With the right plants, you can transform the spaces under your citrus trees into stunning, colorful retreats.
These citrus tree companion plants not only create a beautiful understory but also offer incredible benefits for both you and your citrus trees.
Perfect Picks for Under Your Citrus Trees
1. Marigolds
Bright and cheerful, Marigolds are a gardener’s delight when planted under citrus trees.
Their ability to repel pests and enhance soil health, while attracting pollinators, makes them a valuable addition.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, these flowers are both low-maintenance and visually striking.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-11
Flowering Season: Spring to Summer
Average Mature Size: 6 inches to 3 feet tall, 6 inches to 2 feet wide
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Tagetes
2. Clovers
Beneficial for soil health, Clovers are great for planting under citrus trees, as they fix nitrogen and improve soil structure.
These low-growing plants thrive in a variety of conditions and provide excellent ground cover.
Clovers also attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-10
Flowering Season: Spring to Summer
Average Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall, 12 to 18 inches wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Trifolium
3. Petunias
Colorful and versatile, Petunias thrive under citrus trees, adding a splash of brightness to the garden.
These flowers attract beneficial pollinators while being relatively easy to care for.
Ideal for filling gaps and providing ground cover, they flourish in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
USDA Growing Zone: 9-11
Flowering Season: Spring to Fall
Average Mature Size: 6 to 18 inches tall, 1 to 3 feet wide
Type: Perennial (often grown as an annual)
Botanical Name: Petunia
4. Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and aromatic plant that thrives under citrus trees, attracting pollinators and repelling pests.
This drought-tolerant herb prefers sunny, well-drained spots and offers numerous culinary and medicinal uses.
Lavender is also easy to maintain and adds elegance to the garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Flowering Season: Summer
Average Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet tall, 2 to 4 feet wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Lavandula
5. Borage
Borage is a wonderful companion for citrus trees, known for its striking blue flowers and ability to attract pollinators.
This hardy plant also improves soil health and can deter pests.
Thriving in sunny spots, it requires minimal care and adds a touch of charm to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-11
Flowering Season: Spring to Summer
Average Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
6. Nasturtium
Vibrant and versatile, Nasturtiums make excellent companions for citrus trees, adding a burst of color while deterring pests.
Their edible flowers and leaves also attract beneficial pollinators.
Easy to grow in sunny spots, these plants are both beautiful and practical.
USDA Growing Zone: 9-11
Flowering Season: Spring to Fall
Average Mature Size: 1 to 10 feet tall, 1 to 3 feet wide
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Tropaeolum majus
7. Yarrow
Yarrow is a great choice for planting under citrus trees, offering both beauty and practicality.
Its clusters of tiny flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while its deep roots improve soil structure.
Thriving in sunny spots, Yarrow is hardy and low-maintenance.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Flowering Season: Spring to Fall
Average Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium
8. Dill
Adding Dill under citrus trees can enhance garden health with its pest-repelling properties and delicate, feathery foliage.
This aromatic herb attracts beneficial insects and thrives in sunny, well-drained spots.
Easy to grow, Dill also offers culinary benefits, making it both functional and decorative.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-11
Flowering Season: Summer
Average Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens
9. Sweet Alyssum
Known for its delicate, fragrant flowers, Sweet Alyssum is an excellent choice for planting under citrus trees.
It attracts beneficial insects and provides ground cover, helping to retain soil moisture.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Flowering Season: Spring to Fall
Average Mature Size: 3 to 9 inches tall, 6 to 12 inches wide
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima
10. Fennel
Perfect for planting under citrus trees, Fennel offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.
This aromatic herb attracts beneficial insects and deters pests with its fragrant foliage.
Thriving in sunny, well-drained soil, Fennel is easy to grow and provides culinary uses as well.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Flowering Season: Summer to Fall
Average Mature Size: 4 to 6 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Perennial (grown as an annual in some regions)
Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare
11. Lemon Balm
Ideal for planting under citrus trees, Lemon Balm adds a delightful fragrance and attracts pollinators.
Known for its pest-repelling properties, this hardy herb thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.
Lemon Balm is also easy to grow and offers numerous culinary and medicinal benefits.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Flowering Season: Summer
Average Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
12. Parsley
Thriving under citrus trees, Parsley is a versatile herb that attracts beneficial insects and enhances soil health.
Its lush, green foliage adds a refreshing touch to the garden.
Easy to grow in partial shade, Parsley is perfect for culinary uses and requires minimal care.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Flowering Season: Spring to Fall
Average Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Biennial (grown as an annual)
Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
13. Tansy
Planting Tansy under citrus trees offers numerous benefits, including pest control and improved soil health.
With its vibrant yellow flowers, Tansy attracts beneficial insects while deterring pests.
This hardy plant thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil, adding both beauty and functionality to the garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Flowering Season: Summer
Average Mature Size: 2 to 4 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Tanacetum vulgare
14. Peas
Peas make an excellent companion for citrus trees, enriching the soil with nitrogen and providing lush greenery.
These climbing plants thrive in well-drained soil and sunny spots.
