Can You Plant English And French Lavender Together

Yes, you can plant English and French lavender together, and it’s actually a wonderful pairing for a fragrant, colorful garden.
 
But if you’re asking, can you plant English and French lavender together and have both thrive side by side, the answer is yes, with a few important conditions in mind.
 
These two lavender types can share a bed beautifully, but they do have slightly different needs that you’ll want to respect.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into why you can plant English and French lavender together, what to watch for, and how to set both up for success in the same space.
 
Let’s jump right in and help you create that dreamy lavender patch you’ve been imagining.
 

Why You Can Plant English and French Lavender Together

The short version is that you can plant English and French lavender together because they share the same core growing requirements.
 
Both crave full sun, sharp drainage, and alkaline to neutral soil, which makes cohabitation totally doable.
 
When you plant English and French lavender together, you get the best of both worlds: English’s cold hardiness and French’s extended blooming season.
 
Here’s a closer look at what makes this combo work and where you need to be careful.
 

1. They Both Demand Full Sun

Lavender is a sun worshipper, and that doesn’t change whether you pick English or French varieties.
 
When you plant English and French lavender together, you need to give them at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
 
If you have a spot that gets morning sun and hot afternoon rays, they’ll both be over the moon.
 
Shade is the fastest way to kill either type, so a sunny, open border is non-negotiable.
 

2. Drainage Is the Golden Rule for Both

The biggest risk when you plant English and French lavender together isn’t sun or cold, it’s wet feet.
 
Both species despise soggy soil, and root rot will take them down faster than any pest.
 
You’ll want to amend heavy clay with grit or sand before planting, or better yet, build a raised bed.
 
If you can plant English and French lavender together on a slight slope, even better, as water will naturally run away.
 

3. Soil pH Should Lean Alkaline

Another reason you can plant English and French lavender together is that they both prefer the same soil chemistry.
 
Aim for a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, though slightly more alkaline is always safer.
 
If your soil is acidic, work in a bit of garden lime before you set out your plants.
 
This shared preference means you don’t have to cater to different beds, just one happy, uniform spot.
 

Key Differences to Manage When You Plant English and French Lavender Together

While they share a lot, you can plant English and French lavender together only if you acknowledge their quirks.
 
Each type brings a different personality to the border, and managing those differences will keep both alive and blooming.
 

1. Hardiness Zones Aren’t the Same

English lavender is the tough cookie, thriving in USDA zones 5 through 9.
 
French lavender, however, is more tender and only reliably hardy in zones 8 through 11.
 
So can you plant English and French lavender together in zone 6? Not if French lavender won’t survive your winter.
 
If you’re in a colder zone, you can still plant English lavender and treat French lavender as an annual or overwinter it in a pot.
 

2. Bloom Times Overlap Beautifully

The good news is that when you plant English and French lavender together, you’ll extend your floral show.
 
English lavender typically blooms in late spring to early summer, while French lavender starts a bit later.
 
That overlap means you get a seamless transition of color and fragrance from June through August.
 
It’s a real win for pollinators too, as bees will feast on whichever one is flowering at the moment.
 

3. Pruning Needs Are Similar but Not Identical

Just because you can plant English and French lavender together doesn’t mean you can prune them the same way.
 
English lavender should be cut back hard in late summer or early spring to promote woody growth renewal.
 
French lavender needs a lighter touch, as cutting into old wood can kill it since it’s less forgiving.
 
Keep your secateurs sharp and your technique different for each, and you’ll keep both plants bushy and productive.
 

Best Companion Plants for a Lavender Mix

If you plant English and French lavender together, you can also boost the bed with other Mediterranean herbs.
 
Rosemary, thyme, and sage all share that love for lean, sunny, well-drained soil.
 
Ornamental grasses and rock roses add texture without stealing the spotlight from your lavender duo.
 
Just be sure not to pair lavender with moisture-loving plants like hostas or ferns, as that will spell disaster.
 
Keeping all companions in the same drought-tolerant family makes your life so much easier.
 

How Far Apart Should You Space Them?

Spacing matters a ton when you plant English and French lavender together, so don’t cram them in.
 
English lavender can spread up to three feet wide, while French lavender often gets a bit taller.
 
Give each plant at least two to three feet of breathing room to ensure air circulates freely.
 
Good airflow prevents fungal issues, especially in humid climates where lavender struggles.
 
If you’re planting a hedge, you can keep them a little closer, but always respect the mature width.
 

So, Can You Plant English and French Lavender Together?

Yes, you can plant English and French lavender together, provided your climate and soil meet both of their needs.
 
You’ll be rewarded with a stunning display of silvery foliage and purple blooms that fills the air with calm.
 
Just remember that cold hardiness is the big divider, so check your zone before you commit.
 
If you’re in a warmer area with sandy soil and full sun, this pairing is practically foolproof.
 
In cooler zones, you can still plant English lavender outdoors and keep French lavender in a portable pot.
 
Either way, you don’t have to choose between these two beauties; you can enjoy them together.
 
So go ahead, plan that border, prep your soil, and get ready to love the best of both lavender worlds.