Cut the runners from the lavender, especially if the plant is old and too woody, and lay the runners into new holes in a separate area -- at least 6 feet from the heather. Luscious Lavender Is Low Maintenance Lavender is an undemanding plant, needing only a well-drained soil and room to grow. And of course lavender makes an excellent companion for perennial flowering plants that provide complimentary or contrasting foliage shape or color, flower shape and color, or other aesthetic effect. Pull the lavender carefully through the heather branches. Heathers are beautiful flowering plants that require little upkeep in your garden, but you should still prune them. Its usually happiest if left alone. See more ideas about Lavender, Lavender fields, Lovely lavender. I’ve seen three-foot high and wide lavender plants growing at the ends of rows of apple trees in orchards in B.C.’s Okanagan Valley. Lavender is prized for its richly fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. ... Plant lavender in a sheltered, sunny spot, where they are protected from harsh winter winds. Lavender doesn’t like humidity, and plenty of room lets them breathe. It can be a light color or a darker color. Its foliage can also range in these various colors. Lavender is a great plant for pots and tubs. Some plants like to be crowded together, but not lavender. Heather is the overall term for either heathers or heaths. Density. Grow lavender in borders, it looks so wonderful and attracts bees and butterflies. Try not to plant them together. It draws on a few different principles, like pairing plants that repel insects with those that suffer from them, and matching water and fertilizer needs. You should avoid planting mint with other herbs due to its invasive properties. Permalink. Pots. If an individual admires someone, it was customary to show his admiration through the gift of flowers, specifically heather. 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There are several considerations when choosing suitable plant companions: aesthetics, growing conditions, and plant health. Keep the mulch away from the crown of the lavender plant, however, to prevent excess moisture and root rot. Flower Beds: Heathers and Conifers Together ARCHITECTURAL CONIFERS . Lavender is a hardy perennial. Some good plants to grow with lavender which share similar needs are: These companions for lavender perform well in full sun and dry, less-than-rich soil. They also make excellent fresh cut flowers that can be pleasantly enjoyed at home too! Ideally, set up a completely new growing area for the lavender plants. Jun 9, 2020 - Explore Hope Amen's board "Heather & Lavender", followed by 298 people on Pinterest. If you live an area that’s humid, give plants even more space. Cold and frosty conditions may damage the roots or actually kill these plants. If I didn’t use companion planting, I wouldn’t be able to grow such a wide array of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Feeding. Herbs that are commonly planted together are sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, lavender, and oregano, among others. It’s usually happiest if left alone. Heather flowers are a traditional remedy in Swedish herbal medicine. Add a sprinkling of bonemeal to the planting hole, place the plant in the hole, backfill and firm in. Lavender is very particular in its growing requirements. Dig up the plants. Prune the top of the plant to ensure a productive plant. Spacing Lavender. On top of being good companions for lavender based on their growing habits, these plants all also produce flowers that pair strikingly with its purple blossoms. During the hot summer months, make sure to water your lavender plant every single day. Lavender, an herb with many culinary uses, also makes a stunning addition to borders and perennial gardens, providing sweeping drifts of color from early summer into fall. Debra J. Rigas, a professional writing coach, has been a writer and editor since 1975. Heather flowers are seen in pink, lavender… Lavender (Lavandula) and heather (Calluna) are two of the easiest plants to grow, depending on your location and climate zone. For practical purposes, however, they are nearly identical, sharing color, form, and growth habits. Alliums: Like lavender, the strong scent of alliums has a distracting effect on insects and pests, … You can also harvest it for fragrant floral arrangements, sachets, and potpourri. Slow-growing conifers need little attention after their first year, as long as they are given a good start with careful site preparation and planting. 2 or 3 and mix in some horticultural grit, for drainage. Remove any old blooms that are withered and yellow. I, for instance, have just two deep raised beds to work with. