I just got a Fuji apple tree and I was wondering what companion plants I should keep around it. So, I did some research to find out more. Here’s what I found.
The best companion plants for apple trees are marigolds, nasturtium, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, and alliums. Ideally, companion plants attract pollinators, build healthy soil, repel pests, and are visually appealing. Depending on their shade tolerance, some plants can be planted under the apple tree itself.
So, while these are a few companion plants that benefit apple trees, what are some others, and what exactly do they do to help? Let’s take a closer look.
Companion Planting Pro Tips (Before You Start)
Companion planting is selecting specific plants to place together for benefits such as increasing pollination or controlling pests. Sometimes these benefits are one-sided, while others are mutual.
A famous example is The Three Sisters—planting corn, beans, and squash together. The corn provides a trellis for the beans to climb, the squash provides a ground cover, and the beans fix nitrogen in the soil. Plus, all of them provide food!
Here’s how to get the most from companion planting:
- Find your USDA hardiness zone
- Select plants that do well in your zone
- Choose the plants that fit each niche or layer in the graphic above (canopy, understory, herb layer, etc.)
- Plant support species first to establish a microclimate and build the soil. For example, before planting fruit trees, grow nitrogen-fixing trees, shrubs, and flowers. Plant one nitrogen fixer for each productive plant (such as fruit trees or berry bushes).
Now, let’s take a look at the best companion plants, their benefits, and other tips to place them in your garden.
1. Chamomile
Benefits: Chamomile is an excellent companion plant for apple trees. Its strong scent deters pests like aphids and mites, while its flowers attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Additionally, chamomile can improve soil quality by adding nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil.
Friends: Chamomile has several other plant friends that can be beneficial when grown nearby. Some great companion plants for chamomile include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and onions. These plants can help to deter pests and improve soil health.
Foes: While chamomile is generally a good companion plant, it should not be planted near fennel or other members of the carrot family, as they can inhibit its growth. Additionally, it’s not recommended to plant chamomile near plants that prefer drier soil conditions.
Recommended Varieties: There are two main types of chamomile are Roman chamomile and German chamomile. Both can be used as companion plants for apple trees, but German chamomile is more commonly grown for its medicinal properties. Some popular varieties of German chamomile include Bodegold and Zloty Lan.
2. Chives
Benefits: Chives strong scent can help deter pests like aphids and Japanese beetles. Chives also have shallow roots that don’t compete with the apple tree’s roots for nutrients, and their flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies.
Friends: Some other great companion plants for chives include tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, as they all benefit from chives’ pest-repelling properties. Additionally, planting chives alongside herbs like parsley and basil can help attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Foes: One plant to avoid planting near chives is beans, as they can inhibit chives’ growth due to their nitrogen-fixing abilities. Additionally, planting chives near other alliums like onions and garlic can increase the risk of disease and pest infestations.
Recommended Varieties: Some great varieties of chives to consider planting near apple trees include Common chives, Garlic chives, and Siberian chives, as they are all easy to grow and have strong pest-repelling properties.
3. Garlic
Benefits: Garlic is a great companion plant for apple trees as it helps repel pests such as aphids, Japanese beetles, and codling moths. It also has anti-fungal properties that can prevent diseases like apple scab. Additionally, garlic enriches the soil with nitrogen, which is essential for the healthy growth of apple trees.
Friends: Other companion plants that work well with garlic include chives, leeks, and onions. These plants have similar anti-pest and anti-fungal properties and also help to enrich the soil with nutrients.
Foes: Avoid planting garlic near beans and peas as they can stunt each other’s growth. It’s also best to keep garlic away from asparagus, strawberries, and other plants that are prone to fungal diseases.
Recommended Varieties: Some recommended garlic varieties to plant as a companion to apple trees include Spanish Roja, German White, and Chesnok Red. These varieties are known for their strong flavor and are great for cooking too!
4. Nasturtium
Benefits: Nasturtium is a beneficial companion plant for apple trees, as they can attract pollinators and predatory insects to the garden, which can help control pest populations that may harm the apple tree. Nasturtium also has a unique ability to repel certain pests like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs, making it an excellent natural pest control option.
