Fig trees make beautiful additions to edible gardens, Mediterranean-style landscapes, and sunny patios. But what should you plant around them? The best companion plants for fig trees complement their attractive foliage while sharing similar growing conditions.
Herbs such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, and oregano are excellent choices for sunny areas near fig trees. Flowering perennials and annuals can add seasonal color, while carefully positioned berry bushes and edible plants can help create a productive kitchen garden.
The key is choosing plants that won't compete too heavily with your fig tree for water, sunlight, or nutrients. Below, we'll explore the best shrubs, perennials, annuals, and container plants to grow with figs, along with plants that are better kept farther away.
Best Fig Tree Companion Plants at a Glance
Best herbs: Lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and chives
Best flowering perennials: Yarrow, coneflowers, salvia, and catmint
Best annual flowers: Marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and nasturtiums
Edible companions: Strawberries, chives, basil, and cool-season leafy greens
Companion shrubs: Currants, gooseberries, and serviceberries where climate and soil conditions are suitable
Use caution with: Blueberries, aggressive spreaders, large trees, and thirsty vegetables planted too close to the trunk
What Makes a Good Companion Plant for Fig Trees?
Edible fig trees (Ficus carica) prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture while fruit is developing. Once established, they can tolerate some dry conditions, although extended drought may affect fruit quality and production.
Good companion plants should thrive in similar conditions without crowding the tree or interfering with its roots. Many Mediterranean herbs work especially well because they enjoy sunny locations and soils that drain freely.
Flowering plants can also provide nectar and pollen for beneficial insects, while low-growing plants may help cover open garden space. However, these benefits depend on the plants, local conditions, and how the garden is maintained.
Look for These Companion Plant Qualities
- Compatible sunlight and soil-drainage needs
- Manageable mature size and root growth
- Flowers or foliage that add garden interest
- Low to moderate competition for moisture
- Growing requirements suited to your local climate
Important: Fig trees need enough sunlight and water to produce good crops. Keep the area immediately around the trunk clear of competing plants, and position most companions toward the outer edge of the tree's canopy or in nearby garden beds.
Best Herbs to Plant With Fig Trees
Mediterranean herbs are among the best companion choices for fig trees. Many enjoy full sun, excellent drainage, and relatively modest fertilizer requirements.
Plant these herbs in sunny areas near the outer canopy rather than directly against the trunk. Some, especially lavender and rosemary, prefer drier soil than a young fig tree, so separate planting zones may be helpful.
Lavender
Lavender is an attractive companion for sunny, well-drained garden beds. Its fragrant purple flowers attract bees and other visiting insects. Plant it outside the fig's heavily watered root zone, because lavender dislikes consistently wet soil.
Rosemary
Rosemary adds evergreen texture, aromatic foliage, and small flowers to a Mediterranean-style garden. It prefers full sun and good drainage. Grow it near figs in warm climates, or keep it in a movable container where winter temperatures are too cold.
Thyme and Oregano
These low-growing culinary herbs are excellent for sunny garden edges. They add fragrance, edible leaves, and seasonal flowers. Provide enough space for spreading varieties and prevent them from growing directly against the fig trunk.
Sage
Culinary sage grows well in sunny locations with freely draining soil. Its gray-green leaves contrast beautifully with the large green foliage of fig trees, making it useful for both edible and ornamental plantings.
Chives
Chives are compact edible perennials with slender leaves and attractive spring flowers. They work well in kitchen gardens near figs, particularly where they receive adequate sunlight and consistent moisture.
Design tip: For a Mediterranean-inspired planting, combine a fig tree with lavender, rosemary, and low-growing thyme. Use mulch or gravel paths to visually connect the plants while maintaining appropriate spacing.
Flowering Perennials to Grow Near Fig Trees
Flowering perennials add color and attract a variety of insects to the garden. Although common edible figs generally don't need pollinators to produce fruit, pollinator-friendly plants can still support biodiversity throughout your landscape.
For the best results, position sun-loving perennials around the outer edge of the fig's canopy, where they receive plenty of direct light.
Recommended Flowering Perennials
- Coneflowers: Long-blooming perennials that provide colorful flowers and attract pollinating insects.
- Yarrow: A sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennial with clusters of flowers that provide nectar for beneficial insects.
- Salvia: Flowering varieties offer colorful spikes and are useful in pollinator gardens.
- Catmint: A low-maintenance perennial with aromatic foliage and long-lasting purple-blue flowers.
- Shasta daisies: Provide bright summer flowers and attractive contrast with fig foliage.
