Are you looking to make the most of the space around your lemon tree? Look no further! Lemon trees not only provide beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers but also offer the perfect opportunity to create symbiotic relationships with companion plants. By pairing your lemon tree with the right plants, you can maximize the space under and around the tree’s dripline while promoting mutual benefits among the plants. Let’s explore some of the best companion plants for lemon trees.
Edible Companion Plants
Lemon trees are not only ornamental but also bear delicious fruit. Pairing them with edible companion plants allows you to enjoy a bountiful harvest while adding beauty to your garden. Here are some top edible plants that thrive alongside lemon trees:
1. Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb native to the Mediterranean region. Its fragrant leaves not only repel pests but also attract pollinators. With its culinary uses as a garnish, in cooking, and in salads, parsley is a fantastic addition to your garden.
Key benefits: Repels pests, attracts pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 9-12 inches tall, 9-12 inches wide
2. Basil
Basil is a herb that comes in many cultivars, including Thai basil and sweet basil. Its leaves and flowers are staples in various cuisines, and the herb also serves as a natural insecticide against pests like mosquitoes.
Key benefits: Insecticide, culinary uses
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 18-24 inches tall and wide
3. Dill
Originating from North Africa, dill is an annual herb widely used in European and Asian cuisines. It also has applications in soap-making and traditional medicine in India. Plant dill on the outskirts of your lemon tree, as it prefers full sun and may not grow as well in the shade.
Key benefits: Attracts pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 3-5 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
4. Fennel
Fennel, a hardy perennial herb in the carrot family, boasts feathery leaves with a potent aroma. It serves as an ingredient in absinthe and attracts pollinators with its clusters of yellow blooms.
Key benefits: Attracts pollinators, culinary uses
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 4-6 feet tall, 1.5-3 feet wide
5. Oregano
Oregano, a member of the mint family, is a flowering herb native to the Mediterranean. It adds rich flavors to various recipes and has been used in traditional medicine. The leaves are also known for their antimicrobial properties.
Key benefits: Culinary uses, medicinal properties
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 1-2 feet tall, 1.5 feet wide
6. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, another member of the mint family, has leaves that make flavorful tea, and its fragrant flowers are a favorite among bees. Essential oil derived from lemon balm is used for massages, stress relief, digestion, and various other ailments.
Key benefits: Attracts pollinators, culinary uses
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Average size: 1.5-2 feet tall, 1.5-3 feet wide
7. Thyme
Closely related to oregano, thyme is a versatile herb widely used in various recipes. It has been a staple in traditional medicines in the Mediterranean region due to its antimicrobial benefits.
Key benefits: Helps repel pests, attracts beneficial insects
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 6-12 inches tall, 6-12 inches spread
8. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are versatile plants that serve multiple purposes. Their blooms have both ornamental and edible value while also attracting aphids and other pests. Pairing nasturtiums with lemon trees helps protect the trees from these pests.
Key benefits: Ornamental benefits, pest trapping
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 12-18 inches tall, 1-2 feet wide
9. Mint
Mint, one of the oldest and most popular perennial herbs, is widely used in cooking and tea-making. It has a long history of medicinal uses, including as a remedy for stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome, and chest pains. Be mindful of containing mint, as it can quickly spread and overtake other vegetation.
Key benefits: Culinary and medicinal benefits
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Average size: 12-18 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide
10. Borage
Borage, an annual herb, boasts jaw-dropping star-shaped flowers. It is used as a vegetable in Europe and Italy, with the leaves often used as a stuffing for ravioli. Borage seed oil is also a popular dietary supplement.
Key benefits: Culinary uses, repels pests
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Average size: 1-3 feet tall, 9-18 inches wide
11. Yarrow
Yarrow is an edible plant packed with nutrients and commonly grown to feed livestock. It has mild laxative properties and finds use in various medicinal preparations.
Key benefits: Attracts pollinators, repels pests
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
12. Alliums
Alliums refer to a diverse group of plants, including ornamental onions. These plants have larger, more vibrant flower heads compared to common onions.
Key benefits: Ornamental value, huge variety of species
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Average size: 1-4 feet tall, 3-10 inches wide
13. Bee Balm
Bee balm is a flowering plant native to North America and part of the mint family. Its fragrant leaves make excellent tea, while the essential oil treats skin conditions and sore throats.
Key benefits: Medicinal properties, tea, attracts pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Average size: 10-48 inches tall, 10-36 inches wide
14. Feverfew
Feverfew is a herbaceous perennial with daisy-like flowers and pungent-smelling leaves. It finds use in traditional medicines and also serves as a dietary supplement.
