18 Blueberry Companion Plants: The Perfect Ones

Blueberry companion plants are used to provide blueberries with the moisture and nutrients they need to thrive. They can also limit the pest pressure that blueberries often encounter, and would have similar growth requirements.

When planted in a garden, blueberries do best with many compatible companion plants. A complete guide to these companion plants is given below.

Various Types of Blueberry Companion Plants

1. Pine Trees

Pine trees are an excellent choice for companion planting with blueberries, as they create a strong microclimate of moderate humidity and sun that fully benefits the bushes. These evergreen trees also provide deep shade from the scorching heat, which is especially beneficial in warmer climates. 

They would grow well in winter and would protect the bushes of blueberries from some harm coming towards it. On another note, pine trees are ones that would help to loosen the soil and to remove the compactness or stiffness of the soils. Moreover, they would also spread out nutrients, allowing blueberries to access key elements for maximum growth, but what you must do is to let the tree grow very well by the right growth requirements.

2. Mountain Laurel

Mountain laurel is an exceptional companion plant for blueberries due to its ability to withstand cold and acidic soil, and they would thrive when the environment is properly moist, too. Not only does it protect from the wind, but it also acts as a nutrient enhancer that grows alongside the blueberry plant, and it would survive very well. 

On another note, the mountain laurel enhances soil nutrition by depositing various minerals and organic elements needed for the healthy growth of blueberry bushes and when they grow, they would looks very nice together knowing that this plant would bloom in spring and start to show its elliptical shaped leaves. However, you should be careful because different pests such as the weevils or borers can get attracted to them.

3. Oak Trees

Oak Trees are often used as companion plants for blueberries due to the many benefits they bring. They would start to thrive in an environment when they are located in a medium to full sunny location, and in spring, the trees would grow and provide better shade.

These are the kinds of trees that have a vast variety, and they would supply essential nutrients, provide shade and shelter from strong winds, create an attractive landscape feature, and can increase the visibility of blueberry plants in the landscape. Oak trees also produce a plentiful supply of acorn which serves as food for a variety of wildlife.

4. Sage

Sage, a shrub-like, evergreen perennial commonly used in cooking, is also an ideal companion plant for blueberries. This herb’s dense foliage and root system help maintain soil moisture, while its pungent aroma acts as a natural insect repellent to safeguard blueberries from pests. 

This herb would further assist with increasing air circulation among plants and encourages the growth of beneficial organisms. Also, what you should know is that this is the type of herb that is known for its aromatic characteristic, and when it is placed next to a blueberry bush, it would spread its aroma and repel the insects that would harm it. 

5. Thyme

Thyme is an ideal companion plant for blueberries due to its numerous benefits. It can suppress weeds and improve soil aeration, aiding in the proper growth of blueberry bushes. The foliage and flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, which help pollinate the flowers while consuming garden pests. 

In addition, thyme helps increase resistance to disease by serving as a trap crop. However, you should be very detailed that it would be infested by spider mites and aphids, hence when growing thyme, you should be careful.

On another note, remember that thyme is the kind of herb that deer would repel from, and this is due to the strong aroma they tend to release, due to this reason, it is a great choice to plant it next to blueberries, because the latter is one of their favorite fruits to get into your garden and to eat them all. 

6. Strawberry

Strawberries can be used as a beneficial companion plant for blueberries. These two plants have a mutually beneficial relationship, as they require similar soils and growing conditions while providing each other with certain advantages. On another note, they both have very similar growth requirements, such as having a fertile soil and growing in a location where the sun is bright and direct. 

By planting strawberries near or among blueberry bushes, the nitrogen-rich strawberry foliage adds important additional nutrients to the soil, allowing the growth of healthy and productive blueberry plants. When you would provide them both with the right nutrients, the strawberries would start to grow from late May to late July.

7. Lilac

Lilac is an ideal companion plant for blueberries as it can provide several benefits to them. It provides shade throughout the day, producing an area of coolness when temperatures reach their peak. But you should consider placing them in a soil that is well-draining and water the plant only when the fertile soil feels dry, and wait for it in between irrigation sessions, or else the plant would face different issues from excessive watering. 

Moreover, the disease protection is another bonus from planting blueberries near lilacs, although they too would face leaf miners. But overall, their strong resistance to many common diseases helps prevent the spread of disease to the blueberry plants. 

8. Lewisia

The hardy evergreen Lewisia is often thought of as a blueberry companion plant, as it thrives alongside blueberries in many northern climates. Growing up to a foot tall, this is the type of plant that would be able to provide an attractive mid-ground border and fills in space without outcompeting the blueberry’s roots for nutrients. 

In addition to aesthetics, the blooms of the Lewisia attract bees that help facilitate pollination for even larger yields. However, you must be very detailed when growing them, because they can face insects such as snails or slugs attacking them, to find shelter, lay their eggs, and multiply, so before they infest, try to get rid of them, as these are not hard to spot. 

9. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons protect blueberry plants from extreme temperatures, such as frost in winter, and diminish competition for nutrients by creating shade around them. However, when you are growing them, remember that they should be placed in a soil that is half not intensely fertile, and it should be more acidic than neutral. 

