Rosemary is known for its strong, refreshing aroma and its essential role in the kitchen. It’s one of those herbs many people love to grow at home because it’s hardy, fragrant, and useful in countless recipes.
However, there’s a little-known fact about rosemary that every gardener should keep in mind: not all plants enjoy growing beside it. In fact, pairing rosemary with the wrong companions can slow its growth and even affect the health of nearby herbs.
So, before planting rosemary next to your other favorites, it’s important to know which plants to avoid and why. Let’s break it down.
Plants You Should Never Grow Near Rosemary
1. Mint
Mint is famous for two things: its refreshing smell and its aggressive growth. This plant spreads quickly, and its roots can easily take over the soil around it.
If planted near rosemary, mint can suffocate it by stealing nutrients, water, and space. Because of how invasive mint is, it’s best to keep the two far apart—preferably in separate pots.
2. Basil
Basil may seem like a good companion because it’s also an aromatic herb, but their needs simply don’t match.
Basil loves moist, nutrient-rich soil and requires frequent watering. Rosemary, on the other hand, thrives in drier, well-drained soil and doesn’t like its roots sitting in water.
When planted together, one will always suffer—usually the rosemary.
And There’s More…
3. Parsley
Although parsley is another popular kitchen herb, it grows best in conditions that are quite different from rosemary’s. Their water and soil preferences don’t align, which can lead to poor growth for both plants if placed too close together.
Simply put: they don’t make a good team.
4. Sage
Sage and rosemary are both Mediterranean herbs, so many people assume they thrive side by side. But here’s the issue: sage develops very deep roots, which can end up taking over the space rosemary needs to grow.
This competition for root space can prevent rosemary from spreading properly, weakening it over time.
Final Thoughts
These plants—all wonderful on their own—simply don’t pair well with rosemary. Growing them side by side can lead to stunted growth, poor harvests, and unnecessary stress on both plants.
By keeping these combinations separate, you’ll give your rosemary the best chance to thrive and enjoy a healthy, flavorful herb garden that truly flourishes.