully in both containers and garden beds.
In addition to their matching needs, these two herbs create a stunning visual contrast. Rosemary’s deep green, needle-like leaves pair beautifully with lavender’s silvery foliage and delicate purple blooms. Their scents also blend well, offering a calming and refreshing aroma that makes any patio, border, or herb garden more enjoyable.
The Best Lavender Variety to Grow with Rosemary
When choosing a type of lavender to plant with rosemary, it’s best to select a variety that shares rosemary’s tolerance for heat, drought, and poor soil. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular choice for cooler climates, but for a true Mediterranean match, Lavandula x intermedia (also called lavandin) or Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) are better suited for planting alongside rosemary in warmer areas.
Lavandin varieties like ‘Grosso’ or ‘Provence’ bloom profusely, tolerate more heat, and grow well in the same conditions that rosemary loves. Spanish lavender is another strong option, especially in hot, dry climates, because it grows low and wide, just like many rosemary cultivars.
Avoid overly compact or moisture-loving types of lavender. Those varieties may not pair well with rosemary, which prefers dry roots and airflow around its base. Instead, stick to lavenders that enjoy long, hot summers and well-drained soil.
How to Prepare the Soil for Lavender and Rosemary
To help lavender and rosemary thrive together, the most important step is preparing the right soil. Both herbs require light, sandy or gravelly soil with excellent drainage. They do not do well in heavy clay or water-retaining soils, so if your garden has compacted soil, consider building raised beds or planting in large containers instead.
Start by loosening the soil in your planting area to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Mix in plenty of sand, perlite, or small gravel to boost drainage. Compost can be added sparingly, but avoid rich or heavy organic matter that holds moisture. A good soil mix for these herbs is two parts sandy loam, one part compost, and one part perlite or pumice.
The soil pH should fall between 6.5 and 7.5, which is slightly alkaline to neutral. If needed, you can add a handful of lime to the soil to raise the pH. This mimics the limestone-rich soils found in the Mediterranean and helps prevent fungal diseases that can damage both lavender and rosemary. This soil meter not only test pH, but nutrient and moisture levels.
Planting Lavender and Rosemary Together
Once your soil is ready, it’s time to plant. Make sure to space the plants far enough apart to allow good airflow, which helps prevent mildew and mold. Both lavender and rosemary can grow into bushy shrubs, so plant them at least 18 to 24 inches apart, or even farther if you’re using larger varieties like ‘Grosso’ or upright rosemary cultivars.
Choose a spot with full sun. These herbs need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to produce strong fragrance and healthy growth. A south-facing bed, a sunny slope, or a warm patio all work well. If planting in containers, use pots at least 12 inches in diameter with drainage holes, and use a lightweight soil mix with sand or gravel.
Plant your lavender and rosemary at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots. Water them well after planting to help them settle in. Then, allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering is the biggest threat to both plants, especially in humid climates.
Caring for Lavender and Rosemary After Planting
Once established, lavender and rosemary are among the easiest herbs to care for. They are both drought-tolerant and thrive on minimal attention, making them perfect for gardeners who prefer a low-maintenance landscape.
Watering should be done only when the top two to three inches of soil are dry. In cooler months, water even less frequently. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as both herbs are prone to fungal problems if moisture lingers on their foliage.
Feeding these plants isn’t usually necessary. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause excessive leaf growth and reduce the concentration of essential oils in the leaves and flowers. If you do want to feed them, apply a diluted, balanced organic fertilizer once in early spring.
Both lavender and rosemary benefit from pruning. Prune lavender after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape the plant. Trim rosemary in late spring or early summer to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming woody and leggy. Always avoid cutting into old, woody stems, as this can damage the plant and prevent new growth.
Growing Lavender and Rosemary in Containers
If you don’t have space for a full garden bed or live in an area with poor soil, you can still grow lavender and rosemary successfully in containers. Use large pots with drainage holes and fill them with a mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite. Choose dwarf varieties like ‘Compacta’ lavender or ‘Prostratus’ rosemary for smaller spaces.
Place the containers in a sunny spot and rotate them occasionally to keep growth even. Be sure not to overwater, and raise the pots off the ground slightly with pot feet or bricks to encourage airflow and prevent soggy soil. During the winter in colder climates, containers should be brought indoors or placed in a sheltered area to protect the roots from freezing.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Even though lavender and rosemary are resilient, they can still face a few common problems if not planted and cared for properly. Root rot is the most frequent issue, usually caused by poor drainage or too much water. Always check the soil before watering and use well-draining soil mixes.
Powdery mildew and fungal leaf spots can also affect both herbs in humid conditions. Good spacing, proper pruning, and sunlight exposure will keep the air flowing and reduce the chance of disease.
Lavender occasionally suffers from poor blooming. This is often due to too much nitrogen in the soil or too much shade. Rosemary may become leggy if it doesn’t get enough sunlight or if it isn’t pruned regularly. Keeping both herbs trimmed and in full sun will prevent these issues.
Final Thoughts
Lavender and rosemary are perfect partners in the garden. They share the same love for hot, sunny weather and dry, well-draining soil. By choosing the right lavender variety—such as lavandin or Spanish lavender—and giving both herbs the space, soil, and sunlight they need, you can grow a vibrant, aromatic herb garden that looks great and smells even better.
Whether you plant them in the ground or in containers, lavender and rosemary will reward you with season after season of beauty and fragrance. With just a little care and the right growing conditions, you’ll enjoy these Mediterranean herbs as long-lasting staples in your outdoor space.
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