Jasmine and lavender are two of the most popular flowering plants used in gardens for their lovely scents and attractive blooms. Both plants thrive in sunny, well-draining areas and have similar care requirements. This leads many gardeners to wonder – can jasmine and lavender be planted together successfully?
The answer is yes; jasmine and lavender can coexist happily in the same garden bed when planted properly. In this blog post, we will explore the planting process, the benefits of combining these plants, potential difficulties, and aftercare tips.
Planting Process
Step 1: When planning to plant jasmine and lavender together, it’s best to start with a sunny, sheltered location with fertile, well-draining soil.
Jasmine prefers soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0, while lavender prefers alkaline soil between 6.0 and 7.5, so adding a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or lime if needed, before planting can help create an ideal environment for both.
Plant jasmine about 3-4 feet apart and lavender plants 1-2 feet apart in staggered rows for optimum growth.
Step 2: Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and about as deep for each plant. Fill the bottom of each hole with an inch of gravel or small stones for improved drainage if your soil tends to retain water.
Mix a handful of compost or worm castings into the soil removed from each hole. Place the plant in the hole at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot and fill in around the roots with the amended soil, packing it down gently as you go.
Water well after planting and apply a 2-3-inch layer of mulch around each plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Benefits of Planting Together
There are several key benefits to planting jasmine and lavender side by side:
- Beauty and Fragrance: Both plants bloom throughout summer, filling the garden with colorful flowers and intoxicating scents. Their complementary aromas blend nicely versus competing when planted close together.
- Pollinator Attraction: Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are drawn to nectar-rich jasmine and lavender blossoms. Having diverse species flowering concurrently creates a bustling habitat for beneficial pollinators.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: The mixture of scents and plant varieties makes it harder for pests or diseases to devastate the entire area should an issue arise. Together, they create a resilient, symbiotic ecological community.
- Low Maintenance: Jasmine and lavender have very similar care needs, including soil, sun exposure, and watering requirements when established. Tending them side by side minimizes effort versus separate planting beds.
Potential Difficulties You Might Faces
While jasmine and lavender generally thrive together, there are a few potential difficulties to be aware of:
# Moisture Needs:
Jasmine prefers regular watering and average soil moisture levels, while lavender is prone to root rot in soggy conditions. Protect lavender roots from overwatered jasmine by spacing plants appropriately based on your soil moisture levels.
# Vigorous Growth:
Left unchecked, jasmine vines can grow into neighboring shrubs and smother plants by blocking sunlight. Pinch off new shoots as needed to redirect growth outward instead of overwhelming lavender.
# Herbivore Damage:
Deer, rabbits, and other wildlife may find both plants tempting. Use fencing, repellents or companion planting with unappetizing neighbors for protection if herbivores pose a persistent threat in your area.
# Changing Conditions:
Soil drainage, exposure, and other factors may shift over time. Monitor plant health and adjust care accordingly, such as reducing water for jasmine if signs of rot appear.
Aftercare Tips
With the right aftercare, jasmine and lavender can coexist beautifully for many seasons. Here are some tips for keeping your plants healthy and productive:
- Water deeply 1-2 times per week only if rain does not provide 1 inch of moisture. Lavender is drought tolerant, while established jasmine needs consistent moisture.
- Fertilize lightly in spring and fall with a balanced plant food specifically for blooming plants and shrubs. Too much nitrogen will produce excessive foliage versus flowers.
- Prune lavender back by one-third after it flowers to encourage bushy growth. Trim jasmine shoots by 1/4 annually to shape and open up the plant for airflow/sun exposure.
- Mulch annually with 2-3 inches of organic material to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and nourish the soil as it breaks down.
- Monitor for pests and diseases. Isolate and remove affected foliage, or contact your local extension service for integrated treatment options if needed.
- Divide or transplant sections of overgrown jasmine every 3-5 years in spring to rejuvenate plants and share with friends!
Conclusion
With their alluring blossoms, complementary growing habits, and similar care requirements, jasmine and lavender make fabulous companion plants. Follow the basic planting and care recommendations outlined here, and your jasmine and lavender can thrive together for many seasons of natural beauty in the landscape. Consider combining these aromatic favorites in your own sunny garden beds!
