Fig trees virtually thrive in any garden setting, making the question of what grows well with fig trees essential for maximizing your garden space. These incredible plants can reach heights of 40-75 feet in perfect conditions and begin producing fruit within their very first year. When I discovered how versatile and practically immortal these trees are, I knew I needed to find the perfect companion plants to enhance their growth.
Companion planting is indeed a vital part of organic gardening, particularly for fig trees that prefer full sun and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The best fig companion plants not only benefit the planting visually but also functionally by attracting pollinators and deterring pests. As we explore companion plants for fig trees, we'll discover options that help shade the soil and absorb excess moisture, creating an ideal environment for your fig tree to flourish.
In this guide, I'll share my experience with what to plant under a fig tree and, equally important, what not to plant with fig trees. Whether you're growing figs in a small backyard space or incorporating them into your edible landscape, these companion planting strategies will help your fig trees thrive for years to come.
Best Shrubs and Bushes to Plant with Fig Trees
"Companion planting is a vital part of organic gardening. Companion plants assist in the growth of others by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, or providing nutrients, shade, or support." — Carrie Spoonemore, Co-founder of Seed to Spoon
Surrounding your fig tree with compatible shrubs and bushes creates a thriving mini-ecosystem in your garden. These woody companions not only maximize your growing space but also contribute to overall garden health and productivity.
Currants and gooseberries for edible diversity
When considering what grows well with fig trees, berries from the Ribes family make excellent companions. Currants and gooseberries offer compact growth habits that make seasonal maintenance straightforward while avoiding competition for water and nutrients. Black, red, and white currants each bring their own flavor profile—red currants deliver a particularly sour taste, while white varieties offer milder, sweeter notes.
Both currants and gooseberries thrive in partially shaded conditions, making them perfect for planting near the edges of a fig tree's canopy. White currants especially develop sweet, aromatic fruits even in partial shade. These berry shrubs prefer medium-heavy, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6, conditions that complement fig trees beautifully.
Hazelnut and elderberry for seasonal interest
Multi-stemmed hazelnuts create a wonderful understory addition to fig trees, providing both seasonal interest and edible nuts. Furthermore, elderberry plants offer double benefits with both edible flowers and berries. I've found elderberry tolerates partial shade and moist conditions well, making it an adaptable companion for fig trees.
Hazelnuts grow rapidly and form dense bushes that can reach 8-12 feet in height, providing an excellent privacy screen alongside your fig trees. For optimal spacing, plant hazelnuts at 10-12 foot centers to allow for harvesting access.
Serviceberry and mock orange for ornamental value
Beyond edible companions, ornamental shrubs add tremendous value. Serviceberry trees deliver year-round interest with spring flowers, summer berries, and brilliant autumn foliage in reds, oranges, and yellows. Additionally, mock orange shrubs contribute incredibly fragrant white flowers in early spring while attracting beneficial pollinators.
Serviceberries serve as important food sources for pollinators and wildlife, hosting various butterfly larvae and providing food for upwards of 50 species of birds. Mock orange works wonderfully as an anchor plant, creating a perfect backdrop for your fig tree while requiring similar moderately moist soil conditions.
These deciduous plants enhance your garden throughout the seasons while growing harmoniously with fig trees, creating a dynamic and productive planting space that rewards you with visual appeal and abundant harvests.
Top Perennials and Herbs for Fig Tree Companions
Perennials and herbs make ideal companions for fig trees, creating a vibrant understory that serves multiple garden functions. I've discovered that selecting the right perennial companions can dramatically improve both soil health and fruit production.
Mediterranean herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage
Mediterranean herbs naturally complement fig trees since they share similar growing preferences. These aromatic plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun exposure—identical conditions to what fig trees prefer. When planted around the base of fig trees, these herbs create a fragrant carpet that serves multiple purposes:
Rosemary, with its woody stems and needle-like leaves, deters many pests while its deep roots avoid competing with fig tree's shallow root system. The creeping varieties work exceptionally well on hillsides near fig trees.
Thyme, specifically creeping thyme, creates an evergreen mat with intoxicating scent that can effectively out-compete unwanted grasses. Moreover, its heavily scented foliage naturally repels deer and rabbits that might otherwise damage young fig trees.
Sage completes this Mediterranean trio with its pest-repelling properties. Its scented leaves prevent snails, slugs, and various nibbling pests, subsequently protecting your fig tree from potential damage.
Soil boosters: comfrey, clover, lupines
Certain perennials act as natural soil improvers around fig trees. Russian comfrey stands out as an exceptional companion plant—its roots grow straight down 6-8 feet without interfering with fig roots. Remarkably, these deep roots mine nutrients from lower soil layers, essentially fertilizing your fig tree naturally.
White clover and lupines function as nitrogen fixers, enhancing soil fertility through their unique ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms. As a result, they eliminate or reduce the need for additional fertilizers.
Pollinator magnets: coneflowers, yarrow, daisies
Adding flowering perennials near fig trees creates a pollinator paradise. Coneflowers, with their distinctive raised central disks, grow 2-4 feet tall and attract countless beneficial insects. Yarrow functions as both a pollinator attractant and a soil repairman—sending deep roots into even tough, rocky soils.
