Rosemary is a popular herb known for its robust flavor, fragrant aroma, and hardy nature. When planted properly, this Mediterranean native thrives in dry, well-draining soil and full sunlight. However, one of the best ways to maximize rosemary’s growth and health is through companion planting. By pairing rosemary with certain plants, you can create a more balanced garden environment, attract beneficial insects, and deter pests. In this article, we will explore the best plants to grow with rosemary, as well as some plants that should be kept at a distance.
Best Companion Plants for Rosemary
1. Pole Beans
Pole beans are great companions for rosemary because they help enrich the soil. These beans pull nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. This nitrogen helps fertilize rosemary and boosts its growth. Additionally, rosemary’s scent can keep away pests like bean beetles that might otherwise harm the beans.
Growing Tips:
- Requires full sun and well-draining soil.
- Grows to a height of 6 to 10 feet.
2. Carrots
Carrots and rosemary work well together as the strong scent of rosemary helps keep carrot flies at bay. In return, the carrots help improve the soil conditions for rosemary by allowing its roots to access more nutrients.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and loose, well-draining soil.
- Typically grows 12 to 18 inches tall.
3. Thyme
Thyme is another Mediterranean herb that has similar growing requirements to rosemary. Both plants thrive in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Thyme’s low-growing nature allows it to complement rosemary without taking away from its space, and both herbs can benefit from each other’s pest-repelling properties.
Growing Tips:
- Requires full sun and well-draining, sandy soil.
- Typically grows 6 to 12 inches tall.
4. Marigold
Marigolds are bright and cheerful flowers that not only add beauty to the garden but also act as a natural pest repellent. Their scent helps deter aphids, which can sometimes bother rosemary. Marigolds also attract pollinators like bees, benefiting all the plants around them.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
- Grows between 6 to 36 inches tall.
5. Sage
Sage shares similar growing needs with rosemary, making them ideal companions. Both herbs thrive in sunny, dry conditions and well-draining soil. Sage also helps keep pests away, benefiting rosemary and other nearby plants.
Growing Tips:
- Requires full sun and well-draining soil.
- Grows to 1 to 3 feet in height.
6. Chives
Chives are a hardy herb that thrives in similar conditions to rosemary. Chives help deter pests such as aphids and insects that may harm rosemary, and both herbs appreciate well-draining soil and regular sunlight.
Growing Tips:
- Requires full sun and well-draining soil.
- Typically grows 12 to 18 inches tall.
7. Tomatoes
Tomatoes grow well when paired with rosemary as they have similar care requirements. Additionally, rosemary’s scent can help keep pests away from tomatoes, such as aphids and whiteflies, while the tomatoes benefit from rosemary’s pest-repellent properties.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
- Grows to 3 to 10 feet tall.
8. Marjoram
Marjoram, like rosemary, thrives in dry, sunny conditions and has a mild scent that helps keep pests away. This herb provides an excellent companion for rosemary, adding flavor to your kitchen garden and supporting its health.
Growing Tips:
- Requires full sun and well-draining soil.
- Grows to 6 to 24 inches in height.
9. Lavender
Lavender, another Mediterranean herb, shares similar care needs with rosemary. Both plants can thrive in dry, sunny conditions and offer strong, pleasant scents that keep pests away. Lavender also attracts beneficial insects like bees, making it a valuable addition to your garden.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
- Grows to about 2 feet tall.
10. Abelia
Abelia is a hardy shrub that is drought- and heat-tolerant, much like rosemary. This makes it a great companion plant as it can handle tough growing conditions, and its similar needs allow both plants to thrive without competing for resources.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
- Grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
11. Oregano
Oregano is another Mediterranean herb that grows well next to rosemary. Both plants need full sun and well-draining soil, and oregano shares the same ability to deter pests that could affect rosemary.
Growing Tips:
- Requires full sun and well-draining soil.
- Grows between 12 to 24 inches tall.
Plants to Avoid Growing with Rosemary
While rosemary does well with many companion plants, there are a few plants that should be kept at a distance.
1. Fennel
Fennel can inhibit rosemary’s growth due to the chemicals it releases into the soil. These chemicals can harm the rosemary’s roots, making it harder for the plant to thrive.
2. Mint
Mint is an invasive grower and can quickly take over the space around rosemary, competing for resources like space, water, and nutrients. It’s best to grow mint in a container or in a separate area of the garden.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers require more moisture than rosemary and can create a humid environment that is not suitable for rosemary’s dry-loving nature. This makes them a poor companion for rosemary.
4. Potatoes
Potatoes and rosemary should not be planted together, as rosemary can inhibit potato growth. The soil conditions required for each plant are different, and rosemary may prevent potatoes from reaching their full potential.
Companion planting is an excellent way to help your rosemary thrive and create a more balanced and healthy garden. By selecting plants that share similar care requirements and offer complementary benefits, you can boost your rosemary’s growth while keeping pests at bay. Additionally, avoiding plants that can negatively affect rosemary will ensure it gets the best possible environment to flourish. By following these simple guidelines, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden full of aromatic herbs and vibrant plants.
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