- Ornamental grasses: Clumping varieties can add movement, texture, and seasonal interest without spreading aggressively.
In larger landscapes, Japanese anemones, asters, sea holly, and other ornamental perennials can also create attractive combinations. Select each plant according to its individual moisture, sunlight, and climate requirements.
Planting tip: A young fig may leave plenty of sunny garden space, but its canopy can become significantly larger over time. Select perennials that can tolerate the future shade, or plan to move sun-loving plants as the tree matures.
Shrubs and Berry Plants to Grow With Fig Trees
Fig trees can serve as the centerpiece of a productive edible landscape. Berry bushes and smaller fruiting shrubs add additional harvests and seasonal interest.
However, shrubs have larger root systems than most annual flowers and herbs. Plant them in nearby beds or beyond the fig's primary root zone rather than directly underneath a mature tree.
Currants and Gooseberries
Currants and gooseberries can complement figs in cooler-climate edible gardens. They generally prefer cooler growing conditions and can tolerate some partial shade. Plant them in a separate area where they receive appropriate moisture and airflow.
Serviceberry
Serviceberries offer spring flowers, edible berries, and attractive fall foliage. They can work well in mixed edible landscapes, provided there's enough room for both plants to reach maturity without crowding each other.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts can add another edible crop to a larger food garden. However, they can grow into substantial multi-stemmed shrubs and should be positioned far enough from fig trees to minimize shading and root competition.
Blueberries: Better in Separate Beds
Blueberries can be part of the same edible landscape, but they typically require more acidic soil than fig trees. Instead of planting them together in the same root zone, grow blueberries in a separate amended bed or large container where their soil pH and watering can be managed independently.
Spacing matters: Berry bushes and other woody plants can compete with fig trees for light and water. Always check each plant's mature width and maintain enough space for pruning, harvesting, and air circulation.
Annual Flowers and Vegetables to Plant Near Figs
Annuals are excellent companions for fig trees because you can change the planting each year as the tree grows. They also make it easy to add edible crops or seasonal color without committing to large perennial plantings.
Best Annual Flowers
- Marigolds: Bright, easy-to-grow flowers that add warm seasonal color and attract visiting insects.
- Nasturtiums: Edible flowers and leaves that can trail along sunny garden edges. They may attract aphids, but shouldn't be relied upon as guaranteed pest protection.
- Cosmos: Tall, airy flowers that bloom through summer and provide nectar and pollen.
- Zinnias: Colorful summer flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
- Sweet alyssum: A compact flowering annual useful for garden borders and attracting small beneficial insects.
Edible Annuals and Garden Greens
Basil is a natural choice for a sunny edible garden near fig trees. It enjoys warm growing conditions and can be harvested regularly throughout the summer.
Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens may benefit from some afternoon shade during hot weather. These are good candidates for areas along the outer edge of a fig canopy where they still receive enough light.
Strawberries are another possible companion in a sunny border, although they require consistent moisture and should not be planted where vigorous fig roots and heavy shade will limit their growth.
Garden tip: Plant sun-loving flowers and vegetables beyond the outer canopy of the fig tree. Save partially shaded areas for appropriate leafy greens and other plants that tolerate reduced sunlight.
Best Companion Plants for Fig Trees in Containers
Fig trees grow well in large containers, particularly in colder climates where they need winter protection. A potted fig can also provide an attractive focal point on a patio or deck.
Although small annuals can sometimes share a large container with a young fig, the easiest long-term approach is to grow companion plants in separate pots.
Separate containers allow you to adjust watering and soil conditions for each plant while leaving the fig tree's root system undisturbed.
Great Companions for a Potted Fig
- Sweet alyssum: Small, fragrant flowers for surrounding containers.
- Calibrachoa: Colorful trailing flowers that work well in patio displays.
- Petunias: Popular seasonal flowers for sunny containers.
- Thyme: Aromatic, low-growing foliage for a Mediterranean-inspired arrangement.
- Succulents: Attractive contrasting plants when grown in separate containers with appropriate drainage and watering.
Fig trees in containers are generally more vulnerable to winter cold than those growing in the ground. In climates with freezing winters, move dormant figs to a cool, protected location when necessary. Companion pots can be moved or overwintered according to their own hardiness requirements.
Plants You Should Avoid Growing Too Close to Fig Trees
Few common garden plants are automatically incompatible with fig trees. The biggest concerns are usually competition for water, sunlight, and root space, rather than harmful interactions between specific plant species.
Here are several situations to avoid when planning your garden.
Large Trees and Aggressive Shrubs
Avoid planting large woody plants where their mature roots and canopies will overlap heavily with your fig. Too much competition can reduce sunlight, water availability, and fruit production.
