Catnip Loves Company—Here Are 15 Companion Plants to Grow Beside It

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Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a hardy, low-maintenance herb that belongs to the mint family. It features soft, fragrant, silver-green foliage, making it an ideal choice for pollinator gardens, herb patches, or cottage borders. 

Catnip naturally repels pests such as aphids, squash bugs, and flea beetles, making it a great companion planting choice for organic gardeners. But catnip only thrives when planted with the right neighbors, and wilts in the presence of the wrong plants.

Here are 15 excellent companion plants for catnip, along with a few to avoid planting nearby.

1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile and catnip share so many properties. They both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and together they create a dreamy, scented garden that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. 

Chamomile can help improve soil health and may enhance the flavor and vigor of nearby herbs, while catnip helps protect chamomile from common pests, such as aphids. Chamomile is best planted in spring in USDA zones 3 to 9 in well-drained soil. Just watch out for overcrowding, as both plants spread easily.

2. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea, commonly called coneflower, grows tall, and its towering flowers give the low-growing catnip some cover. While it doesn’t directly enhance catnip’s growth, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which improves the overall health of a garden bed. In return, catnip repels pests such as aphids and mites that might harm echinacea. 

Echinacea thrives in similar dry-to-medium soils. Like catnip, it is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun in USDA zones 3 to 9. 

3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula features sunny orange and yellow flowers that brighten up any garden and attract beneficial insects and pollinators. It’s also a great trap crop for common catnip pests, such as aphids and whiteflies. Plant calendula in spring in well-draining soil and full sun. It thrives as an annual in most USDA zones, especially 3 to 9.

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Although catnip and lemon balm are both members of the mint family, their growth habits differ sufficiently that they can coexist if kept trimmed. Lemon balm has a calming scent that blends well with catnip, helping to repel mosquitoes and gnats. It can offer some partial shade to catnip during the hottest part of the day.  

They both share similar water and light needs, thriving in USDA zones 4 to 9. Be sure to plant it in a container or prune it aggressively, as lemon balm can become invasive if left unchecked.

5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a natural companion to catnip for its pest-repelling abilities and drought-tolerant nature. Yarrow attracts parasitic wasps, ladybugs, and lacewings, which help keep aphid populations under control. Yarrow also thrives in USDA zones 3 to 9, growing in full sun and helping to improve soil structure over time.

Plant it close, but not too close to catnip, so they both have enough space to grow without competition.

6. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee balm is a magnet for pollinators, especially hummingbirds and bees. It also helps to reduce the risk of fungal diseases that affect catnip. It grows in USDA zones 4 to 9 and thrives with moderate watering, full sun to partial shade. 

Bee balm’s bold blooms can also help divert attention away from catnip, which can be beneficial for distracting neighborhood cats. 

Related: How to Make Bee Balm Tea

7. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is a low-growing, woody plant, making it an ideal border plant for catnip beds. It attracts pollinators while discouraging fungal growth in nearby plants. Catnip benefits from thyme’s antifungal properties when planted nearby, particularly in humid climates. 

Thyme tolerates dry conditions and full sun, and grows well in USDA zones 5 to 9.

8. Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage has star-shaped blue flowers and is known for attracting pollinators and deterring tomato hornworms. It improves soil health by accumulating minerals in its leaves, which eventually return to the soil when the plant dies. This benefits catnip by enriching the soil without the need for fertilizer.

Borage thrives in USDA zones 3 to 10 and enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, just like catnip.

9. Caraway (Carum carvi)

Caraway’s delicate leaves complement catnip without competing for space. It attracts parasitic wasps and other beneficial insects while improving soil health by loosening compacted soil with its extensive root system.

Grow caraway in full sun in USDA zones 4 to 10. Space both plants properly to prevent overcrowding, especially in raised garden beds.

10. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds and catnip are a dynamic pest-fighting duo. Marigolds help catnip by driving away nematodes and beetles. In return, catnip repels flea beetles and aphids. Marigolds also attract pollinators and brighten up herb beds with their warm, golden blooms. They like full sun and average soil, and grow well in USDA zones 2 to 11.

11. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives contain sulfur compounds that are responsible for their smell. These compounds also help to deter aphids, Japanese beetles, and mites naturally. Chives thrive in USDA zones 3 to 9 and grow well in clumps around the edges of herb beds. 

Their upright, slender form contrasts nicely with catnip’s tendency to flop, and both appreciate full sun and good drainage. Plus, catnip can benefit from the mild shade chives offer as their hollow stems grow taller in mid-summer.

12. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

Tansy isn’t a common garden herb, but it’s an effective natural insect repellent. Planting it near catnip helps discourage ants, flies, and moths, giving it some room to thrive. However, tansy is toxic if ingested and should be planted with care, especially around pets or kids. It prefers full sun and dry, slightly sandy soil in USDA zones 4-8.

13. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Feverfew is a cheerful little flowering plant that adds a bright contrast to catnip’s muted tones. It helps to repel insects like mosquitoes, lice, and mites, while attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on aphids. Feverfew grows best in USDA zones 5 to 9 and prefers full sun and moderate watering. Pair them together to create a low-fuss medicinal herb corner.

14. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage and catnip are drought-resistant, sun-loving herbs that grow well in similar soil conditions. Sage can offer mild protection for catnip by keeping harmful pests, such as cabbage moths and carrot flies, at bay. In turn, catnip’s mosquito-repelling oils help make your sage plants less attractive to larger pests.

Plant them in USDA zones 5 to 9, spacing them to allow for air circulation and prevent mildew.

17 Companion Plants to Grow Next to Sage for Healthier, Larger Crops

15. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums act as trap crops, drawing aphids and flea beetles away from more sensitive crops, such as catnip. Trailing nasturtiums can be used as ground cover or living mulch, while also providing colorful blooms across herb beds. They prefer full sun, and they grow as annuals in USDA zones 2 to 11.

Related: 12 Plants That Benefit From Being Near Nasturtiums

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