Bee Balm is a gorgeous, vibrant addition to any garden, but it doesn’t always get along with every plant. Some companions can overshadow its beauty, while others might even hinder its growth.
Knowing which plants to avoid is just as important as choosing the right ones. But don’t worry, I’ll also share some fantastic alternatives that will make your Bee Balm shine even brighter.
Let’s explore which plants to keep clear of and what to plant alongside this stunning flower for the best results!
1. Tomatoes
You might think bee balm is a good neighbor for tomatoes, but think again! Tomatoes don’t like the competition for nutrients, and the extra humidity from bee balm can lead to fungal issues.
Additionally, the dense growth of bee balm blocks airflow, which tomatoes desperately need for healthy growth.
2. Peppers
Peppers love the sun but need their space. When planted near bee balm, the intense root competition stunts their growth.
Plus, bee balm attracts pollinators, which could lead to over-pollination for your peppers—definitely not ideal for a thriving crop.
3. Cabbage
For healthy cabbage heads, bee balm has no place in the garden! The pests bee balm attracts, like aphids, will have a field day on cabbage.
The strong scent of bee balm can also interfere with cabbage’s natural pest-repelling abilities, leading to a less-than-ideal harvest.
4. Carrots
If you want straight, healthy carrots, bee balm isn’t the plant to have nearby! Carrots struggle to grow properly when their roots compete with bee balm’s dense root system.
Moreover, bee balm’s love for moisture doesn’t match carrots’ preference for well-drained soil, so it’s best to give them separate beds.
5. Lettuce
A calm, cool environment is ideal for lettuce, but bee balm can stir things up. Its tall, bushy form can create too much shade, which might stunt lettuce growth. The constant buzz of pollinators around bee balm could also make harvesting a bit more hectic than you’d like.
This pairing can lead to less-than-ideal growing conditions for your lettuce. Let’s explore some better companions that will allow both plants to thrive!
6. Broccoli
Keeping broccoli away from bee balm is crucial to prevent a pest problem!
Aphids and cabbage worms thrive in the conditions that bee balm creates, making it harder to protect your crops. Keep these two separated to avoid turning your garden into a bug buffet!
7. Radishes
Root crops, such as radishes, require loose soil to thrive, but the dense root system of bee balm can easily overpower them, resulting in stunted or misshapen crops.
The difference in moisture needs further proves these two should be kept in separate beds for optimal growth.
8. Potatoes
For healthy potato growth, keep bee balm away. Bee balm’s increased humidity can contribute to blight, which potatoes are particularly vulnerable to.
Plus, its strong scent can disrupt the soil balance that potatoes need for healthy growth.
9. Onions
Onions need well-drained soil and minimal competition, which bee balm can definitely disrupt.
Bee balm’s moisture-loving nature can encourage rot in onions, making it important to plant onions far away from this floral powerhouse.
10. Garlic
Much like onions, garlic can struggle near bee balm. Garlic needs airflow and space to develop its bulbs properly.
Bee balm’s dense foliage can trap moisture, increasing the risk of fungal problems that could ruin your garlic harvest.
11. Spinach
Cooler weather is where spinach thrives, but plants that love the heat can create a clash in temperatures. Add in spreading foliage that blocks sunlight, and spinach can quickly become overshadowed.
Keep the heat-loving plants far from spinach for healthy, thriving growth.
12. Zucchini
Plenty of room is essential for zucchini to spread out, but dense growth from nearby plants can block its path.
Zucchini is also prone to fungal diseases, and the moisture-loving nature of surrounding plants only worsens the issue. For a bountiful harvest, ensure zucchini has its own space to grow.
13. Squash
Like zucchini, squash needs room to spread out. Bee balm’s thick growth can block sunlight, which squash desperately needs.
Plus, bee balm can attract pests that are also fond of squash, so it’s best to plant them separately.
14. Beans
When it comes to climbing and spreading, beans need all the room they can get. Unfortunately, dense growth can block that much-needed space.
Beans also don’t thrive in humid conditions, and moisture-loving plants can make things too damp. For healthy growth, give beans plenty of space away from these dense growers.
15. Peas
Space and sunlight are essential for peas to thrive, but dense foliage can quickly block the sun, making those pea vines struggle.
