Best and Worst Companion Plants for Rosemary

Rosemary is a hardy herb that grows best in full sun, dry conditions, and well-drained soil. Because of its specific needs, not every plant makes a good neighbor.

Pairing rosemary with the right companions can improve growth, reduce pest problems, and make better use of your garden space.

This article covers the best and worst companion plants for rosemary. It explains which plants thrive alongside it, which ones cause problems, and why those pairings work or fail.

Whether you're planting herbs, vegetables, or flowers, knowing what to grow near rosemary (and what to avoid) can help you get better results.

10 Best Companion Plants for Rosemary

Here are 10 great plants to grow with rosemary.

1. Lavender

Lavender is one of the easiest and most reliable herbs to grow alongside rosemary.

Both plants come from similar Mediterranean climates, so they share nearly identical needs when it comes to soil, sun, and water.

If you’re growing rosemary in a sunny spot with dry, well-drained soil, lavender will feel right at home in the same conditions.

This compatibility means you won’t have to adjust your watering or soil care routines to support both plants, which makes garden management much easier.

Aside from similar care requirements, lavender also helps protect rosemary by repelling common pests. The fragrant oils in lavender are known to deter unwanted insects, and when planted near rosemary, the combined scents create a stronger barrier.

This helps to keep both plants healthier over time, especially in herb or vegetable gardens where pest pressure can be high.

Lavender also brings in pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can benefit other nearby plants that need pollination.

If you’re looking for a companion that looks good, smells great, and supports rosemary's health, lavender is one of your best options.

2. Sage

Sage is another strong companion for rosemary, especially if you’re focused on growing herbs that thrive with little water and lots of sunlight.

Like rosemary, sage prefers dry conditions and benefits from well-drained soil. When grown together, they support each other by attracting helpful insects while keeping pests at bay.

Sage blooms draw pollinators into the garden, and the combination of sage and rosemary can confuse pests that rely on scent to find their targets.

There’s also a belief among gardeners that rosemary may help enhance the flavor and growth of sage when they share the same space.

While this hasn't been studied deeply, many home gardeners report healthier, more flavorful sage when planted near rosemary.

The two herbs complement each other both in the garden and in the kitchen, making them a practical and flavorful pairing. If you're growing herbs in a shared bed or container setup, sage and rosemary are a smart, low-maintenance match.

3. Thyme

Thyme pairs well with rosemary because it thrives under similar growing conditions. Both herbs need full sunlight, well-draining soil, and minimal watering.

If you’re already set up to grow rosemary, thyme will fit into your garden without needing any changes to your care routine.

This makes it a practical choice if you want to grow multiple herbs in the same bed or container without worrying about different water or soil needs.

One of the most useful qualities of thyme is its low, spreading growth habit. Some varieties can be used as a living groundcover, which helps reduce weed growth around your rosemary plants while also keeping the soil cooler and more stable.

In addition to that, thyme is known to deter cabbage worms, a benefit that becomes even more valuable if you’re also growing brassicas nearby.

Between its pest-repelling qualities, easy care, and weed-suppressing growth, thyme makes a well-rounded companion for rosemary.

4. Oregano

Oregano is another Mediterranean herb that shares rosemary’s need for dry, sunny conditions. It’s tough, easy to grow, and handles the same low-water environment that rosemary prefers.

When planted together, oregano and rosemary support a low-maintenance gardening setup, especially in areas with poor or rocky soil where more sensitive plants may struggle.

In garden layouts, oregano can act as a groundcover that shields the soil, similar to thyme. This can help reduce soil erosion, keep weeds in check, and even moderate the temperature around rosemary’s roots.

In mixed beds, oregano also plays well with other plants, making it a useful buffer or filler in herb gardens.

Some gardeners also use oregano to partially shade the base of nearby cool-season crops, without affecting rosemary’s access to sun. If you’re looking for a strong, no-fuss companion to grow near rosemary, oregano is a dependable choice.

5. Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their ability to repel a wide range of garden pests, which makes them a helpful companion for rosemary.

When you plant marigolds nearby, their strong scent helps deter insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. These flowers also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which can help keep harmful pest populations in check.

If you’re growing rosemary in or near a vegetable garden, adding marigolds can provide an extra layer of pest control without using sprays or chemical deterrents.

Aside from pest management, marigolds are easy to care for and thrive in the same sunny, well-drained conditions that rosemary prefers. They don’t compete heavily for nutrients or water, so they won’t interfere with rosemary’s growth.

You can plant them in the same bed, in borders, or even in containers placed close together.

Their bright blooms add color and variety to herb gardens, while quietly working in the background to protect your rosemary and other nearby plants.

6. Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, and Others)

Brassicas benefit from being near rosemary because of its ability to repel common pests that often attack these leafy vegetables.

Rosemary’s strong aroma can help mask the scent of cabbage and other brassicas, making it harder for pests like cabbage moths, cabbage worms, and cabbage loopers to locate them.

This kind of natural pest control is especially helpful if you’re growing brassicas without protective netting or sprays.