Easy to grow, Peas also offer delicious and nutritious pods, making them a practical addition to your garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-11
Flowering Season: Spring to Summer
Average Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Pisum sativum
15. Alfalfa
Growing Alfalfa under citrus trees enhances soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and improving soil structure.
This resilient plant thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil, providing lush green cover.
Ideal for improving soil health, Alfalfa is also easy to maintain and beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-10
Flowering Season: Spring to Fall
Average Mature Size: 1 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Medicago sativa
16. Calendula
Bright and cheerful, Calendula thrives under citrus trees, attracting beneficial insects and repelling pests.
Its vibrant blooms add a splash of color and charm to the garden.
This hardy plant grows well in sunny, well-drained spots and offers both aesthetic and medicinal benefits.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-11
Flowering Season: Spring to Fall
Average Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 1.5 feet wide
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
17. Basil
Aromatic and versatile, Basil is ideal for growing under citrus trees, offering both culinary and pest-repelling benefits.
This herb attracts pollinators and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations.
Basil is easy to grow and a valuable addition to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 10-11 (grown as an annual in most regions)
Flowering Season: Summer
Average Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
18. Thyme
Perfect for planting under citrus trees, Thyme offers aromatic foliage and attracts beneficial insects.
This hardy herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, providing ground cover and enhancing garden health.
Thyme is also a versatile culinary herb.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Flowering Season: Spring to Summer
Average Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall, 12 to 18 inches wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
19. Rosemary
Ideal for planting under citrus trees, Rosemary is a hardy herb that offers aromatic foliage and deters pests.
This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and attracts beneficial insects.
Rosemary is easy to grow and perfect for using in cooking.
USDA Growing Zone: 8-10
Flowering Season: Spring to Summer
Average Mature Size: 3 to 5 feet tall, 2 to 4 feet wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Salvia rosmarinus
20. Cilantro
Versatile and easy to grow, Cilantro thrives under citrus trees, attracting beneficial insects and enhancing the garden.
This herb prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, offering fresh leaves for culinary use.
Cilantro’s fast growth makes it a valuable addition to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-11
Flowering Season: Spring to Fall
Average Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 1.5 feet wide
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
21. Mint
Thriving under citrus trees, Mint provides aromatic foliage that repels pests and attracts beneficial insects.
This hardy plant spreads quickly, making it excellent for ground cover.
Mint prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, and is perfect for culinary use.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-11
Flowering Season: Summer
Average Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Mentha
22. Black-eyed Susan
Bright and cheerful, Black-eyed Susans are ideal for planting under citrus trees, attracting pollinators and adding vibrant color to the garden.
These hardy flowers thrive in sunny, well-drained areas and are low-maintenance, making them a great choice for enhancing garden aesthetics.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Flowering Season: Summer to Fall
Average Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta
23. Lemongrass
Adding Lemongrass under citrus trees provides aromatic foliage that deters pests and attracts beneficial insects.
This tall, grassy plant thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and requires minimal maintenance. Lemongrass is also valuable for culinary and medicinal uses.
USDA Growing Zone: 9-11
Flowering Season: Summer to Fall
Average Mature Size: 3 to 5 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
Type: Perennial (grown as an annual in cooler climates)
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus
24. Comfrey
Comfrey is a beneficial plant to grow under citrus trees, known for its deep roots that improve soil structure and nutrient content.
This hardy plant thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. Comfrey’s large, attractive leaves add lush greenery to the garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Flowering Season: Late Spring to Summer
Average Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
Type: Perennial
Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale
25. Garlic
Growing Garlic under citrus trees is beneficial for pest control and soil health. Its pungent aroma deters harmful insects while its roots improve soil structure.
Garlic thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and is easy to grow, providing both culinary and health benefits.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Flowering Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Average Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, 6 to 12 inches wide
Type: Perennial (grown as an annual)
Botanical Name: Allium sativum
Things To Consider Before Planting
When planning to plant under your citrus trees, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
- Sunlight Needs: Most companion plants need plenty of sunlight. Make sure your citrus tree allows enough light to reach the ground below, especially if it’s a dense canopy.
- Water Requirements: Both your citrus trees and companion plants should have similar water needs. Overwatering or underwatering can harm one or both, so it’s crucial to balance their hydration.
- Root Competition: Be mindful of root space. Citrus trees have extensive root systems that can compete with other plants. Choose shallow-rooted companions to avoid crowding.
- Soil Health: Companion plants can improve soil health, but it’s a good idea to start with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Adding organic mulch can also help retain moisture and provide nutrients.
- Pest Control: One of the perks of companion planting is natural pest control. Select plants that repel pests or attract beneficial insects to help protect your citrus trees.
- Growth Habits: Consider the growth habits of your companion plants. Fast-spreading plants might take over the area, while taller plants might compete for light. Aim for a balanced mix to keep your garden harmonious.
Want More?
If you enjoyed finding the perfect plants for under your citrus trees, you’ll love these ideas.
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These ideas will help you create a lush and thriving garden.