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Lavender heather can vary in shades of purple. Second, lavender is insect repellent and growing it near the garden fences deter pests and insects away. Water it in well. Unlike parsley, all three prefer less water and soil that's kept on the dry side. While both are in the Ericaceae family, heather is in the Calluna genus with a full Latin name of Calluna vulgaris, while heath is of the genus, Erica. Other Herbs That Can Be Planted Together: Tarragon. Plant heather in sandy loam soil that contains organic matter. Keep reading to learn more about the best planting companions for lavender. The plant blooms all year round with flat, fern-like leaves and small lavender-colored flowers. This means that if you place it next to a plant that prefers more attention, one of them is going to suffer. Space the plants about as far apart as the plant's mature width to allow air circulation, which is important for good foliage growth and color but close enough so the plants will eventually mound together. Sometimes, placing friendly plants close together simply helps you save space in the garden. Think about color, season of bloom, and shape, but also care needs when you're planting. In today's video, we get to learn about the fiery Firefly Heather, a low-growing plant known for its brightly colored foliage! Heather should not be planted too deep to avoid root rot. Lavender makes an excellent companion plant for other Mediterranean herbs with similar cultural needs, such as rosemary, sage and thyme. And of course lavender makes an excellent companion for perennial flowering plants that provide complimentary or contrasting foliage shape or color, flower shape and color, or other aesthetic effect. Spread a 1-inch depth of sphagnum peat … Soft billowy clouds of lavender and heather together–what a striking combination! They both spread out considerably and, if left alone, can end up growing together. It likes highly acidic soil with a pH level of around 4.5-6. You can also use them around the garden as a hedge or mass plant them as a feature. Turn the plants upside down. Companion Planting with Heather. MasterClass Video Lessons. Planting Lavender. Once lavender is well rooted, it is tolerant of heat waves and dry spells. Companion planting with lavender also deters codling moths under apple trees. Heather plants bloom in a wide variety of colors that include purple, lavender, pink, red, magenta, amethyst, green, gold, silver and white, depending on its type. Water it in well. The runners are the lower-branching offshoots that are putting down roots. If nights get too cold, bring your plant inside (if in a pot/container). Water the area around the plants you want to separate. Roses and bearded iris make an excellent combination. Heather plants bloom in a wide variety of colors that include purple, lavender, pink, red, magenta, amethyst, green, gold, silver and white, depending on its type. Growing herbs together is both economical and convenient. Varieties Of Lavender. Lavender is a perennial shrub-like plant that grows 1 to 3 feet tall with stalks of purple or pink flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Most companion plants are strongly scented and confuse pests looking for their host plant. It needs full sun, little water, and little to no fertilizer. Read More. In the garden, lavender makes an excellent companion plant for almost anything from roses to cabbage.It is one of those aromatic, gray herbs that deer avoid, making it a great choice as a decoy in your Hosta or daylily beds. X Research source If you don’t want heather to intrude on other plants, you can cut into woody parts of the plant to prevent it from growing in that direction. Plants that are said to repel pest insects need to be planted quite close to the crops they are meant to protect. Plant them in a large, wide pot, one size bigger than the previous one with good drainage holes in the bottom. Lavender and hydrangeas are very different plants with different needs. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Lavender does have some specific requirements that mean it can only be planted in certain parts of the garden, but it’s also very good at protecting other plants from pests. Too shallow planting is not good as well. In fact, you should avoid overfeeding them with high nitrogen fertilizers or manure. Lavender isn’t easy to grow from seed; buy small starter plants from a garden nursery. Water the lavender in well. SOME plants just go together, says Alan Titchmarsh . Design your herb garden with a theme, or because certain herbs grown next to one another will thrive together. Check out this video to learn how to plant lavender: Heather should not be planted too deep to avoid root rot. You can take a softwood cutting of several inches in the spring or later in the year when stems are more mature. Organic matter like sphagnum peat moss, well-aged cow manure, pine bark humus, leaf mold or compost will help heather … See these climbing roses and Siberian lavender (Russian Sage) growing together in the picture. 