How To Plant Lavender With Roses

To plant lavender with roses, you need to pick a spot that gets full sun and has soil that drains really well, since both plants hate soggy roots.
 
When you plant lavender with roses, the key is giving each one enough space so their roots aren’t fighting for water and nutrients.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to plant lavender with roses without one taking over the other, you’re in the right place.
 
This pairing is a classic for a reason, because lavender’s silvery foliage and purple blooms look stunning next to rose bushes.
 
Plus, lavender can help repel pests that love to munch on roses, like aphids and blackspot.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to plant lavender with roses step by step, from soil prep to spacing to aftercare.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why You Should Plant Lavender With Roses

Planting lavender with roses is one of those garden combos that works on every level.
 
Here’s why this pairing is so popular:
 

1. They Love the Same Conditions

Roses and lavender both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
 
That means you don’t have to compromise on location when you plant lavender with roses.
 
Both plants want at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
 
And both hate sitting in wet, heavy clay.
 
So if your garden has a sunny, dry-ish spot, you’ve found the perfect home for this duo.
 

2. Lavender Repels Rose Pests

Lavender’s strong scent is a natural deterrent for aphids, whiteflies, and even deer.
 
When you plant lavender with roses, you’re basically creating a protective barrier around your rose bushes.
 
This means fewer pests and less need for chemical sprays.
 

3. They Look Gorgeous Together

The soft purple spikes of lavender contrast beautifully with the bold colors of roses.
 
Whether you have red, pink, or yellow roses, the combination of plant lavender with roses adds texture and depth to any border.
 
Plus, both are fragrant, so your garden will smell amazing.
 

How to Plant Lavender With Roses Step by Step

Now let’s get to the actual planting.
 
If you want to know how to plant lavender with roses properly, follow these steps:
 

1. Choose the Right Spot

Pick a location that gets full sun all day.
 
Both roses and lavender need at least six to eight hours of direct light.
 
Also, make sure the spot has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
 

2. Prepare the Soil

Roses like rich, loamy soil, while lavender prefers lean, gritty soil.
 
The trick when you plant lavender with roses is to amend the soil so it drains well but still holds some nutrients.
 
Mix in some compost and a handful of sand or horticultural grit.
 
If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting in raised beds or mounds.
 

3. Space Them Correctly

Don’t crowd them.
 
Roses need about 18 to 24 inches of space between plants for airflow.
 
Lavender needs about 12 to 18 inches.
 
When you plant lavender with roses, leave at least two feet between the rose and the lavender so their roots have room.
 

4. Plant at the Right Depth

For roses, dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots and plant the bud union (the swollen knot) just below soil level.
 
For lavender, plant it so the crown sits slightly above the soil line to prevent rot.
 
If you plant lavender with roses too deeply, lavender will sulk and likely die.
 

5. Water Wisely

After planting, water both plants thoroughly.
 
Then, let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
 
Roses need more water than lavender, so you may need to water the rose a bit more often.
 
A good trick is to water the rose deeply once a week and let the lavender fend for itself once established.
 

Ongoing Care for Lavender and Roses

Once they’re in the ground, keeping them happy is pretty simple.
 
Here’s how to care for them after you plant lavender with roses:
 

1. Prune Regularly

Roses need annual pruning in late winter to encourage new growth.
 
Lavender should be pruned lightly after flowering to keep it bushy.
 
Don’t cut into old wood on lavender, as it may not regrow.
 

2. Fertilize Carefully

Roses are heavy feeders, so give them a balanced rose fertilizer in spring.
 
Lavender, on the other hand, hates rich soil.
 
So when you plant lavender with roses, don’t fertilize the lavender directly.
 
Just feed the rose and let the lavender pick up whatever’s left.
 

3. Mulch With Gravel or Grit

A gravel mulch around lavender keeps the crown dry and reflects heat.
 
For roses, use compost or bark mulch to retain moisture.
 
You can use gravel around the lavender and compost around the rose, even if they’re close.
 

4. Watch for Pests and Diseases

Roses can get blackspot, rust, and aphids.
 
Lavender is pretty pest-free but can suffer from root rot in wet soil.
 
If you plant lavender with roses in the right conditions, you’ll have fewer problems overall.
 

So, How to Plant Lavender With Roses?

To plant lavender with roses, pick a sunny spot with well-drained soil, space them at least two feet apart, and plant lavender slightly higher than the rose.
 
Water deeply but let the soil dry between waterings.
 
Prune and fertilize each plant according to its own needs.
 
When you plant lavender with roses, you get a beautiful, fragrant, pest-resistant garden combo that thrives for years.
 
Happy planting.