On top of that, they’re sensitive to moisture, and the need for humidity can create soggy conditions. For the best pea growth, steer clear of the dense, humidity-loving plants.
16. Chives
If you want your chives to thrive, they need space and plenty of sunlight, but bee balm’s overpowering growth can easily take over.
The humidity around bee balm can also cause rot in chives, especially in wetter conditions. To give chives the best chance to grow healthy, keep them in a dry, sunny spot away from bee balm.
17. Brussels Sprouts
Cooler weather is ideal for Brussels sprouts, but bee balm loves the heat, making them a poor match. The thick foliage of bee balm can also block sunlight, which Brussels sprouts need to develop properly.
For the best harvest, it’s best to keep bee balm away from Brussels sprouts.
18. Kale
If you want your kale to thrive, it needs plenty of light and air circulation, but dense growth can easily block both. On top of that, both kale and bee balm attract pests like aphids.
Keeping them apart will give your kale the best chance to grow strong and healthy, free from the competition.
19. Turnips
For strong growth, turnips need plenty of room, but bee balm’s roots can crowd them out. This competition for space and nutrients leaves turnips with little to thrive on. As a result, you may end up with smaller, lackluster crops.
Keeping them apart ensures that both plants have the space they need to grow properly. With a little extra space, turnips will be able to reach their full potential.
20. Chard
For chard to thrive, it needs plenty of sunlight and good airflow. Unfortunately, the dense growth of bee balm can easily block that much-needed light and restrict the air around the plants.
To give your chard the best chance to grow strong, it’s best to let it have its own space away from the crowded bee balm.
21. Cauliflower
If you’re hoping for a healthy garden, keeping cauliflower away from bee balm is key! While cauliflower is a magnet for pests, bee balm just seems to attract even more.
On top of that, cauliflower prefers cooler temperatures, which doesn’t quite jive with bee balm’s love for warmth.
22. Echinacea
When it comes to attracting pollinators, few combinations work as perfectly as this dynamic duo! Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are all drawn to their vibrant blooms, creating a buzzing, fluttering spectacle in your garden.
Plus, they thrive in the same sunny spots, making them an easy and stunning pair to grow together.
23. Black-Eyed Susan
Looking to add a burst of color to your garden? Pair bee balm with Black-Eyed Susan. Both plants enjoy similar growing conditions and create a stunning contrast with their blooms.
They’re also low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them perfect for a carefree garden.
24. Lavender
Imagine the calming scent of lavender mixing with the bold fragrance of bee balm – it’s a sensory experience you won’t want to miss. Both plants love the sun and attract plenty of pollinators, making them a perfect match for any garden.
Together, they bring an irresistible fragrance and vibrant colors that create a garden you’ll want to spend all day in!
25. Salvia
If you want to attract more pollinators to your garden, salvia and bee balm are an unbeatable combo.
Their similar growth habits make them compatible companions, and their vibrant colors will turn your garden into a vibrant oasis.
26. Phlox
Looking for a colorful, full garden? Phlox pairs perfectly with bee balm. Blooming around the same time, they create a stunning summer display.
With similar growing conditions, they’re an easy duo to manage, bringing vibrant beauty to your garden.
27. Russian Sage
These plants thrive in well-drained soil and enjoy hot summer days, making them perfect for sunny, dry spots.
The silvery foliage of one contrasts beautifully with the bold colors of the other, creating a striking garden display. Their compatibility adds both texture and vibrancy to any landscape.
28. Astilbe
In a moist garden, these two plants create the perfect pairing. Thriving in wet conditions, they work well together, adding both texture and vibrancy. The feathery blooms offer a soft contrast to the bright, colorful flowers.
Their ability to attract pollinators brings life to any garden. Combined, they form a lush, multi-dimensional display that enhances the overall beauty of the space.
29. Coreopsis
A cheerful burst of yellow from coreopsis brightens up any garden, making it a perfect match for bee balm.
Both plants thrive in the same growing conditions and need little maintenance, with coreopsis’ tall, daisy-like blooms beautifully complementing bee balm’s bushy growth.
30. Daylilies
For an easygoing yet vibrant garden, pair daylilies with bee balm. Both plants thrive in similar conditions, and their bright blooms provide a striking contrast to bee balm’s vibrant colors.
They’re also both low-maintenance, making them a great addition to any garden.