2. Discover 10 companion plants to grow. If you live an area that’s humid, give plants even more space. All plants are top performers, earning them the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society. They both spread out considerably and, if left alone, can end up growing together. Ron Finley Teaches Gardening. For a 6 ft (182 cm) hedge requires 3-4 larger lavender plants such as ‘Vera’ or ‘Grosso’. To calculate the spacing for lavender hedge you simply have to find out the size of your lavender variety at maturity and then plant each lavender at slightly less then half the width of the spread of the lavender at full size.. It can be a lot to keep track of, so, to get you started, use these favorite combinations to bring more life to your landscape. During the hot summer months, make sure to water your lavender plant every single day. The same can be said for cabbage and broccoli, which often fall prey to slugs. Its foliage can also range in these various colors. Growing Lavender in Containers. Water both the lavender and heather to keep the ground moist for a few days afterward, to ensure the plants are getting what they need. It makes for a more effective visual impact than putting one of each plant together. Lavender plants cultivated south of Zone 6 tend to develop fungal diseases when grown in areas of high humidity. Water well. Pots. The flowers usually appear in spring and last through the summer and sometimes up to early fall. How to Grow Lavender & Hydrangeas. Also lavenders that are too close together are at risk of disease as each plant prefers breezy conditions and airflow through the foliage rather then consistent still air or humid climates. Requirements and Planting. Plant heathers at the same depth when you had bought them from a nursery or only as deep as the plant’s root ball would only be covered in soil. Growing Lavender in Containers Lavenders are quite happy growing in poor soil. Heathers in open ground do not need feeding if conditions are acidic. Lavender attract many varieties of butterflies and bees, these help with the pollination of all its companion plants . Chives. Highly placed among the favorite rose companion plants are Nepeta (Catmint), hardy Salvia (Sage) and Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender), whose exquisite flower heads contrast beautifully with the billowing pink, red, yellow or white roses. This means that if you place it next to a plant that prefers more attention, one of them is going to suffer. Give plants 2-3 feet with 3-6 feet between rows. Water the the hedge beds frequently, taking care to keep the soil moist—but not wet or soggy—all throughout the first growing season. Lavender is aromatic and is a a lovely when cut and added to a display of your own of cut sunflowers. after planting a bed with lavender and heather the other day somebody told me you shouldnt do that because they like opposite types of soil. I first heard about the heather plant when I was 10, reading an old-fashioned British book about a group of children who escaped their abusive guardians and made a home together on a secret island.They built a willow house out of live willow stems, so their home grew lush and protected, and they used heather to make their beds soft and cushy. Sun-loving and easy to grow, it requires infrequent watering and can thrive in poor soils provided plenty of sun is received throughout the day. Let it soak in and wait for about 30 minutes afterward to begin digging. Lavender is a very charming addition to most sunny gardens. Lavender (Lavendula spp.) Other Herbs That Can Be Planted Together: Tarragon Lavender plants, once established, will bloom year after year, attracting pollinators to your garden and producing a useful material for crafts, cooking and more. In this environment, it’s also wise to leave ample space between plants for air circulation. Prune the top of the plant to ensure a productive plant. Planting them together will result in competition, one will not flourish or both will suffer. Some good plants to grow with lavender which share similar needs are: Both plants have similar growing needs and are evergreen with elegant, colorful blooms. Lavender plants will tolerate many growing conditions, but they thrive in warm, well-draining soil, and full sun. Plant lavender 2 to 3 feet apart. It needs its space. Replant the heather where it was growing if it was performing well. What plants go together? If the heather has already been planted, spread a depth of 2-inches of organic matter around the plant and mix it into the top inch of soil. It thrives in hot and humid climatic conditions under filtered shade to avoid the foliage and bloom from fading. These plants do not do well in slow-draining, clay soil, as wet conditions can lead to stem and root rot. Lavender makes an excellent companion plant for other Mediterranean herbs with similar cultural needs, such as rosemary, sage and thyme. Others attract beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and lacewings, which prey on aphids. Plant combinations are always more satisfying when using these basic design principles: When room allows, plant in groups of three or five plants of each species used in the combination. Try not to plant them together. https://topyarddesign.com/lawn-yard/what-herbs-can-be-planted-together These are great for starting new plants. These combinations of plants do way better, together… If nights get too cold, bring your plant inside (if in a pot/container). Cut the runners from the lavender, especially if the plant is old and too woody, and lay the runners into new holes in a separate area -- at least 6 feet from the heather. Once lavender is well