Rosemary grows well on its own, but it does appreciate good company. And rosemary companion plants make great neighbors in the garden.
Rosemary is a perennial herb that loves well-drained soil and a sunny spot. It’s evergreen, so expect the pop of green in the garden all year long. Plus, the aroma is lovely—it also works as an insect repellent in the garden and kitchen.
If you’re looking for the best plants to grow with rosemary, this companion planting guide can help you find the perfect partners for your patch. So let’s dive in!
What Will I Learn?
Introduction to Rosemary Companion Planting
Companion planting is the idea that certain plants can complement each other’s growth when planted nearby. It’s a gardening trick that has been around since ancient times and is still used by gardeners all over the world today.
For rosemary, companion planting can help with the following:
- Pest control: Though rosemary itself is an excellent pest-repellent, the effect can be amplified by planting it with other pest-repellent plants.
- Pollination: Certain rosemary companions will attract beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Nutrient cycling: Planting rosemary with nitrogen-fixers, like clover or peas, will help with nutrient absorption and make the soil more fertile for all your garden plants.
- Shelter and shade: Rosemary can benefit from some shade, especially in the hottest parts of summer.
- Space-filling: Certain rosemary companions have a shallow root system and can help fill out those awkward gaps in the garden.
However, it’s more likely the rosemary companion plants will benefit more from rosemary than the other way around.
What Are the Best Rosemary Companion Plants?
Here’s a list of the best plants to grow with rosemary and why they make good companions:
Best Vegetables to Grow with Rosemary:
1. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers love the same environment as rosemary, so you can care for them the same way. Plus, they’re perennial in warm climates, so no need to worry about replanting and damaging the plants. You’ll save some precious garden bed space too.
As a bonus, rosemary is great at keeping thrips and aphids away, which can be a pesky problem for peppers.
2. Pole Beans
Pole beans add nitrogen to the soil, benefiting the rosemary and other plants in your garden. We prefer pole beans because they can be trained up a trellis, so they don’t block the sun from the rosemary.
There’s also space saving here since you can grow beans and rosemary in the same space without crowding.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes love soaking up the sun and thriving in well-drained soil like rosemary does. However, it’s important to note that this partnership works best when you train the tomato plants vertically or keep them in check so they don’t take over the rosemary.
In return, rosemary plays its part by protecting the tomatoes from pesky pests and attracting some lovely pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
4. Garlic
Garlic loves lots of sunshine and doesn’t need too much water during the growing periods. Not many garden plants can handle such conditions, but rosemary can quickly adapt and thrive. Plus, garlic acts as a pest repellent, so when you plant these two together, they’ll provide an awesome layer of protection for your surrounding vegetables.
Just make sure you give enough space to the garlic so it doesn’t get overshadowed by the rosemary—garlic needs lots of sunlight to grow.
5. Eggplant
In places where rosemary can get a bit bushy and out of control, eggplants can step up and hold their ground against it. Don’t worry; your rosemary won’t suffer – it’s a tough plant that can handle itself. But having eggplants around will prevent them from completely taking over.
Plus, you’ll get an extra homegrown veggie out of it! Rosemary also attracts pollinators and keeps pests away, so it’s a win-win situation.
6. Pumpkin
Pumpkins and rosemary are compatible in so many ways. Pumpkin vines are super strong and dominate the garden bed, not giving other plants a chance. On top of that, they prefer watering sparingly.
Rosemary is just as tough! It can handle being surrounded by pumpkin vines and doesn’t need a lot of water, either. In return, pumpkin vines work as mulch and keep your garden patch nice and moist while also keeping those annoying weeds at bay. And they help tame the rosemary from getting too wild too.
Best Herbs to Grow with Rosemary:
1. Sage
If there is one plant that acts and grows like rosemary, it’s sage. They need the same conditions and require the same care. So when planted together, they will share resources and help each other out.
Plus, both plants are evergreen, so you get year-round greenery and an aromatic garden.
2. Oregano
Oregano is a low-growing plant, so there is little to worry about when it comes to nutrient and light competition. It also loves the sun but likes to remain on the drier side of things (less water). Rosemary is also quite drought tolerant, so less water is not a problem. But oregano makes it more manageable by covering the ground and keeping it cool.