Friends: Nasturtium is known to be great companions to a variety of plants, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans, as they all benefit from the insect-repelling properties of nasturtium. Nasturtium also make great companions for herbs like basil and rosemary, as they can help attract beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies to the garden.
Foes: It is generally not recommended to plant nasturtium near plants in the Brassica family, like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as they can attract pests that harm these plants. Additionally, planting nasturtium near other plants that have shallow roots may compete with the apple tree for nutrients.
Recommended Varieties: Alaska Mix, Jewel Mix, and Empress of India, as they are all easy to grow and have strong insect-repelling properties.
5. Yarrow
Benefits: Yarrow enriches the soil with nutrients and organic matter, which can promote the growth and health of the apple tree. Yarrow’s natural anti-fungal properties help protect the apple tree against certain diseases, and its ability to attract beneficial insect can also help control pest populations.
Friends: Yarrow makes a great companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, basil, and thyme. Planting yarrow alongside these plants can help improve soil quality and attract beneficial insects.
Foes: Yarrow should not be planted near plants in the Brassica family, such as kale, cabbage, and broccoli, as they may attract pests that can harm these plants. Additionally, planting yarrow near plants with shallow roots, such as strawberries and lettuce, can compete with the apple tree for nutrients.
Recommended Varieties: Some varieties include Cerise Queen, Moonshine, and Colorado Mix. These varieties have attractive flowers and are easy to grow.
6. Calendula
Benefits: Calendula is a fantastic companion plant for apple trees, as it attracts pollinators to the garden and can help repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Friends: Calendula is a companion plant for a variety of plants, including beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes, as they all benefit from the insect-repelling properties of calendula. Planting calendula alongside herbs like basil and rosemary can help attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Foes: It is generally not recommended to plant calendula near plants in the Brassica family, like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as they can attract pests that harm these plants. Additionally, planting calendula near other plants that have shallow roots may compete with the apple tree for nutrients.
Recommended Varieties: Some options of different varieties of calendula include Indian Prince, Lemon Cream, and Orange King, as they are all easy to grow and have strong pest-repelling properties.
Tip: Calendula is also a self-seeding annual, meaning it will come back each year with minimal effort, making it a great addition to any garden.
7. Marigold
Benefits: Marigolds are natural pest repellents and attract beneficial insects to the garden. The bright colors of marigolds attract pollinators, which can help increase the apple tree’s fruit production. Marigolds can help improve soil quality and suppress weeds, making it easier to maintain a healthy garden.
Friends: Some friends of marigolds include peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, as they all benefit from the insect-repelling properties of marigolds. Herbs such as thyme and sage also make great companions for marigolds, as they can help attract beneficial insects like bees and wasps.
Foes: It’s not recommended to plant marigolds near plants in the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as they can attract pests that harm these plants. Additionally, planting marigolds near plants with shallow roots may compete with the apple tree for nutrients.
Recommended Varieties: Some of the best varieties of marigolds to consider planting near apple trees include the French Marigold, African Marigold, and Signet Marigold. I just recently used the African marigold as a companion in my garden and it’s working crazy well.
8. Comfrey
Benefits: Comfrey has deep roots that can bring up nutrients from the soil and make them available to the apple tree. The leaves of comfrey can be used to make a nutrient-rich fertilizer, which can be applied to the soil around the apple tree to promote healthy growth. Comfrey’s flowers also attract pollinators to the garden, which can increase the apple tree’s fruit production.
Friends: Tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, are all companions for comfrey as they all benefit from comfrey’s nutrient-rich properties. Planting comfrey near herbs like mint and chamomile can also help attract beneficial insects!
Foes: It is not recommended to plant comfrey near plants with shallow roots, as comfrey’s deep roots may compete with these plants for nutrients. Not to mention, planting comfrey near other plants in the Boraginaceae family may increase the risk of disease and pest infestations.
Recommended Varieties: Bocking 14 and Bocking 4 are great varieties, which are sterile cultivars that won’t spread and are easy to grow. These varieties are known for their high nutrient content, making them an excellent addition to any garden.
9. Dill
Benefits: Dill attracts beneficial insects to the garden, which can help control pest populations that may harm the apple tree. Dill also has a deep taproot that can help improve soil quality by breaking up compacted soil and making nutrients more available to the apple tree. The pungent aroma of dill can also help mask the scent of the apple tree, making it harder for pests to locate it.
