Eucalyptus Companion Plants: 8 Best and 6 Bad

Gardening enthusiasts often seek to optimize their green spaces through strategic plant partnerships. Among these, the eucalyptus stands out not only for its aromatic leaves but also for its selective compatibility with other plants. Today, we’ll explore 8 eucalyptus companion plants that thrive very well alongside eucalyptus and 6 that should be kept at a distance. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a green-thumb-in-training, understanding these companionships can elevate your garden’s health and aesthetic.

Good Companions for Eucalyptus

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender, with its soothing fragrance and beautiful purple blooms, makes an excellent companion for eucalyptus. Both plants share a love for sunny spots and well-draining soil, making them garden mates that require similar care levels.

How to Plant Together:

1. Choose a location that receives full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
2. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.
3. Plant lavender and eucalyptus at least 3 feet apart to give each plant enough space to grow.
4. Water moderately, as both plants prefer drier conditions.

Discover more about lavender and eucalyptus companionship in our detailed post on lavender companion plants.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary and eucalyptus form a dynamic duo, both hailing from the same botanical family and sharing a love for the sun and well-drained soil. This hardy herb adds not only culinary value but also a pest-repellent quality to your garden.

How to Plant Together:

1. Select an area with full sun exposure.
2. Ensure the soil is well-draining; sandy or loamy soil is ideal.
3. Space rosemary and eucalyptus at least 4 feet apart to accommodate growth.
4. Water sparingly, as overwatering can harm these drought-tolerant plants.

Find out more on rosemary companion plants and how to integrate them into your garden.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage, another aromatic herb, pairs well with eucalyptus, sharing its preference for sunlight and well-drained soil. This combination not only conserves space but also promotes a healthy, pest-resistant garden environment.

How to Plant Together:

1. Identify a sunny location that both plants will enjoy.
2. Plant sage and eucalyptus with enough space between them, around 3 to 4 feet, to prevent overcrowding.
3. Opt for a well-draining soil mix to satisfy both plants’ needs.
4. Water moderately, keeping in mind that both sage and eucalyptus thrive in similar dry conditions.

Learn more about sage in our insightful article on sage companion plants.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is a low-growing herb that makes an excellent groundcover around eucalyptus trees. It shares a love for sunny, dry conditions and can help to repel pests with its aromatic leaves.

How to Plant Together:

1. Choose a sunny spot where both plants can thrive.
2. Plant thyme around the base of the eucalyptus tree, ensuring enough space for air circulation.
3. Use well-draining soil to encourage healthy growth.
4. Water lightly, as thyme and eucalyptus prefer less moisture.

Dive deeper into thyme’s garden benefits in our thyme companion plants article.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano is another herb that enjoys the same growing conditions as eucalyptus, making it a perfect companion. Its spreading habit and pest-repellent properties make it a valuable ally in the garden.

How to Plant Together:

1. Select a location with full sun exposure.
2. Space oregano plants around eucalyptus, maintaining a distance of at least 2 feet to prevent competition.
3. Plant in well-drained soil to keep both plants happy.
4. Water minimally, as oregano and eucalyptus prefer drier conditions.

For more information on oregano pairing, check out our guide on oregano companion plants.

Marigold (Tagetes)

Marigolds bring vibrant colors and pest-repellent properties to the eucalyptus companionship. They deter nematodes and other pests, providing a protective barrier around your eucalyptus.

How to Plant Together:

1. Find a sunny spot for both plants.
2. Plant marigolds in the vicinity of eucalyptus, allowing for about 2 feet of space between them.
3. Ensure the soil is well-drained.
4. Water moderately, keeping both plants’ preference for slightly dry conditions in mind.

Explore the benefits of marigolds with eucalyptus in our comprehensive marigold companion plants article.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe Vera not only shares eucalyptus’s preference for sun and well-draining soil but also benefits from the tree’s light shade in hotter climates, offering a symbiotic relationship.