rooted, it is tolerant of heat waves and dry spells. If you live in that area, plant lavender far enough apart to allow for adequate air circulation as the plants mature. Lavender is very particular in its growing requirements. It needs its space. For the more alkaline-tolerant ericas, incorporate well-rotted garden compost or farmyard manure at planting. Lavender doesn’t like humidity, and plenty of room lets them breathe. Some couplings also prevent pest problems. Plant them in a large, wide pot, one size bigger than the previous one with good drainage holes in the bottom. If you are planting in Zones 7-9, Lortz recommends whorled heath (Erica manipuliflora; 'Korcula' is a … Design Considerations. Plants typically reach between 1 and 3 feet in height. Or, you can try taking a cutting from a mature plant. Replant the heather where it was growing if it was performing well. They are both therapeutic plants and they have their own aroma, characteristics, and own entities that reside in them. Most companion plants are strongly scented and confuse pests looking for their host plant. Plant it in the middle of … If soil becomes too alkaline, yellowing of the foliage may occur. Before planting the heather, a 3- to 6-inch layer of sphagnum peat moss, well-aged cow manure, pine bark humus, leaf mold or compost should be mixed into the top 8 to 10 inches of soil thoroughly with a tiller. Sage (Salvia spp., zones 5 - 10), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalus, zones 8 - 10) and thyme (Thymus spp., zones 2 - 10) grow happily together. Regardless of the shade, it means admiration. How to grow lavender. Lavender Companion Planting: 5 Plants to Grow With Lavender. Heather (lavender) comes in various shades of purple. With its silvery-green foliage, upright flower spikes and compact shrub-like form, lavender is ideal for creating informal hedges. But plants like dill, that are generally attractive to predatory insects, can be planted anywhere in the garden. In shade I love the ethereal quality of the shuttlecock or ostrich-plume fern, matteuccia, mixed with bolder-leafed hostas. Learn how to grow lavender in your garden with the RHS expert guide on choosing, planting, feeding, pruning and propagating plants. Lavenders are really versatile plants. The term heather is frequently used to describe both heather and the plant heath, but, although they are very similar, they are not the same plant. There are more than 30 species of lavender, and hundreds of different varieties. Heather plants grow in dense formation that provides little sunlight to vegetation under and around its growing area. A traditional remedy for burns and insomnia, lavender plants were often found by the front door in cottage gardens, and it makes sense to plant it where you pass by often, so that you can enjoy its lovely fragrance. When people mention heather, they are almost always talking about two different genera of plants: heaths and heathers.Although both belong to the Ericaceae family, they are botanically different and are divided into the Calluna genus and the Erica genus. This technique is especially effective when you garden where summers are hot and humid. Among the most popular companion plants for Rhododendrons and Azaleas are Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) and Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda). 1 Mint. Last updated: Nov 8, 2020 • 3 min read. Plant lavender 2 to 3 feet apart. Lavender (Lavandula) and heather (Calluna) are two of the easiest plants to grow, depending on your location and climate zone. Space your lavender plants out about 10 or 11 inches apart , and put them smack dab in the middle of the hedgerow. They are both therapeutic plants and they have their own aroma, characteristics, and own entities that reside in them. Give plants 2-3 feet with 3-6 feet between rows. Density. Planting lavender with other sun-loving plants sharing the same growing … Flower Companions. Photo by Laura Melchor. Is this the case? The Heather plant is sometimes also referred to as 'Ling' derived either from the old Norse Lyng or from the Anglo Saxon 'Lig' meaning fire and referred to as use for fuel. Plant them in an unglazed terra-cotta pot that absorbs water. Lavender Border . Plant them with 6in or 8in between them and fill the gaps with spring-flowering crocuses, dwarf irises or miniature narcissi such as “Tete-a-Tete”, “Little Witch” and “Jenny”. When planting lavender in pots, choose terracotta pots with drainage holes. Companion planting is an easy and very effective way to make your garden the best it can be. If you can get it to grow in your area, it can definitely attract pollinators, which are always useful and it can deter white flies and even some fruit tree pests. While you can grow lavender in USDA Hardiness Zone 5, it is unlikely you will ever have a lavender hedge. Plant heather in a location that receives full sun to part shade. