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Yes, you can plant different types of lavender together, and doing so can create a stunning and fragrant garden display.
When you plant different lavender varieties side by side, they will happily coexist as long as their basic growing needs are met.
Most lavender types share the same love for full sun, well-drained soil, and good air circulation, which makes mixing them a breeze.
However, if you are considering planting different lavender types together, there are a few important factors to keep in mind regarding bloom times, hardness zones, and potential cross-pollination.
In this post, we’ll explore whether you can plant different types of lavender together, what happens when you do, and how to design a mixed lavender bed that thrives.
Let’s dig into the wonderful world of lavender companions.
Why You Can Plant Different Types Of Lavender Together
Planting different types of lavender together is not only possible, but it’s also a fantastic way to extend your blooming season and add visual texture.
The key reason you can plant different lavender varieties together is that they all belong to the same genus, Lavandula, and share remarkably similar care requirements.
Whether you’re growing English lavender, French lavender, or Spanish lavender, they all crave the same lean, alkaline soil and plenty of sunshine.
So if you’ve been wondering if you can plant different types of lavender together in one bed, the short answer is an enthusiastic yes.
1. Matching Growth Habits Enhances The Mix
When you plant different types of lavender together, pay attention to each variety’s mature size and growth habit.
Some lavenders, like English lavender, form tidy, compact mounds that stay relatively low and neat.
Others, such as French lavender, can sprawl more loosely and grow taller, which might overshadow shorter neighbors if not spaced properly.
You can plant different types of lavender together successfully by placing taller varieties at the back of a border and shorter ones at the front.
This way, every lavender plant gets its fair share of sunlight, and the overall composition looks intentional rather than chaotic.
2. Bloom Times Create A Longer Show
One of the best reasons you can plant different types of lavender together is the extended flowering period you’ll enjoy.
English lavender typically blooms in early to midsummer, while French and hybrid lavenders often start later and continue into early fall.
When you plant different lavender types together, you essentially create a relay race of color and fragrance that lasts for months.
As one variety fades, another one takes over, keeping your garden buzzing with bees and butterflies from June through September.
3. Hardiness Zones Matter For Longevity
Even though you can plant different types of lavender together, not all lavender varieties share the same cold tolerance.
English lavender is the hardiest and can survive winters in USDA zones 5 through 9 without much fuss.
French lavender, on the other hand, is more tender and typically only thrives in zones 7 through 9 where winters are milder.
If you want to plant different types of lavender together in a colder region, stick to hardy English varieties or look for cold-tolerant hybrids.
Mixing a tender French lavender with a hardy English one in zone 5 will likely result in the French lavender dying over winter while the English one thrives.
So before you commit, double-check that all your chosen lavender types can survive your local climate.
What Happens When You Plant Different Lavender Types Together
When you plant different lavender types together, the most noticeable change happens in the seeds if you let them set and self-sow.
Lavender is pollinated by bees and other insects, which means cross-pollination is very possible when different varieties bloom at the same time.
If you collect seeds from your mixed lavender bed and grow them, the resulting seedlings may look different from either parent plant.
However, this only affects seed-grown lavender, not the original plants themselves.
1. Cross-Pollination Creates Unique Hybrids
When you plant different lavender types together and they bloom simultaneously, bees can carry pollen from one variety to another.
The seeds produced after this cross-pollination will carry genetic material from both parents, resulting in unpredictable offspring.
You might end up with seedlings that showcase a fascinating mix of flower colors, heights, and fragrances that don’t exactly match either parent.
For many gardeners, this surprise element is part of the fun when you plant different lavender types together.
But if you want to keep your lavender varieties true to type, simply remove the flower stalks before they form seeds.
2. Vegetative Propagation Keeps Varieties Pure
If you love a specific lavender variety, the best way to preserve its exact traits is through cuttings rather than seeds.
Even when you plant different types of lavender together, you can still propagate each one individually by taking softwood cuttings in spring or early summer.
This method ensures that your new lavender plants are genetically identical to the parent, regardless of any nearby cross-pollinators.
So don’t worry about mixing varieties in your garden because you can always maintain pure stock through cuttings.
3. Aesthetic Harmony And Contrast
When you plant different lavender types together, you can play with colors that range from deep violet to soft pink to pure white.
Some lavender varieties feature distinctive silvery foliage, while others boast a greener leaf tone that adds subtle contrast.
Combining these different types of lavender together allows you to craft a visually rich tapestry of texture and hue.
Just remember to group varieties with similar bloom times so the color combinations shine together rather than at different moments.
Best Lavender Combinations For A Mixed Bed
If you’re ready to plant different types of lavender together, choosing compatible varieties will set you up for success.
Here are some tried-and-true combinations that look gorgeous and perform well when planted side by side.
1. English Lavender Varieties For Cool Climates
In cooler regions, you can plant different types of lavender together by selecting multiple English lavender cultivars.
Try pairing ‘Hidcote’ with its deep purple flowers alongside ‘Munstead’ which offers a softer lavender-blue shade.
Both are hardy, compact, and bloom around the same time, so they complement each other beautifully in the garden.
Since they share identical growing requirements, you can plant these different lavender types together without any special adjustments.
2. French And English Lavender For Warm Zones
In warmer climates like zones 8 and 9, you can plant different types of lavender together by mixing French lavender with English hybrids.
French lavender brings a wonderfully toothed leaf edge and a more open, airy flower structure that dances in the breeze.
Pair it with a hardy English lavender like ‘Grosso’ for a robust, fragrant combination that handles heat and humidity well.
This duo will give you both early and late blooms, so your garden remains lively across the entire growing season.
3. Spanish Lavender For A Unique Flair
If you want to add a touch of whimsy, plant different types of lavender together by including Spanish lavender in the mix.
Spanish lavender is known for its distinctive pineapple-shaped flower heads topped with showy bracts that resemble rabbit ears.
It blooms early in the season and appreciates even drier conditions than its English cousins.
Place Spanish lavender near the front of a bed where its quirky blooms can be admired up close.
Just make sure your climate stays mild because Spanish lavender is not as cold-hardy as English types.
Tips For Successfully Planting Different Lavender Types Together
While you can plant different lavender types together, a few practical tips will ensure your mixed bed stays healthy and productive.
First, prepare your soil well by adding grit or coarse sand to improve drainage because lavender hates wet feet.
Second, space your lavender plants at least 18 to 24 inches apart to promote airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Third, avoid heavy mulching around lavender since organic mulch can trap moisture against the stems and cause rot.
Instead, use a layer of gravel or small stones to keep the soil surface dry and reflective.
Fourth, prune your lavender lightly in early spring and again after the first flush of flowers to encourage bushy growth.
When you plant different lavender types together, a consistent pruning schedule keeps every variety looking its best.
Finally, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Lavender prefers to be on the dry side, so resist the urge to pamper it with constant moisture.
So, Can You Plant Different Types Of Lavender Together?
You can plant different types of lavender together, and it’s a rewarding way to create a dynamic and fragrant garden space.
As long as you match varieties to your climate, space them properly, and give them the well-drained, sunny conditions they crave, they’ll flourish side by side.
Planting different types of lavender together lets you enjoy a longer bloom season, richer color palettes, and an array of scents that evolve as you brush past them.
Just remember that cross-pollination may affect any seeds you collect, but the original plants will remain true to their individual beauty.
So go ahead and experiment with a few different lavender types together in your garden.
With a little planning and care, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning lavender tapestry that brings joy to you and pollinators alike.
Happy planting, and may your lavender garden be as vibrant as your imagination.