Moisture-Loving Plants
Plants that require constantly saturated soil are poor matches for the well-drained conditions figs prefer. Excessively wet soil can contribute to root problems.
Heavy-Feeding Vegetables Directly Under the Canopy
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes aren't inherently harmful to fig trees. However, they need adequate sunlight and nutrients. Growing them directly beneath a mature fig can create unnecessary competition and reduce vegetable yields.
Aggressively Spreading Groundcovers
Some mint varieties, spreading grasses, and vigorous creeping plants can become difficult to control near fig trees. They may compete for water or make maintenance and harvesting more challenging.
Plants With Very Different Soil Requirements
Blueberries are a good example. They require strongly acidic soil, while figs tolerate a broader pH range. Keeping these plants in separate root zones makes it easier to maintain suitable conditions for both.
Companion planting fact: Claims that certain flowers or herbs automatically repel all pests, prevent disease, or improve fruit production are often overstated. Choose companions primarily for compatible growing conditions, sensible spacing, biodiversity, and garden design.
How to Design a Garden Around a Fig Tree
The easiest way to create a beautiful fig tree companion planting is to use the fig as the focal point and arrange smaller plants in layers around it.
This approach creates a natural, balanced appearance while reducing the risk of overcrowding the tree.
Simple Fig Tree Companion Planting Plan
- Center: Plant the fig tree in a sunny location with enough room for its mature canopy and root system.
- Inner area: Maintain a mulched, plant-free zone around the trunk to minimize root competition and protect the bark.
- Middle layer: Add compact herbs or suitable groundcovers near the outer root zone where soil and sunlight conditions are appropriate.
- Outer layer: Plant flowering perennials and annuals such as coneflowers, yarrow, salvia, zinnias, and cosmos where they will receive sufficient sunlight.
- Nearby beds: Grow larger shrubs or berry plants in separate spaces with enough distance to avoid future crowding.
Tips for Long-Term Success
- Plan for mature size. A small fig tree can grow into a large, spreading shrub or tree, depending on the variety and pruning.
- Keep the trunk clear. Maintain a mulch ring without piling mulch against the trunk.
- Provide consistent water. Companion plants can increase competition for soil moisture, particularly during summer fruit development.
- Choose plants suited to your climate. Mediterranean herbs may thrive in warm, dry regions but require different care in humid or cold areas.
- Maintain access. Leave space for harvesting figs, pruning branches, and applying winter protection where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fig Tree Companions
What grows best under a fig tree?
Low-growing plants that tolerate partial shade may grow near the outer canopy of an established fig. However, the area directly around the trunk is best kept mulched and free of competing plants.
Can you plant lavender near a fig tree?
Yes. Lavender can be an excellent companion in sunny, well-drained locations. Keep it away from areas receiving frequent heavy irrigation, since lavender prefers comparatively dry soil once established.
Can strawberries grow near fig trees?
Yes, strawberries can grow in sunny areas near figs if they receive enough water and aren't heavily shaded. Planting them toward the edge of the canopy generally provides better growing conditions than directly beneath mature branches.
Are tomatoes bad companion plants for figs?
No. Tomatoes don't need to be avoided simply because they're members of the nightshade family. However, they require plenty of sunlight, water, and nutrients, so they should be grown far enough away to prevent excessive competition.
Do fig trees need pollinator companion plants?
Most common edible fig varieties grown in home gardens set fruit without insect pollination. Flowering companion plants are still valuable for supporting pollinators and other beneficial insects in the wider garden.
Can you grow companion plants in the same pot as a fig tree?
Small annual flowers may share a sufficiently large container with a young fig, but separate pots are usually better for mature trees. They reduce root competition and make watering, fertilizing, and overwintering easier.
Creating a Beautiful Garden With Fig Trees
The best fig tree companion plants combine attractive foliage, flowers, or edible harvests with compatible growing requirements. Herbs such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, and sage are excellent choices for sunny Mediterranean-style gardens, while flowering perennials and annuals add color and seasonal interest.
Whether you're planting a fig tree in the landscape or growing one in a container, give it enough room to develop healthy roots and branches. With thoughtful spacing and the right plant combinations, your fig can become the centerpiece of a beautiful and productive garden.
Gardening References
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Home Garden Figs. Growing conditions, soil requirements, watering, and fig production.
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Figs: Site Selection. Information about appropriate locations, soil, and climate for fig trees.
- Mississippi State University Extension Service. Establishment and Maintenance of Blueberries. Guidance on the acidic soil conditions required by blueberries.