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Lavender. A Late Season Border Idea with Asters and Grasses An excellent border idea for the sunny landscape. Prune your heathers once a year just after the last frost of the spring. planting Heather and lavender together (too old to reply) Joe Soap of the Crumbling Spires 2003-09-08 12:12:53 UTC. Lavender– Last but certainly not least is the beautiful and fragrant lavender. Plant your heather at a spacing that will allow it to mature to full size without being too cramped, but be sure to plant it tightly enough that it will form a single mound if you are planting multiple plants and that is your goal. Most herbs thrive among other varieties, as long as as the herbs you group have the same environmental growing needs. If you have too much mud when you begin digging, wait and let the ground dry out a bit more. Lavender (Lavandula) and heather (Calluna) are two of the easiest plants to grow, depending on your location and climate zone. Don't feed nitrogen to heather plants or you'll likely lose them. Fertilize with an acid-based fertilizer such as that used for rhododendrons. Select plants that grow with heather by their sizes and position them correctly in the planting space for an impactful display that allows each specimen light and air. Both species are medium-size evergreen shrubs with great flower interest and they … Do this until you have removed all plant parts, including runners. Heather plants grow in dense formation that provides little sunlight to vegetation under and around its growing area. These companion plants, whether shrubs, bulbs or perennials, must however be able to thrive under the same growing conditions as Azaleas and Rhododendrons. It needs full sun, little water, and little to no fertilizer. Gazania, another good choice, is a beautiful flowering plant from South Africa that fares especially well in poor, dry soils. Add mulch (rock or pea gravel work particularly well) to keep weeds to a minimum. Western gold mix Butterfly Weed and Sharon Roberts English Lavender. Planting them together will result in competition, one will not flourish or both will suffer. Lavender is a natural repellant of moths, slugs, and deer. Some planting companions for lavender benefit greatly from having it nearby. You can do this with your spade or use a pitchfork if you want to eliminate too much extra dirt coming up with the roots. If you are looking to plant herbs and want a breakdown on what herbs can be planted together, you are in … Any plants that suffer from these pests will benefit from having a lavender plant nearby. Plants can repel harmful organisms or lure the bad bugs away from more delicate species. Heather has specific soil requirements to grow healthily in a pot. Plants, like people, do best with partners that will bring out their top qualities and share their space with equanimity, neither overpowering nor paling in comparison. If you don’t have the ideal climate, consider growing lavender in containers. Plants that grow too close to one another will compete for resources, producing fewer blooms and possibly harming your plant. Sign up for our newsletter. Then just focus on the lavender -- especially if the heather is older and more established. This easy-to-grow shrub thrives in a sunny spot, in free-draining soil or a container. Planting lavender in a mound or raised bed (18 to 24 inches tall) is what most commercial growers do. Lavender is such a favourite that just about everyone wants some. When you want to untangle the plants and replant in new spaces, wait until fall or very early spring to dig them up. Preparing the ground for lavender plants . Wearing gloves when dealing with woody or poky plants can help, as can long sleeves. Some plants like to be crowded together, but not lavender. Too shallow planting is not good as well. Use when planting heathers and as a mulch to keep soil acidity up and improve soil structure. Lavender is a well known and fragrant plant with gray-green foliage, upright flower spikes, and a compact shrub form. Plant lavender at the same depth it was in its pot. Use hand shears if your heathers are relatively small or hedge shears if you have large bushes. Most lavenders are labeled hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. So consider this perennial shrub if you have fruit trees or have been plagued with white flies in the past. She is the author of the nonfiction book "Everyone's A Guru" and has edited novels ("The Woman Pope") and worked in arts and sciences as a filmmaker, boat captain, landscaper, counselor, theater administrator and licensed midwife. Fill with a John Innes no. Ideally, set up a completely new growing area for the lavender plants. Water the area around the plants you want to separate. Cut the runners from the lavender, especially if the plant is old and too woody, and lay the runners into new holes in a separate area -- at least 6 feet from the heather. Fruit trees, in particular, which can be hit very hard by moths, tend to do much better when surrounded by lavender bushes. Like lavender, it will really suffer if you pay too much attention to it. Written by MasterClass. Chives are part of the onion family, they deter pests and not only are they a great culinary addition to your table they look lovely too. Washington State University; Clark County Extension; Corbett's Red Scotch Heather, Plants for a Future: Lavandula angustifolia. Soil.