6 Powerful Black Chokeberry Companion Plants (+4 Bad Companions)

In the enchanting world of gardening, where every plant plays a pivotal role in the ecosystem, black chokeberry stands out not only for its striking beauty and nutritional berries but also for its selective companionship in the garden. For me as a passionate urban gardener deeply engrossed in the art and science of companion planting, I’ve discovered through meticulous research and personal trials the best allies and foes of this remarkable shrub.

This article dives deep into the 6 best companion plants that enhance the growth, health, and yield of black chokeberry, as well as 4 plants to avoid to prevent competition, pest infestation, or disease spread. Let’s embark on this green journey to ensure your black chokeberry thrives in perfect harmony with its neighbors.

Black Chokeberry Companion Plants

Lavender

Lavender, with its serene beauty and soothing fragrance, acts as a powerful ally to black chokeberry by attracting pollinators and repelling deer and rabbits that might snack on chokeberry foliage. The contrasting purple hues of lavender against the dark foliage of chokeberry create a visually striking landscape.

• Step 1: Plant lavender in well-drained soil and a sunny location to ensure it thrives.
• Step 2: Space lavender plants about 18 to 24 inches apart from the black chokeberry to prevent root competition.
• Step 3: Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds, while ensuring good air circulation.

Curious about pairing lavender with black chokeberry? Find out more on the benefits of this combination.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are not only a bold and vibrant addition to the garden but also a fantastic companion for black chokeberry. Their ability to deter pests, such as aphids and beetles, that might otherwise pose a threat to black chokeberries makes them invaluable. These flowering gems bring a splash of color and a protective barrier against unwanted guests.

• Step 1: Choose a planting spot near your black chokeberry that receives full sun to partial shade.
• Step 2: Sow nasturtium seeds directly into the soil in late spring, after the last frost, to ensure they don’t compete for root space with your chokeberry.
• Step 3: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, to support both plants’ growth.

Dive deeper into the symbiotic relationship between black chokeberry and nasturtium by exploring how they complement each other.

Marigolds

Marigolds stand out as a vibrant, pest-repelling companion that can safeguard black chokeberry shrubs from nematodes and other soil-dwelling pests. Their bright flowers not only add aesthetic appeal but also serve as a natural deterrent against pests, promoting a healthier growth environment for chokeberries.

• Step 1: Plant marigold seeds or seedlings in the spring, surrounding the base of the black chokeberry bush, to create a protective barrier.
• Step 2: Ensure marigolds receive full sun, mirroring the light requirements of black chokeberry, to maximize their growth and pest-repellent properties.
• Step 3: Water regularly, keeping the soil moist to support the health of both marigolds and chokeberry plants.

Discover the protective and ornamental benefits of marigolds when planted alongside black chokeberry by reading more at the marigold companion planting guide.

Garlic

Garlic acts as a potent companion for black chokeberry by repelling pests such as borers, aphids, and deer, thanks to its strong scent. Additionally, garlic can improve soil health and structure, benefiting neighboring plants.

• Step 1: Plant garlic cloves in the fall around the perimeter of your black chokeberry bush for optimal growth and pest repellent effect.
• Step 2: Space garlic cloves about 6 inches apart to ensure ample room for growth without encroaching on the chokeberry’s root system.
• Step 3: Mulch heavily to maintain soil moisture and temperature, benefiting both the garlic and the chokeberry.

Learn about the synergistic effects of planting garlic with black chokeberry for a pest-free garden at the detailed companion planting guide.

Catmint

Catmint offers not only a beautiful display of flowers that attract pollinators but also a natural repellent to certain pests and rodents, making it an excellent companion for black chokeberry. Its sprawling habit and lavender-blue flowers complement the upright form and dark foliage of the chokeberry.

• Step 1: Choose a sunny spot near your chokeberry to plant catmint, ensuring it has room to spread.
• Step 2: Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants about 18 inches apart to allow for their spreading nature.
• Step 3: Water regularly until established, then enjoy the low-maintenance benefits of this aromatic plant.

Explore the aesthetic and protective benefits of catmint in your garden by checking out how it pairs with black chokeberry.

Bee Balm

Bee balm is not only a magnet for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds but also enhances the overall health and beauty of the garden. Its tall, vibrant flowers create a stunning visual contrast with the dark berries and foliage of the black chokeberry, promoting biodiversity.

• Step 1: Plant bee balm in full sun to partial shade, mirroring the light preferences of black chokeberry.
• Step 2: Space plants about 24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
• Step 3: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry periods, to support both bee balm and chokeberry plants.

For more insights on the benefits of integrating bee balm into your garden, especially alongside black chokeberry, visit the comprehensive companion planting guide.

Plants to Avoid Near Black Chokeberry

While certain plants enhance the growth and health of black chokeberry, others can be detrimental. Here are four plants to keep at a distance:

Black Walnut

Black walnut trees produce juglone, a chemical harmful to many plants, including black chokeberry. The juglone can stunt growth or even kill susceptible plants. Beyond its chemical inhibition, black walnut trees also have dense foliage that creates shade, potentially depriving black chokeberry plants of essential sunlight. Furthermore, the roots of black walnut trees can compete with black chokeberry for water and nutrients, further compromising their growth and overall health. Therefore, it’s advisable to maintain a considerable distance between these two species to prevent detrimental effects on the black chokeberry plants.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees exude chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including black chokeberry, making them incompatible companions. In addition to their chemical exudation, eucalyptus trees are known for their rapid growth and expansive root systems, which can outcompete black chokeberry for water and nutrients. The aggressive nature of eucalyptus roots may also cause physical damage to the root system of black chokeberry, weakening their overall health and vigor. Thus, it’s prudent to avoid planting eucalyptus in close proximity to black chokeberry to prevent potential conflicts and ensure the optimal growth of both species.

Potatoes

Potatoes can attract blight and other diseases that might also affect black chokeberry plants, so it’s best to plant them in separate areas of the garden. Apart from disease susceptibility, potatoes have high water requirements, which can lead to increased soil moisture levels around the roots of black chokeberry. This excess moisture can create a favorable environment for fungal diseases and root rot, posing a threat to the health of black chokeberry plants. Additionally, the dense foliage of potato plants can shade out black chokeberry, further diminishing their access to sunlight and impeding their growth. Therefore, it’s best to separate potatoes from black chokeberry to mitigate these risks and promote the well-being of both crops.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes share common pests and diseases with black chokeberry, increasing the risk of transmission. Keeping them apart minimizes this risk. Besides sharing common pests and diseases, tomatoes have a sprawling growth habit that can encroach upon the space of black chokeberry plants, limiting their access to sunlight and airflow. Furthermore, both tomatoes and black chokeberry require regular pruning to maintain optimal growth and fruit production. Planting them in separate areas of the garden allows for easier management and reduces the risk of overcrowding, promoting the overall health and productivity of both crops.

Companion Planting Chart for Black Chokeberry

Good Companions	Benefits
Nasturtium	Repels pests, adds beauty
Lavender	Attracts pollinators, repels pests
Marigolds	Deters soil pests, adds color
Garlic	Repels pests, improves soil
Catmint	Attracts pollinators, repels rodents
Bee Balm	Attracts pollinators, adds visual interest

Understanding the delicate balance between companion plants can significantly enhance your gardening experience. By choosing the right companions, you can create a vibrant, healthy, and productive garden space. Remember, each plant in your garden plays a role in the ecosystem, supporting not only the growth and health of black chokeberry but also contributing to the overall biodiversity and beauty of your garden.