You don’t need to plant rosemary directly next to each brassica plant to get the benefits. Even placing rosemary nearby in the same bed or at the edges of a vegetable patch can help reduce pest pressure.

This makes it a useful addition to mixed gardens where you’re growing a variety of crops. Just make sure that both rosemary and brassicas have enough room to grow and that the soil drains well.

While brassicas prefer slightly richer soil, they can still thrive alongside rosemary as long as their water and space needs are met.

7. Carrots

Carrots and rosemary make a smart pairing in the garden, especially when it comes to pest control. One of the main threats to carrot crops is the carrot fly, which is attracted by the scent of carrot leaves.

Rosemary’s strong aroma can help disguise that scent, making it harder for the carrot fly to locate its target. By planting rosemary near your carrots, you reduce the risk of infestation without having to rely on barriers or chemical repellents.

This pairing also works because carrots grow below ground and don’t compete heavily for light or space. Rosemary’s upright, woody structure doesn’t shade or crowd out the carrots, so both plants can thrive side by side.

Some gardeners also believe that carrots can improve the condition of the soil around rosemary’s roots, making it easier for rosemary to access nutrients.

Whether you’re growing in rows or raised beds, carrots and rosemary make an efficient and compatible match that benefits both crops.

8. Beans (Including Pole and Bush Types)

Beans can be helpful companions for rosemary, especially when pest control and soil health are priorities.

Rosemary is known to deter certain beetles that commonly affect beans, including bean beetles that chew on leaves and pods.

This makes rosemary a useful protector when planted nearby. In return, beans contribute to the soil by fixing nitrogen — a process that helps improve soil fertility over time, which can be useful in beds where rosemary and other herbs are planted.

The structure of bean plants, particularly pole varieties, can also benefit rosemary in exposed areas.

When grown on trellises or supports, beans can act as a natural windbreak or provide partial shade during the hottest parts of the day, which helps prevent moisture loss from the soil.

As long as you don’t overcrowd the rosemary, these plants can work well together in both garden plots and mixed containers.

The combination of pest control, nutrient improvement, and physical protection makes beans a well-rounded choice to plant near rosemary.

9. Strawberries

Strawberries might not seem like an obvious companion for rosemary, but they offer several benefits when planted together.

One advantage is pest control. Rosemary’s strong, woody scent can help keep common strawberry pests—like slugs, weevils, and certain beetles—away from your berry plants.

This can be especially helpful if you’re growing strawberries without chemical treatments and want to rely on natural methods to protect your crop.

Strawberries also serve a practical role in garden layouts. Their low-growing, spreading habit works well as a living mulch, covering the soil around rosemary and helping to suppress weeds. This can reduce competition for nutrients and water, especially in shared beds.

While strawberries prefer slightly more moisture than rosemary, they can still grow well nearby as long as both plants are in soil that drains properly.

This pairing works best when you keep an eye on watering and ensure that the soil doesn’t stay overly wet. When managed carefully, strawberries and rosemary can support each other’s growth and health.

10. Chives

Chives are often planted alongside other herbs because of their ability to boost flavor, resist pests, and grow easily under similar conditions.

When paired with rosemary, chives can help improve garden health by repelling aphids and other soft-bodied insects.

Their scent also blends well with rosemary’s, adding another layer of natural pest control to your herb bed or vegetable garden.

In terms of care, chives and rosemary are a close match. Both thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, though chives can tolerate a bit more moisture.

As long as the soil doesn’t stay soggy, the two plants can grow well together without issues. Chives don’t spread aggressively and usually stay compact, so they won’t compete with rosemary for space or light.

You can grow them in the same bed or even in a large container, making this a convenient and beneficial pairing for gardeners with limited space.

5 Plants to Avoid Planting Near Rosemary

Not every plant makes a good neighbor for rosemary. Because rosemary prefers dry soil, full sun, and low-maintenance conditions, pairing it with the wrong companion can lead to poor growth, root problems, or even plant death.

Some plants may also compete too aggressively for space or nutrients. Below are five plants that should be kept away from rosemary and the reasons why they don’t work well together.

1. Mint

Mint is one of the most problematic plants to place near rosemary. The main issue lies in how differently the two herbs grow.

Rosemary thrives in dry, well-drained soil and doesn't tolerate wet roots, while mint prefers consistently moist conditions.

Trying to keep both plants healthy in the same space often leads to overwatering rosemary or underwatering the mint, neither of which is good for your garden.

Beyond the watering conflict, mint is known for its aggressive growth. It spreads quickly through underground runners and can easily overtake nearby plants, especially in garden beds without barriers.

This fast expansion can crowd out rosemary, limiting its access to sunlight and soil nutrients. For the sake of both herbs, it’s best to keep mint in containers or away from rosemary entirely.

2. Basil

Basil and rosemary are both popular in herb gardens, but they don’t work well as companions.

The biggest problem is that basil prefers moist, rich soil and needs more frequent watering, while rosemary is drought-tolerant and doesn't handle soggy roots.

When grown side by side, basil’s watering needs can lead to conditions that are too wet for rosemary, increasing the risk of root rot or fungal diseases.