Friends: Tomatoes, lettuce, and beans, as they all benefit from the insect-repelling properties of dill. Planting dill alongside herbs like sage and thyme can also help attract beneficial insects to the garden, which can help control pest populations.
Foes: It is not recommended to plant dill near plants in the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as they can attract pests that harm these plants. Additionally, planting dill near plants with shallow roots may compete with the apple tree for nutrients.
Recommended Varieties: Fernleaf dill, Dukat dill, and Long Island Mammoth dill
10. Lavender
Benefits: Lavender serves as a companion plant for apple trees because it helps to repel pests like moths and aphids, while simultaneously attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its delightful fragrance and beautiful flowers also add an aesthetic touch to your orchard.
Friends: Lavender pairs well with other companion plants like rosemary, thyme, and sage, which can help create a diverse and healthy ecosystem around your apple trees, further supporting their growth and productivity.
Foes: Avoid planting lavender near vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, and radishes, as they may compete for resources and can negatively impact each other’s growth.
Recommended Varieties: Popular lavender varieties suitable for companion planting include English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French Lavender (Lavandula dentata), and Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas).
11. Mint
Benefits: Mint is a valuable companion plant for apple trees, as it deters pests such as aphids and ants while attracting helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies. Additionally, its pleasant aroma adds a refreshing touch to your orchard.
Friends: Mint can be grown alongside other aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and lemon balm, creating a diverse and supportive environment for your apple trees to thrive.
Foes: Mint can be invasive, so be cautious when planting it near other plants that might struggle to compete, such as chamomile and parsley. Consider using containers or barriers to control its spread.
Recommended Varieties: Some recommended mint varieties to consider for companion planting include Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peppermint (Mentha × piperita), and Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens).
12. Lemon Balm
Benefits: Lemon balm is another companion plant for apple trees as it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies that help with pollination. It also has a strong lemon scent that can help mask the smell of ripening apples and deter pests like apple maggots. Lemon balm is also known to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects, making it a great addition to any garden.
Friends: Lemon balm pairs well with other herbs like sage, thyme, and oregano. Sage and thyme, in particular, are great for repelling pests like cabbage moths and slugs, while oregano can help improve the flavor of lemon balm and also deter pests like spider mites.
Foes: Lemon balm should not be planted near plants in the Brassica family, such as broccoli or cauliflower, as they can stunt its growth. Additionally, lemon balm can spread quickly and may become invasive if not properly contained, so it’s important to keep an eye on it and trim it back as needed.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of lemon balm include ‘Citronella’, ‘Lime’, and ‘Variegated’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a strong lemon scent that can help deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
13. Basil
Benefits: Basil is a good companion plant for apple trees as it repels harmful insects like aphids, spider mites, and mosquitoes, while attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. The aromatic oils in basil can also help improve the flavor of apples and enhance their aroma.
Friends: Basil pairs well with other herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme. Parsley is a natural pest repellent and can help attract beneficial insects to your garden, while oregano and thyme can help improve the flavor of basil and also deter pests like slugs and snails.
Foes: Basil should not be planted near plants in the Brassica family, such as cabbage or cauliflower, as they can stunt its growth. Additionally, basil does not do well near fennel or rue, which can both negatively affect its flavor and growth.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of basil include ‘Sweet Genovese’, ‘Lemon’, and ‘Purple Ruffles’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a strong scent that can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
14. Oregano
Benefits: Oregano is a wonderful companion plant for apple trees as it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies that help with pollination, while also repelling harmful pests like spider mites, aphids, and cabbage moths. The aromatic oils in oregano can also help improve the flavor of apples and enhance their aroma.
Friends: Oregano pairs well with other herbs like basil, thyme, and sage. Basil and thyme can help improve the flavor of oregano and also deter pests like slugs and snails, while sage can help repel harmful insects and improve the growth of oregano.
Foes: Oregano should not be planted near plants in the Brassica family, such as broccoli or cabbage, as they can stunt its growth. Additionally, oregano does not do well near fennel or rue, which can both negatively affect its flavor and growth.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of oregano include ‘Greek’, ‘Italian’, and ‘Golden’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a strong scent that can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
15. Alyssum
Benefits: Alyssum attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, lacewings, and ladybugs that help with pollination and prey on harmful pests like aphids and spider mites. The sweet scent of alyssum can also help mask the smell of ripening apples and deter pests like apple maggots.
