Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Gardeners often ask, “Can you plant different types of lavender together?” especially when they see English, French, and Spanish lavender lined up at the nursery. I grow several lavender varieties in my small backyard border and a few more in large terrace containers. Through trial, error, and a few plants lost to humidity and poor spacing, I’ve learned that yes, you can grow different types of lavender together but only if their environmental needs match your climate and planting setup.
Some lavenders flourish side by side. Others decline quickly if paired with varieties that prefer different heat, humidity, or watering levels. This guide breaks down what actually works in real gardens, not just what grows on paper.
Why Growing Different Lavender Varieties Together Can Work
Lavender types share several core requirements:
- Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Well‑drained, low‑fertility soil
- Infrequent watering once established
- Good airflow around the foliage
Because these basics overlap, most lavenders can coexist in the same bed or large container, as long as you give them enough space and avoid overwatering.
Where gardeners get into trouble is trying to mix varieties with totally different climate tolerances.
What Actually You’ll Need
- Multiple lavender varieties (English, French, Spanish, or hybrids)
- Sandy or gritty well‑draining soil
- Terracotta or large containers with drainage (optional)
- Mulch (gravel or small pebbles preferred over organic mulch)
- Pruning shears
- Sunny planting location
- Watering can with a gentle spout
Eco-friendly tip: Mix coarse sand or small gravel into the soil instead of using peat-heavy mixes.
How to Plant Different Types of Lavender Together
1. Choose Lavender Types That Match Your Climate
From experience, this is the most important factor.
- Cool or variable climates (zones 5–8): English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) do best.
- Warm, humid, coastal, or mild-winter climates (zones 8–10): French and Spanish lavender handle heat and humidity better.
If you mix heat-loving and cold-loving types, one usually struggles.
2. Space Plants Generously
Plant lavender varieties 18–24 inches apart, even in mixed groupings. Good airflow is critical for avoiding fungal issues especially when mixing varieties.
3. Use Uniform Soil Conditions
All lavender varieties require:
- Loose, dry, well-draining soil
- Low organic matter
- A slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5)
A gritty soil mix works best:
- 60% well-draining garden soil or potting mix
- 20% coarse sand
- 20% gravel or perlite
Beginners often make the mistake of planting lavender in compost-heavy soil it stays too wet.
4. Water Sparingly
When mixing varieties:
- Deep water newly planted lavender
- Then water only when the top 2–3 inches are dry
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Avoid overhead watering
In my own garden, overwatering the group to satisfy one needy plant always backfires.
5. Use Rock Mulch, Not Organic Mulch
Gravel or pebbles:
- Keep the crown dry
- Reflect heat
- Prevent rot
- Reduce humidity near the stems
Avoid bark mulch it holds too much moisture.
6. Prune Each Type Properly
Not all lavender types respond the same:
- English: prune lightly after bloom, avoid cutting into woody stems
- French/Spanish: prune more often because they bloom longer
- Lavandin: prune once, but more heavily than English
This keeps mixed plantings tidy and prevents one variety from crowding the others.
Professional Tips & Best Practices
- Group similar-sized varieties together so small ones aren’t shaded out.
- In containers, use terracotta they dry out faster and prevent root rot.
- Don’t mix moisture-loving herbs (like mint or basil) with lavender.
- If you live in a humid climate, space even wider 24–30 inches.
- Keep lavender on the dry side once established; overwatering is the main killer.
What beginners often miss: Lavender varieties grow at different speeds. Lavandin gets big and bushy; Spanish stays compact. Plan spacing accordingly.
FAQ
Will different lavender types cross-pollinate?
Yes, bees can cross-pollinate them, but this doesn’t affect the current plants—only the seeds.
Can I plant English and French lavender together?
Yes, but English lavender prefers cooler, drier conditions. In humid climates, French lavender will outperform English.
Can I mix lavender varieties in the same large pot?
Yes, but the pot must be at least 18–20 inches wide, and the varieties should be similar in size and climate tolerance.
Do different lavenders need different watering schedules?
Not once established. All prefer infrequent watering.
Why is one of my lavender plants dying while the others look fine?
Likely causes:
- Poor drainage on one side of the bed
- Mixed varieties with different climate needs
- One plant’s crown buried too deeply
When NOT to Plant Different Lavender Types Together
Avoid mixing varieties if:
- Your climate is very humid (some varieties rot quickly)
- Soil drains poorly or stays wet after rain
- You’re planting in a small container (roots compete too much)
- You plan to water frequently for other plants nearby
In these cases, separate pots are better.
Alternative Planting Approaches
1. Group by Climate Type
Create themed sections:
- Cool-tolerant section (English + Lavandin)
- Heat-tolerant section (Spanish + French)
2. Plant in Separate Pots but Display Together
This gives the look of a mixed planting without the soil or watering conflicts.
3. Mix Dwarf Varieties Only
Dwarf lavenders grow more uniformly and don’t crowd each other.
Each method works depending on your space and climate.
Conclusion
So, can you plant different types of lavender together? Yes as long as they share similar climate preferences and you give them well-drained, low-nutrient soil with plenty of sunlight. Mixed lavender groupings can look beautiful, attract pollinators, and stay healthy for years when planted thoughtfully.
For beginners, the safest approach is to plant similar lavender types together or use separate containers but with proper spacing and dry-soil care, mixed lavender beds thrive in most home gardens.
Grow them sunny, keep them dry, and they’ll reward you with fragrance, flowers, and a garden full of pollinators.