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A common question I hear from container gardeners is: “Can I plant lavender and lemongrass in the same pot?”
I’ve tried growing both on my sunny patio and in large balcony containers, and the short, honest answer is: It’s possible, but it usually doesn’t work well unless your conditions match both plants perfectly. Lavender and lemongrass have very different water needs, and that’s where most mixed containers fail.
This guide explains exactly when you can grow them together, when you shouldn’t, and what to do instead all based on hands-on experience, not theory.
Why Lavender and Lemongrass Usually Don’t Grow Well Together
Here’s the root of the problem:
- Lavender prefers dry, well-drained, low‑fertility soil.
- Lemongrass prefers rich, moist, consistently watered soil.
In real containers, you can’t easily keep one side dry and the other side moist. Watering for one plant almost always stresses the other.
Lavender suffers from:
- Root rot in wet soil
- Yellowing when overwatered
- Fewer blooms in rich or moisture-heavy soil
Lemongrass suffers from:
- Browning tips when soil dries
- Slow growth without nutrients
- Stress in poor, sandy mixes
This mismatch is why most gardeners see one plant thriving and the other declining.
What Actually You’ll Need (If You Still Want to Try)
If you want to attempt growing them together, you’ll need:
- A very large pot (minimum 18–20 inches wide)
- High‑drainage potting mix with added compost
- Gravel or coarse sand for bottom drainage
- Access to full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- A watering routine that focuses on lemongrass without drowning lavender
Eco‑friendly tip: use compost sparingly lemongrass loves it, lavender tolerates only a small amount.
How to Plant Lavender and Lemongrass in the Same Pot (If You Choose To)
1. Choose a Large Container
A big pot lets you:
- Separate the root zones
- Prevent constant moisture on the lavender side
- Give lemongrass enough room (it expands quickly)
In my own trials, anything smaller than 18 inches made lavender decline within a month.
2. Create Two Soil Zones
This is the only method I’ve seen work:
- Lavender side:
- Add extra sand, perlite, or small gravel
- Keep this section drier
- Lemongrass side:
- Add compost or slow-release organic fertilizer
- Keep it slightly richer and more moisture-retentive
Use a divider (a vertical piece of plastic or terracotta) buried in the soil to help separate the zones.
3. Water Carefully
Water only the lemongrass side. Let the lavender side dry between waterings.
If water runs across the entire pot, the lavender will eventually weaken. Use a watering can with a narrow spout for more precision.
4. Keep in Full Sun
Both plants need strong light:
- Lavender stays compact and blooms better
- Lemongrass produces thicker, more flavorful stalks
In shade or partial shade, lemongrass becomes thin and lavender stretches.
5. Watch for Early Stress Signs
- Lavender drooping or yellowing = too much water
- Lemongrass browning = too little water
In mixed pots, these issues show up quickly.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- If you have very hot, sunny summers, this combo works slightly better.
- If you live in a humid region, lavender will struggle more in shared containers.
- Use clay or terracotta pots they dry faster and help protect lavender roots.
- Trim lemongrass regularly so it doesn’t shade out lavender.
- Lavender prefers neglected roots; lemongrass prefers pampering.
What beginners often overlook: Lemongrass gets big, even in pots. After a couple months, it often crowds out lavender.
FAQ
Will lavender die if planted with lemongrass?
Not always, but it often weakens due to overwatering and rich soil.
Can I grow lavender and lemongrass together in raised beds?
Yes beds drain better than pots, and you can keep plants farther apart.
How big does the pot need to be?
At least 18–20 inches wide, preferably larger.
Can lavender adapt to more water?
A little, but never as much as lemongrass needs.
Are there better companions for lavender?
Yes rosemary, thyme, and sage work much better.
When NOT to Plant Lavender and Lemongrass Together
Avoid mixing them if:
- You’re using a small pot
- You live in a humid climate
- You tend to water frequently
- Your indoor lighting is low
- You want strong growth from both plants
In these cases, one plant will suffer no matter how carefully you water.
Better Alternatives
If you love mixed containers:
Pair lavender with:
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Oregano
- Thyme
All prefer dry soil and full sun.
Pair lemongrass with:
- Basil
- Thai basil
- Lemon balm
- Mint (only if contained)
All thrive in rich, moist soil.
Best option:
Grow them in separate pots and place them side by side. You get the aesthetic combo without the root‑zone conflict.
Conclusion
So, can you plant lavender and lemongrass in the same pot? Technically yes but in most home gardens, they aren’t ideal pot companions because their soil and watering needs are almost opposite.
If you attempt it, use a large pot, create separate soil zones, and water carefully. But for healthy, long‑lasting plants, separate containers are the best choice.
You’ll get stronger lavender blooms, fuller lemongrass clumps, and far fewer watering headaches especially in small home or balcony gardens.