Rosemary Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Rosemary Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Rosemary is a great and popular herb to grow in your garden. Here are some of the best rosemary companion plants to grow nearby so you maximize the health, yield, and space of both plants, along with a list of bad companion plants for rosemary at the end so you know what to avoid.

Rosemary Needs

Rosemary is a fairly easy herb to grow. It loves full sun, warm weather, and well-drained soil that’s neutral to slightly acidic and kept on the drier side most of the time.

Two common problems for it are overly wet soil, which can cause root rot, and cold weather. Rosemary naturally grows in the Mediterranean region, so it’s used to living in a hot climate. It grows large, but since it is an annual in all parts of the northeast, it will not completely take over gardens.

The biggest problem for potential companion plants is the dry soil part. The way around this for many companions is to plant the rosemary a short distance away (think two or three feet) from the companion so the rosemary won’t be affected by the extra water. You can also grow the rosemary in a separate pot within your garden to keep it drier.

Rosemary is generally good at repelling pests for its companions, but it does suffer from a few of its own, including aphids and spider mites. Some companions, particularly other aromatic herbs, can help repel these pests.

Full List of Rosemary Companion Plants

The following plants are the best companion plants for rosemary. For many, rosemary benefits the companion by preventing pests or bringing in beneficial insects. Others benefit rosemary by repelling pests, enjoying similar growing conditions, and more.

Companions that also like well-draining soil and less water can be interplanted with rosemary, but any that like more moist soil should be planted a short distance away. You can also grow the rosemary in pots near or in the garden to keep it from getting too much water. 

Check out the full companion planting guide with links to many other pairings for a vegetable garden, herb garden, flower garden, and more. Now, here’s the list that’s specific to rosemary:

Vegetables to Grow with Rosemary

• Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi, Rutabagas, and Turnips – Rosemary helps these brassicas (cabbage family members) by repelling cabbage moths and other brassica pests.

• Beans, Peas, and Other Legumes – Legumes make good companion plants because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits rosemary. In turn, the strong scent of rosemary may help repel pests like the Mexican bean beetle.

• Carrots – Carrots and rosemary are mutually beneficial, repelling each other’s pests.

• Eggplants, Peppers, and Tomatoes – Rosemary may help repel pests from these nightshades. It’s thought that rosemary improves the growth and flavor of ripe tomatoes, too. That said, they should be planted a short distance apart, since the nightshades will need much more water than the rosemary.

• Garlic and Onions – These alliums and rosemary grow well together, with alliums repelling pests like spider mites.

• Parsnips – Rosemary can help prevent carrot flies and other parsnip pests when planted a few feet away.

Fruits to Grow with Rosemary

• Apples – Rosemary can help prevent pests around apple trees and may improve the apples’ flavor. Just don’t plant the rosemary too close to the tree, or it won’t get enough sun.

• Blueberries – Rosemary can help the blueberries by deterring pests. They both enjoy acidic soil, too.

• Cherries – Rosemary may help keep pests away from cherry trees when planted a short distance away.

• Raspberries – Rosemary can help repel raspberry pests and likes similar growing conditions.

• Strawberries – Strawberry plants and rosemary like similar growing conditions. In addition, the rosemary may help prevent pests and make the strawberries taste better.

Flowers to Plant Near Rosemary

• Alyssum – Alyssum is a low-growing plant that attracts beneficial insects for rosemary plants. Rosemary in turn can shade alyssum when planted in close proximity to it.

• Black-eyed Susans – Black-eyed susans grow well near rosemary and attract pollinators.

• Calendula – Calendula can survive in the same soil as rosemary.

• Coneflowers – Coneflowers attract pollinators and can live in the same soil as rosemary.

• Cosmos – Cosmos enjoy the same growing conditions as rosemary.

• Geraniums – Geraniums like similar growing conditions to rosemary, and rosemary can help prevent common geranium pests.

• Marigolds – Marigolds make excellent companions, helping repel pests like aphids from rosemary.

• Nasturtiums – Nasturtiums can grow in the same conditions as rosemary.

• Penstemon – Penstemon likes the same growing conditions as rosemary.