Friends: Alyssum pairs well with other flowering plants like marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers. Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties and can help attract beneficial insects, while zinnias and sunflowers can help attract pollinators and provide additional visual interest in your garden.
Foes: Alyssum generally does not have any significant plant foes, but it is important to avoid planting it in areas with poorly-draining soil, as alyssum prefers well-drained soil and can suffer from root rot in overly damp conditions.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of alyssum include ‘Carpet of Snow’, ‘Royal Carpet’, and ‘Easter Bonnet’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a long blooming season, making them a great addition to any garden.
16. Thyme
Benefits: Thyme may attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while also deterring harmful pests such as spider mites and cabbage loopers. Additionally, the essential oils in thyme can improve the taste and aroma of apples.
Friends: Thyme can pair well with other herbs such as sage, rosemary, and oregano. Sage can work as a natural insect repellent and enhance the growth of thyme, while rosemary can deter pests like carrot rust flies and improve the flavor of thyme. Oregano can also improve the flavor of thyme and has pest-repelling properties.
Foes: Thyme generally does not have any significant plant foes, but it is crucial to avoid planting it in areas with poor drainage, as thyme prefers well-drained soil and can be prone to root rot in overly damp conditions.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some suggested thyme varieties include ‘French’, ‘Lemon’, and ‘Silver’. These varieties are relatively easy to grow and have a potent aroma that can repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
17. Clover
Benefits: Clover helps fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve the growth and overall health of the trees. Clover also attracts beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators that can help with apple tree pollination.
Friends: Clover can pair well with other cover crops such as vetch and hairy vetch. These plants can help fix nitrogen in the soil and create a beneficial environment for apple trees. Additionally, companion plants like chives, chamomile, and yarrow can help attract beneficial insects and pollinators to the area.
Foes: Clover generally does not have any significant plant foes. However, it is important to manage clover growth and prevent it from overtaking the apple tree area as it can become invasive and may require regular maintenance to control.
Recommended Varieties: Some recommended clover varieties for companion planting with apple trees include white clover and crimson clover. White clover is a popular choice for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, while crimson clover is known for its attractive crimson blooms and ability to attract beneficial insects.
18. Borage
Benefits: Borage attracts beneficial insects like bees and wasps that help with pollination, while also repelling harmful pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. Additionally, the edible flowers and leaves of borage can be used to make a tea that can improve the overall health of the apple trees.
Friends: Borage pairs well with other herbs like thyme, sage, and chamomile. Thyme and sage can help repel harmful insects and improve the growth of borage, while chamomile can help attract beneficial insects and provide additional visual interest in your garden.
Foes: Borage generally does not have any significant plant foes, but it is important to avoid planting it near plants in the Brassica family, such as broccoli or cabbage, as they can stunt its growth.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of borage include ‘Blue’, ‘White’, and ‘Pink’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a long blooming season, making them a great addition to any garden.
19. Fennel
Benefits: Fennel attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on harmful pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, the aromatic oils in fennel can help improve the flavor and aroma of apples.
Friends: Like borage, fennel pairs well with other herbs like dill, coriander, and chamomile. Dill and coriander can help attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and provide additional visual interest in your garden, while chamomile can help repel harmful insects and provide a beneficial environment for fennel to grow.
Foes: Fennel should not be planted near plants in the Brassica family, such as broccoli or cabbage, as they can stunt its growth. Additionally, fennel can be allelopathic and may release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants, so it is important to plant it away from other sensitive crops.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of fennel include ‘Florence’, ‘Bronze’, and ‘Zefa Fino’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a strong scent that can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
20. Buckwheat
Benefits: Buckwheat also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies that prey on harmful pests like aphids and spider mites. Additionally, the fast-growing nature of buckwheat can help improve soil health by adding organic matter and suppressing weed growth.
Friends: Buckwheat pairs well with other cover crops like clover and vetch, which can also help improve soil health and attract beneficial insects. Additionally, companion plants like chives and cilantro can help attract beneficial insects to the area and provide additional visual interest in your garden.
