15 Rosemary Companion Plants

Rosemary and thyme are native herbs of the Mediterranean. This means they have the same growth requirements including soil type, similar watering needs and low-maintenance nature. 

Both of these herbs have a strong scent that acts as an insect repellor. So, if thyme is used as a companion plant for growing rosemary, they can together create a strong defense against insects in the garden. 

If you are facing problems due to pests like cabbage worms, beetles, and carrot flies in your garden, this is the best combination you can opt for. Moreover, the low, creeping mat form of thyme combined with upright needle-like rosemary leaves creates a visually appealing contrast in the garden.

Lavender is also a Mediterranean plant, thriving in similar growth conditions. Lavender is known for its fragrant flowers. The calming aroma of lavender complements the fresh, herbaceous scent of rosemary perfectly. Together, they can create a garden with delightful fragrance. 

Lavender and rosemary can both attract beneficial pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. This helps in the effective pollination of the nearby plants, improving fruit set and yield. Both herbs are valued for their medicinal properties and use in cooking.

Sage has an earthy, slightly peppery aroma that has pest-deterring ability. When sage is used as a companion plant, its scent can protect rosemary from cabbage moths, carrot flies, and some beetles. 

The herbaceous fragrance of rosemary combined with that of sage complement each other in the garden. Additionally, sage grows as a bushy plant with gray-green leaves and spikes of purple, blue, or white flowers that adds on visual appeal of the garden.

These plants are appropriate for well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH on the alkaline side. Their uses are also similar, they can be harvested fresh from the garden and used in cooking to enhance the flavor of meats, vegetables, soups, and sauces.

Chives belong to the same family as onions, garlic, and leeks. Like all other members, chives have a pungent scent that can help deter pests which can also affect rosemary. This companion helps to wash out pests like aphids, carrot flies, and cabbage worms from the garden. 

Chives also produce delicate, edible purple flowers in late spring to early summer. These flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies and also add ornamental value to the garden when planted alongside rosemary.

Both are low-maintenance plants and what makes chives stand out as companion plants is their perennial growth, meaning they come back year after year with minimal care.

Oregano and rosemary have shared growing conditions, both native to the Mediterranean. Oregano has strong aromatic oils that ward off pests such as aphids, spider mites, and cabbage moths. This protects rosemary as well as any other plants in the garden from insect infestation. 

The low, creeping habit of oregano contrasts nicely with the upright, woody shrub-like appearance of rosemary. Oregano also has beautiful flowers. The clusters of small pink, purple, or white flowers produced by the plant in summer can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. 

Marigolds have a strong, pungent odor. The fragrance helps to protect rosemary from a wide range of pests including aphids, nematodes, whiteflies, and even rabbits. Particularly, marigold roots are known to release toxic compounds that can benefit nearby plants like rosemary by reducing nematode populations in the soil.

The colorful flowers of the marigold attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies. These insects in turn prey on aphids and other pests, supporting the health of nearby plants. The flowers also attract pollinators. 

Marigold are very easy to grow and is a part of traditional companion planting. For a very long time, they have been used to protect vegetables and herbs from pests.

Beans are legumes. Their roots have the property to fix atmospheric nitrogen which helps in improving the soil quality. Nitrogen is needed for the proper growth and development of all plants including rosemary. Hence, beans as companion plants serve as a natural source of nitrogen without the use of chemical fertilizers. 

Being taller/ bushier varieties, beans also provide shade or structure for rosemary plants. The extensive root system of beans helps loosen compacted soil which can be beneficial to rosemary that thrives in well-drained soil.

Beans also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps that prey on pests that rosemary are susceptible to. 

Carrots are root vegetables, making them a perfect companion in limited spaces. Carrots and rosemary both need well-drained soil for their growth. Though not used as a traditional companion plant for rosemary, carrots benefit from the strong fragrance of rosemary that helps in deterring insects. The fragrance can reduce the likelihood of pest infestations and damage to carrot crops.

Both carrots and rosemary are used in cooking and together can be used to make some delicious dishes (try Rosemary-Roasted Carrots!). Also, the evergreen foliage and occasional blue flowers of rosemary contrast nicely with the feathery green foliage of carrots, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the garden.

Tomatoes are greatly affected by aphids, whiteflies, and certain caterpillars like tomato hornworms. The natural pest-repellent properties of aromatic oils present in rosemary can be a boon in this situation. The flowers produced by tomatoes as well as rosemary also attract pollinators that can help increase the yield of tomatoes.  