How to Plant Together:

1. Choose a location that provides partial to full sun, with some afternoon shade if possible.
2. Space aloe vera plants at least 2-3 feet from eucalyptus to avoid root competition.
3. Plant in a mix that ensures good drainage.
4. Water aloe vera sparingly, as both it and eucalyptus are drought-tolerant.

Check out our detailed post on aloe vera companion plants for more insights.

Succulents

Succulents, with their wide variety and drought tolerance, are natural companions to eucalyptus, requiring minimal water and thriving in similar conditions.

How to Plant Together:

1. Select a sunny location that suits both eucalyptus and succulents.
2. Ensure there’s enough space between succulents and the eucalyptus tree to prevent overcrowding.
3. Use a well-draining soil mix ideal for succulent health.
4. Water sparingly, considering the low-water needs of both succulents and eucalyptus.

Each of these plants brings its own set of benefits to the partnership with eucalyptus, from aesthetic enhancements to pest control and water-conservation. By choosing the right companions, gardeners can create a harmonious and thriving garden ecosystem.

Plants to Avoid Near Eucalyptus

While eucalyptus makes a great companion to many plants, there are some that should be kept at a distance. Understanding which plants don’t fare well near eucalyptus can save you from gardening mishaps, ensuring your garden thrives. Here are six plants to avoid planting near eucalyptus:

Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Hydrangeas, with their lush blooms and shade tolerance, might seem like an attractive option for any garden. However, their high water needs clash with the eucalyptus’s preference for dry conditions, making them incompatible companions.

Why They Clash:

• Eucalyptus trees extract a lot of water from the soil, leaving little behind for water-loving hydrangeas.
• The allelopathic properties of eucalyptus can inhibit the growth of nearby hydrangeas.

Learn about better matches in our detailed guide on hydrangea companion plants.

Ferns

Ferns thrive in moist, shaded environments, which is diametrically opposed to the conditions preferred by eucalyptus trees. Their need for constant moisture and cooler temperatures makes them poor companions for eucalyptus.

Why They Clash:

• Ferns require more moisture than eucalyptus trees can tolerate.
• The dense canopy of eucalyptus may provide too much shade, hindering fern growth.

Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)

Azaleas are known for their vibrant flowers and preference for acidic, moist soil. Their specific soil and water requirements do not align well with the eucalyptus’s needs, leading to potential growth issues.

Why They Clash:

• Azaleas and eucalyptus compete for water, with eucalyptus often outcompeting azaleas.
• The soil conditions favored by azaleas can be altered by the eucalyptus’s allelopathic chemicals.

For azalea planting advice, see our azalea companion plants article.

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)

Like azaleas, rhododendrons prefer acidic soil and consistent moisture, conditions that are at odds with those favored by eucalyptus. Their similar needs for water make them incompatible companions.

Why They Clash:

• Rhododendrons can struggle under the water-competitive nature of eucalyptus.
• Eucalyptus trees may create too dry and inhospitable an environment for rhododendrons to thrive.

Water-loving Vegetables

Vegetables that require consistent moisture, such as lettuce and celery, will find it challenging to coexist with eucalyptus. The eucalyptus’s high water uptake and the potential allelopathic effects on the soil can hinder vegetable growth.

Why They Clash:

• These vegetables need more consistent watering than eucalyptus trees can handle.
• The potential for soil nutrient depletion around eucalyptus trees can affect vegetable health.

Shade-loving Plants (e.g., Hostas)

Hostas and other shade-loving plants struggle in the bright sunlight and dry conditions that eucalyptus trees thrive in. The mismatch in environmental preferences makes them unsuitable companions.

Why They Clash:

• The light and moisture conditions favored by shade-loving plants are the opposite of what eucalyptus prefers.
• Eucalyptus’s root system can dominate, leaving little room for these plants to establish.

Learn about ideal conditions for hostas in our hosta companion plants article.

In summary, while eucalyptus can be a majestic addition to your garden, it’s crucial to select companion plants that share its environmental preferences. By avoiding these six types of plants, you can ensure a harmonious and thriving garden ecosystem.