• Salvia – Salvia likes the same soil conditions as rosemary.

• Sunflowers – Sunflowers attract beneficial insects.

• Zinnias – Zinnias like similar growing conditions to rosemary.

What Herbs Grow Well with Rosemary

• Borage – Borage, like rosemary, doesn’t need a lot of water. It also attracts pollinators.

• Chamomile – Chamomile grows well near rosemary and attracts beneficial insects.

• Chives – Chives are a great perennial herb that have similar growing needs to rosemary and help repel harmful insects.

• Cilantro – Cilantro attracts beneficial insects.

• Dill – Dill attracts beneficial insects to rosemary.

• Hyssop – Hyssop likes similar growing conditions and attracts beneficial insects.

• Lavender – Lavender likes the same growing conditions as rosemary.

• Lemon Balm – Lemon balm is an excellent companion plant that attracts beneficial insects and repels troublesome ones.

• Lemon Grass – Lemon grass is a great companion plant for rosemary, since it likes similar growing conditions and helps repel pests from rosemary.

• Marjoram – Marjoram can help repel insects from rosemary.

• Oregano – Oregano has similar growing requirements to rosemary.

• Parsley – Parsley attracts beneficial insects.

• Sage – Sage grows best in the same conditions as rosemary.

• Tarragon – Tarragon likes similar growing conditions and repels pests.

• Thyme – Thyme likes the same growing conditions as rosemary.

Bad Companion Plants for Rosemary

Some vegetables and herbs should be kept away from rosemary. These bad companion plants for rosemary require different soil conditions or can hurt the rosemary’s growth. 

• Basil – Basil requires more water than rosemary.

• Cucumbers – Cucumbers require too much water and may pick up the flavor of rosemary if planted too closely.

• Fennel – Fennel may hurt the growth of rosemary.

• Mint – Mint needs wetter soil than rosemary does and competes with rosemary for space.

• Pumpkins – Pumpkins have greater water requirements than rosemary and can spread powdery mildew.

FAQs About Rosemary Companion Plants

What herbs grow well with rosemary? 

Sage, thyme, marjoram, lavender, chives, borage, and lemon grass are just a few herbs that make great rosemary plant companions. 

What not to plant next to rosemary?

Avoid planting basil, cucumbers, fennel, mint, and pumpkins near rosemary.

What does rosemary like to be planted with?

Rosemary likes being planted near onions, alyssum, marigolds, chives, lavender, marjoram, and many other plants.

Can I plant rosemary with peppers?

Yes, rosemary can be planted a short distance away from peppers to help with pests. Just make sure to water the rosemary less than the peppers.

Can you grow basil and rosemary together?

It’s best to avoid growing basil and rosemary together, since rosemary likes dry soil and basil prefers lots of moisture.

Where should rosemary be planted in the garden?

Rosemary should be planted in a sunny location with well-draining soil that can stay dry most of the time.

Can you grow rosemary and lavender together?

Yes, lavender and rosemary enjoy being planted near each other and make ideal companions.

Does rosemary like to be crowded?

Rosemary prefers not to be overcrowded. Give it at least a couple feet of space from plants that are a similar size.

Does rosemary like full sun or shade?

Rosemary prefers full sunlight.

Is rosemary better in pots or ground?

Rosemary grows well in both pots and the ground, but you may choose different options depending on your space and needs. Rosemary planted in the ground will live only as an annual. If you’d prefer to keep a rosemary plant longterm, grow it in pots, which can be brought indoors for overwintering and regrow the following spring.

What animals hate rosemary?

Rabbits and deer are both known to dislike rosemary. Planting rosemary near plants they frequent may help disguise them and keep them safe, but it isn’t a guarantee.

How much space does rosemary need to grow?

Rosemary needs about two feet of space around it, especially when planted near sun-loving or equally large plants. Smaller ground cover plants can be planted closer to it.

Happy Rosemary Companion Planting!

You now have plenty of great rosemary companion plants to consider adding to your garden. While companion planting is never an exact science, with a bit of trial and error you should find combinations perfect for your own garden and its unique needs.

Another great herb for companion planting is dill. Here’s what to plant with it.