The presence of rosemary near tomatoes is also said to improve the flavor of tomatoes. The one thing that needs to be considered while planting both of these plants together is the space between them. During their peak growth, they may compete with each other for the available nutrients and water. So, it is suggested to plant them enough apart.

The best thing about planting cabbage and rosemary together is the insect-repellant power possessed by the latter one. Cabbage is very susceptible to pests like cabbage moths.

If rosemary is present around it, there is a high tendency that the strong aromatic oils of rosemary will reduce the chances of their eggs being laid on cabbage leaves, subsequently decreasing the damage caused by cabbage worms.

Moreover, the attractive flowers of rosemary are attractive to pollinator insects. As these insects increase the pollination rate, there is a high chance of successful yield of cabbages.

Similar to cabbages, the use of broccoli as a companion plant for rosemary can enhance pollination. The flowers attract pollinators and support the fruiting of the plant. 

Rosemary flowers also attract beneficial insects like bees, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps. These insects feed on harmful ones that might otherwise damage broccoli plants, providing natural pest control in the garden. 

As broccoli grows as a compact plant with a central head, it requires about 18-24 inches between plants for proper air circulation and growth. So, consider not interrupting this space while planting rosemary and broccoli together.

Brussels Sprouts and rosemary both benefit from well-drained soil with adequate fertility. The deep roots of rosemary improve soil structure by loosening compacted soil and adding organic matter as it decomposes. This supports the growth of the Brussels sprouts. 

The insect-repellant property of rosemary's aromatic oils is also beneficial to Brussels sprouts. The infestation of Brussels sprouts due to common insects like cabbage worms (including the larvae of cabbage butterflies) is stopped by these compounds. The capability of rosemary flowers to attract pollinators and beneficial insects also ensures successful yielding of the harvest.

Strawberries have spreading growth that can shade the soil, preventing weed germination. This supports the germination of the rosemary plants. As rosemary tends to loosen the compact soil, it can directly benefit strawberries by enhancing soil fertility and drainage, important for their growth and fruit production. 

Strawberries have succulent fruits and are susceptible to slugs and certain fungal diseases. The aromatic oils of rosemary act as both insecticide and fungicide, ensuring a healthy harvest. The beneficial insects also known as pollinators are attracted by rosemary flowers which is crucial for fruit development in strawberries.

Marjoram and rosemary are excellent companion plants for each other. Both rosemary and marjoram prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight. They have similar moisture requirements once established, making them compatible in terms of basic growing conditions.

Though marjoram does not have a strong scent as rosemary, its aromatic foliage can still deter some pests. Their roots help to aerate the soil and their fallen leaves add organic matter.

Hence, both of them can contribute to improving soil fertility and structure over time. It is also said that growing marjoram next to rosemary can subtly enhance the flavor profile of the rosemary.

The scent of peppers can attract many pests like aphids, thrips and whitefly. The strong aroma of the rosemary can help repel these insects reducing any damage related to the infestation of peppers. The deep roots of both plants can help in loosening the compact soil, ensuring proper air and nutrient circulation.

As these plants can compete for nutrition during their maturation phase, it's important to consider proper spacing while planting them. Also, peppers require full sunlight for fruit development, so always choose a sunny place to grow these plants. This will help for optimal fruit production in peppers.

Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub. If the plant is cared for, especially against pests and diseases, it can survive for years. One of the main benefits of companion planting is the warding off of pests and diseases. The strong aroma possessed by various companion plants keeps away harmful pests and pathogens. 

On the other hand, some companion plants can also attain beneficial insects that feed on the harmful ones. This stops the rosemary plant from being infested, promoting healthy growth. The use of chemical insecticides hence is minimized. Whenever you are adding rosemary in your recipe, you can obtain organic and healthy harvests that haven't been treated with chemical insecticides. 

Furthermore, companion planting with rosemary can improve soil conditions. As a Mediterranean herb, rosemary grows well in well-drained soil with good air circulation. The deep roots of rosemary help break up compact soil. This improves overall soil structure and drainage, helping other plants in the garden to flourish.

Some other benefits of companion planting are listed below:

• Some of the companion plants, when grown near rosemary, can enhance the flavor of both herbs and vegetables. As stated earlier, planting rosemary near beans or carrots is thought to improve their taste.
• Companion planting can help in adding cultural and aesthetic value to your garden as well. As Rosemary has cultural significance as well as delicate flowers, their presence can add a sense of connection to traditions and increase appeal of the garden.