Shasta daisies complement this pollinator trio perfectly. With classic white-rayed, yellow-centered blooms that reach 24-36 inches tall, they create a vibrant display while supporting the fig tree's ecosystem. These meadow flowers add texture and color while supporting beneficial insects that help keep fig tree pests in check.
Annuals That Thrive Near Fig Trees
Annual plants offer quick-growing support for fig trees with minimal root competition. These seasonal companions provide multiple benefits while thriving in the unique microclimate created by your fig tree's canopy.
Basil and marigolds for pest control
Basil thrives alongside fig trees, providing aromatic protection while deterring common garden pests. Its strong scent confuses insects searching for their preferred host plants. Meanwhile, marigolds contain pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent, and thiophenes, which help control nematodes and other soil-borne pests. These vibrant flowers create a protective barrier around fig trees while attracting beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Nasturtiums as aphid traps
I've found nasturtiums to be excellent "sacrifice plants" in my fig garden. These colorful flowers act as magnets for aphids, drawing them away from your valuable fig trees. For best results, plant nasturtiums a few feet from your fig's canopy. Every few days, simply remove aphid-covered nasturtium leaves and dispose of them properly—either by burning, composting, or feeding to chickens.
Lettuce and spinach for shaded summer growth
During summer's heat, the dappled shade beneath fig trees creates ideal growing conditions for tender greens. Lettuce, spinach, and other salad crops flourish in these protected spots. Yet be cautious—fig trees have shallow roots that may seek out the nutrient-rich soil in raised beds. For successful cultivation, plant leafy greens around the edges of your fig's canopy.
What Not to Plant with Fig Trees
Choosing the wrong neighbors for your fig tree can undermine all your careful planning. I've learned that certain plants simply don't mix well with figs, regardless of how popular they might be in other garden settings.
Avoid deep-rooted nightshades like tomatoes and peppers
Nightshade family members pose significant risks to fig trees. Tomatoes and peppers attract harmful pests that can easily spread to your fig trees, putting their overall health at risk. Furthermore, these plants are susceptible to diseases that can jump to nearby branches, ultimately affecting your harvest.
Why potatoes and eggplants compete for nutrients
Potatoes and eggplants compete aggressively with fig trees. Both have extensive root systems that disturb the shallow, sensitive roots of fig trees. This competition occurs primarily because fig trees and nightshades are heavy feeders, rapidly depleting soil nutrients when planted together. Consequently, both plants typically end up with stunted growth and reduced harvests.
Disease risks from incompatible plants
Perhaps the greatest concern with incompatible plantings is disease transmission. Nightshade family members can transfer serious garden diseases to fig trees, including leaf curl and bacterial canker. This disease transfer between incompatible plants could potentially result in the complete loss of your fig crop. Even though you might be tempted to maximize garden space by planting tomatoes or potatoes near figs, the risk simply isn't worth it.
Conclusion
Creating a thriving garden with fig trees certainly depends on selecting the right companion plants. Throughout this guide, we've explored numerous options that enhance both the health and productivity of your fig trees while making the most of your garden space. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme offer natural pest protection, while berry bushes such as currants and gooseberries provide additional harvests without competing for resources. Additionally, soil-boosting perennials like comfrey and clover naturally fertilize your fig trees, eliminating the need for chemical inputs.
After years of gardening with fig trees, I've found that thoughtful companion planting transforms an ordinary tree into a centerpiece of a productive mini-ecosystem. Meanwhile, carefully avoiding incompatible plants—especially nightshades with their disease risks and nutrient competition—protects your investment and ensures abundant harvests year after year.
Whether you're planning a new garden or enhancing an existing landscape, remember that the perfect companions create balance by attracting beneficial insects, improving soil health, and utilizing different root zones. Shop expertly selected fig trees for every garden, then surround them with compatible plants that match your specific growing conditions and garden goals.
Therefore, with the right plant pairings, your fig trees will reward you with decades of bountiful harvests while creating a visually stunning and ecologically balanced garden space that continues to improve with age.
FAQs
Q1. What are some good companion plants for fig trees? Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage are excellent companions for fig trees. They share similar growing conditions and can help deter pests. Other good options include currants, gooseberries, and pollinator-attracting flowers like coneflowers and yarrow.
Q2. Can I plant vegetables near my fig tree? Some vegetables can be planted near fig trees, but it's important to choose wisely. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach can thrive in the dappled shade beneath fig trees. However, avoid planting deep-rooted vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, as they can compete for nutrients and potentially spread diseases.
Q3. How do companion plants benefit fig trees? Companion plants can benefit fig trees in several ways. They can improve soil health, attract pollinators, and provide natural pest control. For example, comfrey acts as a natural fertilizer, while marigolds help repel harmful insects.
Q4. Are there any plants I should avoid planting near fig trees? Yes, it's best to avoid planting members of the nightshade family near fig trees. This includes tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplants. These plants can compete for nutrients and potentially spread diseases to your fig tree.
Q5. Can I plant herbs under my fig tree? Absolutely! Many herbs, especially Mediterranean varieties like rosemary, thyme, and sage, make excellent companions for fig trees. They share similar growing requirements and can help create a fragrant, pest-resistant environment around the base of your fig tree.