They are also suitable for pest control because they possess strong air flows that can reduce humidity and slow the spread of diseases and pests, and this is one of the reasons why gardeners would invest in this plant. On another note, it is important to keep in mind that Rhododendrons need acidic soils rich in organic soil matter.

10. Basil

Basil is an excellent companion plant for blueberries, as it has numerous benefits in the garden. It repels pests, especially mosquitoes, and mites while providing key nutrients to the soil that blueberries need to thrive. They require a soil that is a well draining one, and make sure that you wouldn’t over water it, or else the plant would lose its vibrancy in the aroma, which is the one that would repel different insects away, and the color of the leaves.

In addition to the given, this herb also has anti-fungal properties which can help protect the blueberry plants from fungal diseases. Also note that the basil would increase the yields of fruits by attracting more pollinators when planted near blueberry bushes, and in this case, the plants would have a prosperous result.

11. Azaleas

Azaleas are an excellent companion plant for blueberry plants, as the acidic soil conditions that blueberries prefer also suit azaleas. The shallow root systems of both species make them ideal for locating in the same place, and they offer a pleasing complement to each other visually when blooming simultaneously. 

Azaleas should be planted in such a way as to ensure good air flow around them, because they cannot persist harsh climate as it would cause stress and hinder their growth. On another note, the well draining soil of this plant should also have no air pockets at all, so that the roots would establish well. 

12. Sweet Fern

Sweet fern is an evergreen shrub native to eastern North America. Its aromatic, fern-like leaves are particularly useful for blueberry companion planting as they help suppress weeds and reduce the competition for nutrients between the plants. 

The sweet fern can also provide erosion control due to its deep-rooted nature, helping to stabilize slopes and prevent runoff from roads or other construction projects. But, it is common that this fern would attract different pests towards it such as moths or beetles, and they could even grow in their number as they would lay eggs. 

13. Heaths

Heaths are an important companion plant for blueberries, providing a suite of beneficial resources that boost the health and yield of berry-producing plants. These are the type of plants that would provide unique habitats for natural enemies of pests, reduce soil erosion and increase soil fertility through enhanced root development for the blueberry plant. 

Moreover, it scavenges nutrients from the soil to maintain optimal soil pH levels and hold moisture in soils better than other species. Which means when the growth condition is ideal for the plant, and when it establishes well, they would be prosperous and beneficial for the rest of the companion plants. 

14. Borage

Borage is an excellent blueberry companion plant, providing increased pollination and protection from certain pests. Its edible flowers are bell-shaped with a ring of protruding points around the flower’s edge. 

This star-like shape appeals to bees, drawing in pollinators that encourage healthy fruit production in the blueberry plants, especially in spring time, when they are opening up. Furthermore, Borage also serves as an effective trap crop for blueberries and stony pit insects, and it has a hairy stem and a fragrant flower which would prevent deer and rabbits to come and eat your blueberry shrub.

15. Dill

Dill is an exceptionally beneficial companion plant for blueberries, due to its ability to attract beneficial insects and increase the yield and quality of the crop. Its aroma not only helps to ward off certain insect pests but also helps to deter larger mammals like deer from entering nearby blueberry patches. 

On top of this, dill boosts soil fertility by controlling nitrogen levels, hence it would add the nutrients of the shrub. Also, as both of them have common growing requirements, which is being placed under full sun, and an organic soil. 

16. Parsley

Parsley is an essential companion plant for any blueberry bush. Its leaves release powerful fragrances that act as a deterrent. Additionally, it provides organic fertilizer through its nitrogen-rich foliage and roots, and make sure that you do not water it unless the soil feels dry. 

Note that as they would be releasing their potent chemicals into the soil when plowed in or used as a mulch layer, parsley helps promote better growth and flavor in the blueberry’s edible fruit. 

17. Comfrey

Comfrey is a useful and versatile companion plant to blueberry plants, providing numerous benefits such as boosting nutrient availability in the soil through leaf litter production and mycorrhizal activity. It also acts as a dynamic accumulator, absorbing essential nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and nitrogen which help enrich surrounding soil and the characteristic of it.

18. Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a popular companion plant for blueberry plants due to its attraction to pollinators. The decorative, shapely flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden bed, while the leaf and bark structure provides additional shade and protection from the harsh sun and wind conditions. 

In addition, hydrangeas require little maintenance compared to other companion plants and help conserve soil moisture. Although these plants would attract beetles and slugs, which is why you must be careful of it and try to get rid of them as fast as possible. 

FAQ

Can strawberries and blueberries be planted together?

Yes, strawberries and blueberries can be planted together as they have similar soil requirements.

Where is the best place to plant blueberries?

Blueberries prefer acidic soil with good drainage and partial sun exposure.

Is Miracle Gro good for blueberry bushes?

Miracle Gro can be used for blueberry bushes but it should be used sparingly as excessive use can harm the plant.

Conclusion

There are plenty of blueberry companion plants that you may grow in your blueberry garden.

Different plants will provide different benefits, so here is what we have covered today:

• There are plants such as borage, hydrangea, etc. which are great for attracting pollinators.
• For improving soil conditions, lewisia, sweet fern, heaths, etc. can be good choices.
• If you want to repel harmful pests from blueberry bushes you can cultivate sage, basil, etc.

Now that you have read this article, you have some final thoughts on cultivating companion plants for blueberry bushes. Which ones would you be investing in?

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