Key benefits: Ornamental flowers, repels pests, attracts pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Average size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
15. Legumes
Legumes, including beans and peas, are nitrogen-fixers that enrich the soil with this essential nutrient. The extra nitrogen benefits the lemon tree’s growth and productivity.
Key benefits: Enriches the soil with nitrogen
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 1-3 feet or more depending on the plant
16. Hyssop
Hyssop is a herb with a multitude of medicinal properties, including aiding digestion, improving blood circulation, treating skin conditions, and respiratory issues. Its aromatic leaves and flowers add ornamental value to your garden.
Key benefits: Medicinal properties, attracts pollinators, repels pests
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide
Ornamental Companion Plants
If you’re looking to enhance the beauty of your garden, ornamental companion plants are an excellent choice. These plants, especially those with colorful blooms, attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, as well as beneficial insects that help control pests. Here are some notable ornamental companion plants for your lemon tree:
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are cheerful flowering plants that brighten any garden with their vibrant blooms. Although primarily ornamental, marigolds also have pest-repellent properties.
Key benefits: Ornamental value, repels many pests
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 4-48 inches tall, 6-24 inches wide
Bloom time: Summer
2. Petunias
Petunias are a classic choice for many gardeners due to their wide variety of colorful blooms. They add a touch of beauty to any landscape.
Key benefits: Ornamental, attracts some pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 6-24 inches tall, 6-36 inches wide
Bloom time: Spring, summer, fall
3. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are known for their large and vivid blooms that follow the sun’s movement. Besides their ornamental value, sunflowers provide nutritious seeds and attract beneficial insects and pollinators.
Key benefits: Ornamental flowers, attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 3-10 feet tall, 1.5-3 feet wide
Bloom time: Summer, fall
4. Impatiens
Impatiens are versatile flowering plants that can thrive in partial shade, making them an ideal choice for planting under lemon trees. They add charm to your garden and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Key benefits: Ornamental value, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Light requirements: Filtered sun and partial shade
Average size: 6-36 inches tall, 1-3 feet wide
Bloom time: Spring, summer
5. Zinnias
Zinnias are known for their vibrant and diverse range of colors. These ornamental plants are perfect for borders and pots, creating a colorful oasis around your lemon tree. They also offer a long blooming season.
Key benefits: Ornamental value, attracts pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 1-4 feet tall, 6-18 inches wide
Bloom time: Spring, summer, fall
6. Daisies
Daisies are beloved additions to any flower bed, with their cheerful blooms and ability to attract bees and other pollinators.
Key benefits: Ornamental, attracts pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Average size: 9 inches to 3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Bloom time: Spring, summer
7. Lantana
Lantana is a flowering plant known for its highly ornamental blooms. It provides carefree color throughout the season, making it a fantastic choice for your garden.
Key benefits: Ornamental, attracts good bugs
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 6 feet high and wide
Bloom time: Spring to fall
8. Bottlebrush
Offering unique and spiky flowers in vivid shades of red, bottlebrush bushes add an exotic flair to your garden. They serve as a beautiful backdrop for your lemon tree.
Key benefits: Ornamental, attracts pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 5-25 feet tall, 5-20 feet wide (depending on training)
Bloom time: Spring, summer
9. Purple Coneflowers
With their downward-sloping pink to purple petals, purple coneflowers resemble daisies and attract bees and butterflies that aid in pollinating the lemon tree.
Key benefits: Attracts pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Average size: 2-5 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Bloom time: Summer
10. Black-Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are daisy-like flowering plants with a striking black center. They also attract pollinators to your garden.
Key benefits: Attracts pollinators
Light requirements: Full sun
Average size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Bloom time: Summer, fall
11. Comfrey
Comfrey is a medicinal plant with light green leaves and purple flowers. It has been used to treat wounds, aching joints, and inflammation. Comfrey’s nutrient-dense leaves can also be used as mulch for other plants.
Key benefits: Ornamental and medicinal properties, nutrient-dense mulch
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Average size: 12-36 inches tall, 9-30 inches wide
Bloom time: Spring
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose edible or ornamental plants, there are numerous excellent choices to pair with your lemon tree. These companion plants complement the lemon tree without overcrowding it, providing partial shade and attracting pollinators and good bugs that protect the tree against pests. So, make the most of your garden space by planting companion plants alongside your lemon tree, and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and thriving garden!