As someone who has always loved the classic beauty of roses and the calming scent of lavender, I once believed they were the perfect match for my garden. It seemed like a no-brainer – pair two favorites and enjoy a stunning, fragrant result. But after a few seasons of trial and error, I learned the hard way that not all pretty pairs are compatible. In fact, planting roses and lavender together can cause more frustration than joy. Here’s what I discovered – and what you should know before mixing these two in your flower bed.
Roses and lavender are a popular plant combination in our gardens. But did you know that, in fact, it’s better not to plant the two together?
Hardly any plant is combined with roses as often as lavender – even though the two actually don’t go well together. It’s said that lavender’s scent keeps aphids away, but this expectation often ends in disappointment. Once roses are infested, the tiny black insects aren’t driven away by lavender. When roses and lavender are planted together, it’s often found that the lavender withers after a few years or the rose doesn’t develop as hoped.
There are many misconceptions about lavender as a companion for roses. These lead to suffering plants and frustrated amateur gardeners who put in hard work and hope for a beautiful flower bed. We explain why these two plants aren’t made for each other and suggest some alternatives.
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Why Don’t Roses and Lavender Go Together?
Why Roses and Lavender Don’t Work Well Together
Roses and lavender are often seen side by side in garden designs, but they actually have very different needs. Let’s start with the soil: lavender prefers poor, dry, and lime-rich ground, while roses thrive in rich, well-drained, and more neutral soil. These contrasting requirements mean one of the two is likely to suffer unless you create very specific conditions – something I overlooked at first.
Another misconception I bought into was that lavender would naturally keep aphids away from my roses. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. Once the roses were infested, the lavender didn’t help at all. And while both plants looked great during the first year, the lavender began to weaken by the third season – likely due to the regular watering and feeding I was giving the roses.
Their care routines are also worlds apart. Roses love plenty of water and benefit from fertilizer, while lavender prefers neglect – too much love can kill it. If planted too close together, roses can also struggle because they need space and airflow to stay healthy. When crowded by other plants, they become more prone to diseases like powdery mildew or rose rust – something else I had to learn the hard way.
Firstly, they have different requirements when it comes to location: lavender prefers rather poor, dry, and lime-rich soil. Roses thrive in nutrient-rich, loose soil in an airy spot. Their care needs also differ: unlike roses, lavender hardly needs fertilizing or watering. Therefore, if you do plant them in the same bed, keep a distance of at least two meters between them.
How to Make It Work – If You Still Want the Look
Now, I’m not saying you can’t enjoy both plants in the same garden – just not side by side. If you space them at least two meters apart, both can thrive in their own little zones. I’ve since created a more Mediterranean-style corner with sandy soil just for the lavender, where it now grows happily without interference. I water it only when needed and don’t fertilize it at all. I even added some sand into the planting hole to make sure the roots stay dry.
For those who, like me, still crave that beautiful purple contrast near their roses, consider alternatives that are better suited to rose-friendly soil. Plants like catmint (Nepeta), cranesbill (Geranium), bellflowers (Campanula), or anise hyssop (Agastache) offer similar shades and shapes without the fuss. They’ve worked wonderfully in my garden – and they let the roses shine without compromise.
Roses and Lavender Have Different Location Requirements
To begin with, roses and lavender don’t go well together because they have opposing needs when it comes to their growing conditions. True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) prefers lean, dry, and lime-rich soil. This subshrub is native to the Mediterranean region and grows in sunny locations there. In our home gardens, the winter-hardy lavender variety ‘Hidcote Blue’ is commonly planted.
Roses, on the other hand, originate from distant regions like Asia, Persia, and Africa. They prefer nutrient-rich and loose soil. A location in full sun or partial shade allows them to thrive best. Another factor that differentiates roses and lavender is their reaction to lime content in the soil. Lavender loves lime-rich soil, while roses avoid soils with excessively high lime concentrations.
Different Care Requirements
Roses and lavender also have very different care requirements. Lavender should not be fertilized or watered as frequently as roses. As a result, this Mediterranean subshrub may initially grow quickly and healthily, but after about three years, it tends to die off. If you over-fertilize your lavender, you’re actually harming it.
Another often overlooked point: roses like airy surroundings. If they’re too crowded by other plants, they can’t reach their full potential in height and width. This also makes roses more prone to diseases like powdery mildew or rose rust.
How Can Roses and Lavender Still Be Combined?
You don’t have to completely give up the visually appealing combination of lavender and roses, even though they have different requirements in terms of location and care. To do this, plant the two species at least two meters apart in the flower bed. Always water the lavender separately and only when necessary, so that it doesn’t rot from too much water. Lavender should not be fertilized. Adding some sand to the planting hole of the subshrub will help excess water drain more easily from its root zone.
If you find it hard to remember the different care needs, it’s better to plant them in two separate beds. Create one bed with sandy soil that gets full sun all day. In this Mediterranean-style bed, peonies or sage will also feel at home. If you don’t want to miss out on that violet splash of color next to your roses, consider alternatives like anise hyssop (Agastache), bellflowers (Campanula), catmint (Nepeta), or cranesbill (Geranium) as excellent substitutes.
Looking back, I wish I’d known all this when I first planted my roses and lavender together. It would’ve saved me time, effort, and the disappointment of watching my once-lovely lavender wilt away. But gardening is all about learning, and sometimes the most beautiful gardens grow from past mistakes. Now that I understand their individual needs, I get to enjoy both plants – just not as roommates. If you’ve been dreaming of this classic combo, I hope my experience helps you plant smarter and grow happier.