3. Thyme
Thyme is the sister of oregano and rosemary in terms of size and nutrient requirements. It grows low to the ground like oregano but with a little more oomph. It’s also evergreen and very hardy, so it will help keep the garden alive even during winter when other plants are hibernating.
With rosemary around, thyme can form a beautiful carpet and spread a lovely aroma.
4. Chives
Chives are a companion plant that brings more than just looks. Not only is it an attractive filler, but it also improves the taste of plants nearby. When planted next to rosemary, chives can act as a pest repellent, cover the ground, and improve rosemary flavor.
In return, chives also benefit from the rosemary, as it’s a great companion for pollinators and beneficial insects.
5. Basil
If there is one herb that visually pairs well with rosemary, it’s basil. The two herbs have a nice contrast in terms of texture and color – the deep green of rosemary and the light green of basil really look great together.
Plus, the two herbs share similar preferences when it comes to light and water needs. Basil can handle more moisture but still does well in sunny patches where rosemary thrives. Plus, basil attracts pollinators too, which is always a plus.
6. Marjoram
Marjoram is like the quiet sibling of rosemary and oregano – it’s similar but not nearly as strong. It’s an evergreen herb, and it also does well in dry conditions, just like rosemary. In fact, both plants are drought tolerant, so they can survive in hot climates with less water.
Marjoram can also help protect rosemary from diseases since it’s a good repellent for certain pests and mildew.
Best Berries to Grow with Rosemary:
1. Strawberries
Strawberries attract a lot of predators, and rosemary is the perfect companion to keep them away. Just grow rosemary around the perimeter of your strawberry patch, and it’ll act as a natural barrier to pests. Strawberries also benefit from rosemary’s ability to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help keep the strawberry patch healthy.
2. Raspberries
Raspberries are just like strawberries in terms of care except for one thing – they need lots of moisture, especially towards the end of the season. Unfortunately, rosemary doesn’t appreciate wet feet, but having it around can really help with a pest problem.
Although not so perfect in terms of climatic conditions, this partnership can still work if you find a way to give raspberries enough water without soaking your rosemary. Maybe grow it on raised mounds or use separate water delivery systems, but once you figure it out – you’ll have a great combo.
3. Blueberries
Again, a sister of strawberries and raspberries, blueberries require the same care and attention when planted in a rosemary patch. Rosemary’s pest-repellent properties come in handy again with blueberries.
However, remember that blueberries can grow really tall and overshadow neighboring plants, so be sure to give the rosemary some room to grow and stretch its stems for the best results.
Worst Rosemary Companion Plants
Unfortunately, not all plants can get along with rosemary. There are certain plants that you should avoid planting near rosemary, as they will compete for space and nutrients.
Cabbage: Cabbage needs lots of water and sun, and because rosemary doesn’t like too much moisture, your plant will suffer. Plus, low-growing cabbage plants can be easily overshadowed and overrun by aggressive rosemary bushes.
Fennel: Fennel is just not a good idea for any garden, especially if you plan to grow it in the ground and not in a container. It has a very aggressive root system that sucks up all the nutrients and moisture from the soil before neighboring plants can get any.
Broccoli: Broccoli is another plant that needs lots of water and sun, so it’s not a good idea to have this one around rosemary. Plus, broccoli grows really tall and can easily overpower the delicate stems of the rosemary bush. So keep them far away from each other for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I plant rosemary?
Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can also tolerate a bit of shade, so you can plant it in an area with some morning and evening sun. In colder climates, putting rosemary in large containers will help protect the plants from freezing temperatures.
Does rosemary make a good companion plant?
Yes, rosemary is a great companion plant. It helps to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and improve the flavor of other plants nearby. Plus, the green leaves are just beautiful and add a nice contrast to other plants in the garden.
Does rosemary grow better in pots or in the ground?
Rosemary does well in both pots and the ground, as long as you pick one big enough and don’t over-water them. In colder climates, a container is definitely the better option, as it will be easy to transport indoors when temperatures drop.
Conclusion
Rosemary is one of the most versatile herbs you can grow. It’s drought tolerant, pest repellent, and attractive—all in one package. It’s a good plus one with so many plants and a great companion for any garden.
So as long as you know the right companion plants for rosemary and which ones to avoid, you can have a great experience with this herb.
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