Foes: Buckwheat generally does not have any significant plant foes. However, it is important to manage buckwheat growth and prevent it from overtaking the apple tree area as it can become invasive and may require regular maintenance to control.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of buckwheat include ‘Common’, ‘Japanese’, and ‘Silverhull’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a fast-growing nature that can help improve soil health and attract beneficial insects.
21. Catnip
Benefits: Catnip is a beneficial companion plant for apple trees as it attracts beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and parasitic wasps that help with pollination and prey on harmful pests like aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, the aromatic oils in catnip can help improve the flavor and aroma of apples.
Friends: Catnip pairs well with other herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme. Sage can help repel harmful insects and improve the growth of catnip, while rosemary can help deter pests like carrot rust flies and improve the flavor of catnip. Thyme can also help repel pests and attract beneficial insects to the area.
Foes: Catnip generally does not have any significant plant foes. However, it is important to manage catnip growth and prevent it from overtaking the apple tree area as it can become invasive and may require regular maintenance to control.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of catnip include ‘Catacana’, ‘Citriodora’, and ‘Six Hills Giant’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a strong scent that can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
22. Tansy
Benefits: Tansy attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on harmful pests like aphids and caterpillars. Additionally, the essential oils in tansy can help repel harmful insects like ants and Japanese beetles.
Friends: Tansy pairs well with other flowering plants like marigolds, yarrow, and chamomile. Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties and can help attract beneficial insects, while yarrow and chamomile can help attract pollinators and provide additional visual interest in your garden.
Foes: Tansy generally does not have any significant plant foes. However, it is important to manage tansy growth and prevent it from overtaking the apple tree area as it can become invasive and may require regular maintenance to control.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of tansy include ‘Isla Gold’, ‘Fernleaf’, and ‘Bressingham Bronze’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a strong scent that can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
23. Radish
Benefits: Radish can help suppress weed growth and improve soil health by adding organic matter. Additionally, the fast-growing nature of radish can help attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that prey on harmful pests like aphids and whiteflies.
Friends: Radish pairs well with other cover crops like clover and vetch, which can also help improve soil health and attract beneficial insects. Additionally, companion plants like chives, cilantro, and dill can help attract beneficial insects to the area and provide additional visual interest in your garden.
Foes: Radish generally does not have any significant plant foes. However, it is important to manage radish growth and prevent it from overtaking the apple tree area as it can become invasive and may require regular maintenance to control.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of radish include ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘French Breakfast’, and ‘Easter Egg’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a fast-growing nature that can help improve soil health and attract beneficial insects.
24. Caraway
Benefits: Caraway attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies that help control harmful pests like aphids and caterpillars. Additionally, the essential oils in caraway can help improve the flavor and aroma of apples.
Friends: Caraway pairs well with other herbs like dill, fennel, and chamomile. Dill and fennel can help attract beneficial insects and provide additional visual interest in your garden, while chamomile can help repel harmful insects and create a beneficial environment for caraway to grow.
Foes: Caraway generally does not have any significant plant foes. However, it is important to manage caraway growth and prevent it from overtaking the apple tree area as it can become invasive and may require regular maintenance to control.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of caraway include ‘Improved Marien’, ‘Koros’, and ‘Witkiem’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a strong scent that can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
25. Phacelia
Benefits: Phacelia attracts beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies that help with pollination and prey on harmful pests like aphids and whiteflies. Additionally, the fast-growing nature of phacelia can help suppress weed growth and improve soil health by adding organic matter.
Friends: Phacelia pairs well with other cover crops like clover and vetch, which can also help improve soil health and attract beneficial insects. Additionally, companion plants like chives, cilantro, and dill can help attract beneficial insects to the area and provide additional visual interest in your garden.
Foes: Phacelia generally does not have any significant plant foes. However, it is important to manage phacelia growth and prevent it from overtaking the apple tree area as it can become invasive and may require regular maintenance to control.
Recommended Varieties: For companion planting with apple trees, some recommended varieties of phacelia include ‘Blue Wonder’, ‘Grandiflora’, and ‘Tanacetifolia’. These varieties are easy to grow and have a fast-growing nature that can help improve soil health and attract beneficial insects.
