Marigolds are bright, heat-loving plants that are very popular as companion plants amongst home gardeners. They are generally added to vegetable gardens to act as a natural insect repellent. They can protect your vegetable and other culinary plants from harmful insects all season long. But can they be planted alongside Lavender?
Marigolds are easily grown from seed or easily attainable at your local nursery or garden centers in late spring. Lavender is easily propagated from cuttings, but can also be grown from seed if you are a more patient gardener. But is planting these two plants near each other a good idea, or a bad one?
In this article we’ll discuss the benefits of planting marigolds, and if they are compatible with the ever so popular lavender. Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in!
Contents
The Short Answer
Yes! Marigolds can be planted with lavender and make great planting companions. They are both easy to establish, and require little to no maintenance. These drought tolerant plants can add many benefits to you and your surrounding plants. Because of their scent, they are both excellent plants for keeping pests away from other garden grown plants.
The Long Answer
There are many reasons marigolds and lavender are such popular plants. They both have wonderful flowers that can attract loads of pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Lavender is often grown in herb gardens or raised beds, where marigolds can be planted nearby or even as a border. Together, the pair creates quite an insect barrier and can deter harmful pests from attacking your surrounding plants.
About Marigolds
Marigolds are a flowering annual that grow best in warm climates. They prefer to be planted when the weather is warm and they do not like moist growing conditions. These plants are drought tolerant and are notorious for being rabbit resistant which makes them a great addition to a garden with veggies or herbs.
Adding them to your raised beds or garden can help deter harmful insects and attract pollinators. They contain chemical compounds in their leaves and roots that ward off bugs such as potato beetles, cabbage worms, and root nematodes. They also do not use many nutrients and will not spread or compete with your other plants.
Marigolds are a very low maintenance plant once established. They require little to no upkeep but will benefit from deadheading once the blooms begin to dry out. There are a few types of marigolds out there, and all are very tolerant of heat and drought.
The most popular types planted in most gardens are French marigolds. They have a compact growing habit and have the most variety of colors to choose from. Other popular types you may see are Signet and African marigolds.
Signet marigolds are the smallest type available and have very similar leaves and growing habits to the French marigolds. African marigolds are the largest type and don’t seem to have as strong insect repellent qualities.
About Lavender
Lavender is a popular herb amongst many home gardeners. I may be biased as lavender is one of my favorite herbs, but everyone should have some in their garden! They are such a beautiful plant and have so many uses. From medicinal to culinary uses, as well as benefiting the ecosystem and protecting your other plants, lavender is guaranteed to benefit all of us in one way or another.
Many people plant lavender to help deter certain insects, mosquitoes or even deer. The leaves and flowers of the plant are heavily scented. It can also be used when dried or fresh as a culinary herb.
Planting lavender is a relatively easy process and it is a pretty low-maintenance plant. It prefers dry growing conditions and can be a bit finicky to establish if kept too moist or over watered.
There are many types and varieties of lavender out there, and all can be great companion plants. Some lavender varieties fare better in the cold than others, and this is something to consider when deciding where and how to grow lavender plants. Let’s talk about some different varieties you might see and which one makes the best option for you and your space.
English Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
Arguably the most popular variety, English lavender is one of the most commonly grown. It is hardy to zones 5-10, so it will survive the winter in most climates.
Since it is considered a perennial in so many areas, a lot of people prefer this type. ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ varieties are two very popular types of English lavender, and are known for their hardiness.
Spanish Lavender – Lavandula stoechas
Spanish lavender tends to have a more compact growing habit, and showier flowers. The leaves are very similar to English lavender, and all parts of the plant are very aromatic.
This variety is not cold tolerant, and is only hardy in warmer climates (Zones 8-10). This could be a great option for containers or pots, but will have to be brought inside once the weather starts to cool down.
French Lavender – Lavandula dentata
French lavender seems to be the most aromatic of the three types, of course that is subjective! Leaves of this variety are a bit wider and darker than the French and English.
This type can make a great culinary herb, but is an annual in most climates. It is hardy in zones 8-10. This is a great variety for those planting in pots, or are container gardening.
Benefits of Companion Planting
Companion planting is a very popular technique that has been practiced for ages. There are many benefits of companion planting:
- Save space in your garden or raised bed.
- Prevent weed growth.
- Increases biodiversity (attract pollinators & beneficial bugs).
- Can help other crops by creating shade or aerating the soil.
- Deter certain insects or critters that may harm your crops or surrounding plants.
Planting Them Together
Planting in a container versus a garden or landscape may depend on which type of lavender you are planting. It’s worth noting that both of these plants can also be planted in the ground in poor soil conditions.
Garden/Raised Bed
Planting lavender in a garden or raised bed would be a great option for perennial varieties. Once established, lavender is relatively low maintenance and can live for several years. Marigolds make great borders to gardens or landscapes and can add a nice contrast when planted next to lavender.
Containers
It is best to grow spanish or french lavender in a pot or container as these varieties will need to be moved inside once the season passes. It is possible to overwinter English lavender in a container, just keep in mind that this can be challenging and isn’t foolproof.
Soil
Lavender and marigolds will both benefit from soil that is well-draining as neither of them likes to stay moist. If planted in a pot or container, an all-purpose potting soil will be perfect. Planting in the ground may need amending depending on the soil in your area. Test the drainage of your soil before planting or considering amendments.
Sunlight
Both plants both grow best when receiving full sun (6-8 hours daily). Lavender can tolerate a few hours of shade, but may not produce as many blooms in an area that gets partial shade. It is important to allow both of these plants to receive as much sun as possible, as this will help promote flower growth and help in drying the soil and leaves out.
Maintenance
Marigolds are very low maintenance plants. Throughout the season, the flowers will begin to die off. They will benefit from being deadheaded frequently – this will promote flower growth. Lavender should be cut back at the end of each growing season. Before the first frost in your area, prune about ⅓ of your plant back.
Marigold Alternatives
While Marigolds can be a great companion plant for almost any full sun herbaceous plant, it may not be the best option for everyone. Since most lavender is perennial, some gardeners might be interested in planting other perennials with Lavender instead of marigolds. Here are some perennial alternatives that can offer similar benefits:
Lemon Balm
Scientific name: Melissa officinalis
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Lemon balm is an aromatic herb that is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. It grows best when planted during the cooler months, around early spring. Once established it is very drought tolerant. It has many medicinal purposes and attracts loads of beneficial insects while deterring harmful ones.
Hyssop
Scientific name: Agastache rupestris
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Hyssop, also known as licorice mint or anise hyssop, is an herbaceous perennial in USDA zones 4-9. Hyssop attracts loads of pollinators and even hummingbirds! There are many varieties of hyssop, providing flowers in many colors.
Bee Balm
Scientific name: Monarda didyma
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Bee balm is another herbaceous perennial that can provide bright, vivid flowers while attracting beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden. Bee balm blooms all summer long and even has medicinal purposes.
Yarrow
Scientific name: Achillea millefolium
- Plant type:
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Yarrow is an herbaceous perennial that is native to many regions of North America. It can grow in many climates and withstand a wide range of conditions. Yarrow is mostly known for its ability to withstand heat and drought, but it has some medicinal qualities as well.
Final Thoughts
Marigolds and lavender can be planted together. There are many benefits to planting these two together; they make great garden companions. Marigolds and lavender both have insect repelling qualities, and can attract beneficial insects. Whether you’re planting perennial or annual lavender, marigolds would make a great companion!
