Rhubarb Companion Plants: The Best Plants to Grow with Rhubarb

The Benefits of Growing Rhubarb Companion Plants

Rhubarb is a popular garden plant that is prized for its tart, juicy stalks. It is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it an ideal crop for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. However, did you know that growing rhubarb companion plants can provide additional benefits to your garden?

Companion planting involves growing two or more different types of plants in close proximity to each other. This practice has been used for centuries to improve soil health, increase crop yield, and repel pests naturally. By planting compatible plants alongside rhubarb, you can create a healthy and vibrant garden ecosystem that enhances the growth and flavor of all plants involved.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best rhubarb companion plants and how to grow them successfully.

1. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Comfrey is a perennial herb that is native to Europe but now grows worldwide. It is an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it accumulates high levels of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus in its leaves. When planted near rhubarb, comfrey releases these nutrients into the soil, providing a natural fertilizer that promotes healthy growth and strong stalks.

To grow comfrey, plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Comfrey can be propagated by root cuttings or purchased as a plant. Once established, it requires little care and will continue to grow for many years.

How to Use Comfrey in the Garden

Comfrey can be used as a mulch, tea, or liquid fertilizer. To make comfrey tea, chop up fresh or dried comfrey leaves and steep them in water for several weeks. Dilute the resulting liquid with water and use it to water your rhubarb plants. As a mulch, comfrey helps retain moisture in the soil and suppresses weed growth.

2. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Beans are an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because they fix nitrogen in the soil. Rhubarb is a heavy feeder that requires high levels of nitrogen to grow well, so planting beans nearby can help replenish the soil naturally.

To grow beans, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Plant them after the last frost in spring, and provide support for climbing varieties. Beans require consistent watering and regular fertilization to produce a bountiful crop.

How to Use Beans in the Garden

After harvesting your bean crop, leave the roots in the soil to decompose. This process releases nitrogen into the soil, which benefits the surrounding plants. Alternatively, you can cut back the bean plants after harvesting and use the foliage as a green manure.

3. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a natural insect repellent that can help protect rhubarb from pests such as aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites. Its pungent odor masks the scent of other plants and makes them less attractive to pests. Additionally, garlic contains sulfur compounds that can help prevent fungal diseases.

To grow garlic, plant individual cloves in the fall in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Mulch the area to protect the cloves from frost and keep the soil moist. In spring, remove the mulch and fertilize the garlic with a balanced fertilizer.

How to Use Garlic in the Garden

To use garlic as a pest repellent, plant it in between your rhubarb plants or use it as a border around your garden. You can also make a garlic spray by blending garlic bulbs with water and spraying it directly onto your rhubarb plants.

4. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums are a colorful and edible flowering plant that is easy to grow and maintain. They are an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because they attract beneficial insects and repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies.

To grow nasturtiums, plant them in a sunny area with well-draining soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Nasturtiums do not require fertilizer and are drought-tolerant once established.

How to Use Nasturtiums in the Garden

Nasturtiums are great for adding color and texture to salads and other dishes. The flowers, leaves, and stems are all edible and have a peppery flavor similar to watercress. You can also use nasturtiums as a natural insecticide by crushing the leaves and rubbing them on your rhubarb leaves.

5. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives are a hardy perennial herb that is used for its mild onion flavor. They are an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because they deter pests such as Japanese beetles and carrot rust flies.

To grow chives, plant them in a sunny area with well-draining soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Chives require regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Chives in the Garden

Chives can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and salads. They also make a flavorful addition to dips and spreads. To use chives as a pest deterrent, plant them in between your rhubarb plants.

6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a hardy perennial herb that is native to Europe but now grows worldwide. It is an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids and other pests.

To grow yarrow, plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. Yarrow is drought-tolerant and requires little care once established.

How to Use Yarrow in the Garden

Yarrow can be used as a natural insecticide by making a tea from its leaves and spraying it onto your rhubarb plants. It can also be used as a medicinal herb to treat headaches, wounds, and digestive issues.

7. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds are a bright and cheerful flowering plant that is easy to grow and maintain. They are an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because they repel nematodes, which are microscopic worms that attack the roots of plants.

To grow marigolds, plant them in a sunny area with well-draining soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Marigolds require regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Marigolds in the Garden

Marigolds can be used as a natural insecticide by planting them in between your rhubarb plants. You can also use marigold petals to make a natural dye or add them to salads for a pop of color.

8. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint is a hardy perennial herb that is prized for its fragrant leaves and versatility in cooking. It is an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it repels pests such as aphids and whiteflies.

To grow mint, plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Mint requires regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Mint in the Garden

Mint can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and desserts. It also makes a refreshing addition to drinks such as tea and lemonade. To use mint as a pest repellent, plant it in between your rhubarb plants.

9. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

Buckwheat is a fast-growing cover crop that is used to improve soil health and suppress weed growth. It is an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.

To grow buckwheat, plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Buckwheat requires consistent watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Buckwheat in the Garden

Buckwheat can be used as a cover crop to improve soil health and suppress weed growth. Once it has matured, cut it down and use it as a green manure or compost it for use in your garden.

10. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Dill is a hardy annual herb that is prized for its feathery leaves and unique flavor. It is an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it attracts beneficial insects such as honeybees and hoverflies.

To grow dill, plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Dill requires regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Dill in the Garden

Dill can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and pickles. It also makes a flavorful addition to dips and spreads. To use dill as a pest attractant, plant it in between your rhubarb plants.

11. Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)

Chervil is a delicate annual herb that is prized for its mild anise-like flavor. It is an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it attracts beneficial insects such as lacewings and hoverflies.

To grow chervil, plant it in a shady area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Chervil requires regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Chervil in the Garden

Chervil can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and salads. It also makes a flavorful addition to eggs and cheese dishes. To use chervil as a pest attractant, plant it in between your rhubarb plants.

12. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Parsley is a hardy biennial herb that is prized for its bright green leaves and versatility in cooking. It is an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps.

To grow parsley, plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Parsley requires regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Parsley in the Garden

Parsley can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and sauces. It also makes a flavorful addition to salads and pasta dishes. To use parsley as a pest attractant, plant it in between your rhubarb plants.

13. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip is a hardy perennial herb that is prized for its ability to attract cats. However, it is also an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it repels pests such as aphids and flea beetles.

To grow catnip, plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. Catnip requires regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Catnip in the Garden

Catnip can be used as a natural insecticide by crushing the leaves and rubbing them on your rhubarb leaves. It can also be dried and made into a tea to soothe upset stomachs and aid digestion.

14. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

Lovage is a hardy perennial herb that is prized for its celery-like flavor and scent. It is an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.

To grow lovage, plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0. Lovage requires regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Lovage in the Garden

Lovage can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and sauces. It also makes a flavorful addition to salads and sandwiches. To use lovage as a pest attractant, plant it in between your rhubarb plants.

15. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is a delicate annual herb that is prized for its calming properties and mild apple-like flavor. It is an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because it attracts beneficial insects such as hoverflies and parasitic wasps.

To grow chamomile, plant it in a sunny area with well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Chamomile requires regular watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

How to Use Chamomile in the Garden

Chamomile can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes, including teas, desserts, and salads. It also makes a soothing addition to bathwater and can be used to treat skin irritations. To use chamomile as a pest attractant, plant it in between your rhubarb plants.



Incorporating rhubarb companion plants into your garden can provide numerous benefits to your rhubarb crop and the overall health of your garden. By planting compatible plants alongside rhubarb, you can improve soil health, increase crop yield, and repel pests naturally.

Consider trying some of the plants listed above or experimenting with other companion plants that are suited to your growing conditions. With a little planning and care, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden that enhances the growth and flavor of all plants involved.

FAQs

1. Can I grow rhubarb with strawberries?

Yes, rhubarb and strawberries are compatible companion plants. They both prefer slightly acidic soil and benefit from regular watering and fertilization.

2. Will planting beans near rhubarb affect the taste of the rhubarb?

No, planting beans near rhubarb will not affect the taste of the rhubarb. In fact, it may even enhance the flavor by providing natural fertilizer to the soil.

3. How do I prevent pests from eating my rhubarb plants?

Planting pest-repelling companion plants such as garlic, mint, and catnip can help deter pests naturally. You can also use organic insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations.

4. Can I use the leaves of companion plants as mulch?

Yes, the leaves of many companion plants such as comfrey, buckwheat, and marigolds can be used as mulch to suppress weed growth and retain moisture in the soil.

5. Can I grow rhubarb in containers?

Yes, rhubarb can be grown in containers as