In addition to conflicting moisture needs, basil can be sensitive to dry, hot environments, while rosemary thrives in those same conditions. This mismatch means that creating the ideal growing environment for one can easily harm the other.

If you want to grow both herbs, it's best to plant them in separate areas where their individual needs can be met without compromise.

3. Pumpkins

Pumpkins are not a good match for rosemary because their growing conditions are very different. Pumpkins need rich soil that holds moisture and frequent watering to keep their large vines and fruit healthy.

Rosemary, on the other hand, prefers dry, well-drained soil and suffers in damp environments. Planting these two together often leads to too much moisture around rosemary’s roots, which can cause rot or encourage fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

There’s also a spacing issue. Pumpkin vines spread aggressively and can easily take over a bed, shading out smaller plants like rosemary and limiting airflow. Poor airflow and excess shade both create conditions that rosemary doesn’t tolerate well.

If you’re growing pumpkins in your garden, it’s better to keep them well away from rosemary and give each plant type the space and soil conditions they need to thrive.

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and rosemary might seem like they could work well together because both enjoy plenty of sunlight. However, the two plants have different water and soil needs that make them a poor combination.

Tomatoes require regular watering and soil that retains moisture, while rosemary grows best in dry, lean soil.

Growing them side by side can result in either underwatered tomatoes or overwatered rosemary, and neither plant performs well under those conditions.

Another issue is competition for nutrients. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and pull a lot of nutrients from the soil to support their rapid growth and fruit production.

Rosemary doesn’t need as many nutrients but may still suffer if it’s planted too close to tomatoes that deplete the surrounding soil.

For a healthier garden, it's best to grow tomatoes and rosemary in separate areas where each can get the care it needs without interfering with the other.

5. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another plant that doesn’t pair well with rosemary, mostly due to their growing requirements.

Cucumbers need a lot of water and prefer soil that stays consistently moist, which is the opposite of what rosemary needs.

Planting them near each other makes it difficult to manage watering in a way that suits both. Too much moisture around rosemary can lead to root rot and other fungal problems that may harm or kill the plant.

In addition to watering issues, cucumbers are heavy feeders and often require nutrient-rich soil with higher nitrogen levels. Rosemary, by contrast, grows best in poorer, well-drained soil and doesn't need frequent feeding.

These differences make it hard to maintain healthy conditions for both plants in the same space.

Some gardeners also report that strong-scented herbs like rosemary may interfere with cucumber growth, possibly by disrupting the natural balance of nearby plants.

To avoid problems, it's best to plant cucumbers in a separate area with soil and care routines tailored to their needs.

Pair rosemary with drought-tolerant herbs and vegetables, and avoid moisture-loving plants!

Pairing rosemary with the right plants can make a big difference in the health and productivity of your garden.

Since rosemary prefers full sun, dry conditions, and well-drained soil, it's important to match it with companions that thrive under the same conditions.

Herbs like lavender, thyme, and oregano grow well alongside it, while vegetables like carrots, beans, and brassicas benefit from rosemary’s natural pest-repelling qualities. Even flowering plants like marigolds can offer protection and bring in beneficial insects.

On the other hand, some plants simply aren’t suited to grow near rosemary.

Those that need moist, nutrient-rich soil (like basil, mint, tomatoes, and cucumbers) can create an environment that’s too damp or competitive for rosemary to do well. Keeping these plants separate helps each one thrive without stress or imbalance.

By understanding which plants help or hinder rosemary, you can create a healthier, more efficient garden layout that works with your plants' natural strengths rather than against them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can rosemary be planted in the same bed as other herbs?

Yes, as long as the herbs share similar growing needs. Rosemary does best with herbs that like full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Good choices include lavender, thyme, oregano, and sage. Avoid planting rosemary with herbs like basil or mint, which prefer more moisture and can create conditions that harm rosemary.

2. How close should companion plants be to rosemary?

Companion plants can be planted within a foot or two of rosemary, depending on their growth habits and root spread. Make sure there’s enough space between plants for airflow and access to sunlight. For larger companions like brassicas or beans, keep a bit more distance to avoid overcrowding.

3. Can rosemary help repel pests for nearby vegetables?

Yes, rosemary is known for its strong scent, which helps mask the presence of certain vegetables. This can reduce attacks from pests like cabbage moths, carrot flies, and bean beetles. It works best when planted near the edge of vegetable beds or interspersed between rows of susceptible crops.

4. Is it okay to grow rosemary in containers with other plants?

It can be, but only if the other plants have the same soil and water requirements. A large container with good drainage can support rosemary along with compatible herbs like thyme or sage. Avoid mixing rosemary in containers with plants that need constant moisture, as this will lead to overwatering.

5. What are signs that a nearby plant is affecting rosemary negatively?

If rosemary starts to show signs of stress—such as yellowing leaves, soft stems, or poor growth—it could be due to overwatering, root crowding, or competition from an incompatible neighbor. Watch for signs of excessive moisture or lack of sunlight, especially if rosemary is planted near aggressive or water-loving plants.