Herb & Edible Pairings

Growing Edibles with Plumeria for Beauty, Fragrance, and Function

While plumeria are grown primarily for their stunning blooms and tropical aesthetic, they can also be beautifully—and functionally—paired with edible plants and herbs. When chosen wisely, companion edibles won’t compete with plumeria for water or nutrients and can even enhance garden biodiversity, support pollinators, and add utility to ornamental beds.

This guide explores the best herbs and edible plants to grow alongside plumeria, with a focus on selections that tolerate similar conditions: full sun, fast-draining soil, and dry-to-moderate watering schedules.

Why Pair Edibles with Plumeria?

Note: Avoid planting high-moisture, heavy-feeding vegetables directly under plumeria—stick with drought-tolerant herbs or edible perennials with shallow roots.

Best Herbs to Grow with Plumeria

1. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Growth: Low-growing groundcover
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, thrives in sandy soil
• Use: Culinary, ornamental, attracts bees
• Plumeria Benefit: Acts as a living mulch without crowding roots

2. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

• Growth: Spreading, 6–12″ tall
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Dry, poor soil tolerant
• Use: Culinary and aromatic; pollinator magnet
• Plumeria Benefit: Prevents weed growth around container bases

3. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

• Growth: Annual bush-forming herb, 1–2 ft tall
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Rich, well-draining
• Use: Culinary and companion planting (repels pests like aphids)
• Plumeria Benefit: Aromatic oils may deter soft-bodied insects

4. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

• Growth: Clump-forming; 10–12″ tall
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained
• Use: Edible, mild onion flavor; flowers attract bees
• Plumeria Benefit: Natural antifungal properties may help in pest-prone gardens

5. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

• Growth: Shrubby evergreen, 2–4 ft
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Dry, sandy, excellent drainage
• Use: Culinary, landscape, pollinator-friendly
• Plumeria Benefit: Heat-loving and drought-tolerant; adds structure beneath tall plumeria

6. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

• Growth: Tall, fountain-form grass, up to 3–5 ft
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained but moisture-retentive
• Use: Culinary, mosquito repellent
• Plumeria Benefit: Visual contrast + insect deterrent; ideal at grove edges

7. Mint (Mentha spp.)

• Caution: Plant in containers only—spreads aggressively
• Use: Culinary, medicinal, insect-repelling
• Pairing Tip: Place near plumeria containers but not in the same bed

Best Edible Flowers & Vegetables

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

• Use: Edible flowers and leaves; peppery flavor
• Growing Conditions: Full sun, dry soil
• Companion Role: Attracts aphids away from plumeria and adds bright color contrast

Malabar Spinach (Basella alba)

• Use: Heat-loving leafy green
• Growth: Vining; needs support
• Pairing Tip: Grow near fences or trellises near plumeria, not beneath the trunk
• Bonus: Red-stemmed variety adds ornamental interest

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)

• Use: Succulent edible; lemony flavor
• Growth: Spreading, drought-tolerant
• Plumeria Benefit: Ground-hugging filler that thrives in similar dry conditions

Armenian Cucumber (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus)

• Use: Heat-tolerant vining vegetable
• Pairing Tip: Grow at the plumeria grove edges on trellises
• Caution: Needs water, but tolerates more drought than standard cucumbers

Companion Layout Suggestions

Tips for Success

• Use pine bark mulch as a base and interplant herbs in openings—not directly against the plumeria trunk
• Avoid heavy feeders like corn, tomatoes, or squashes, which can outcompete for nutrients
• Water appropriately—herbs like basil or mint may require more frequent watering than plumeria
• Rotate annual edibles seasonally while keeping permanent herbs like rosemary or chives in place
• Label herbs to distinguish from weeds or volunteers

Conclusion

Pairing herbs and edibles with plumeria is a beautiful and practical way to get more out of your garden. With the right plants—those that thrive in sun and dry soil—you can create a multi-layered growing space that’s fragrant, functional, and supportive of pollinators and natural pest control. Just remember to give your plumeria room to breathe and choose companions that won’t compete for root space or water.

With good planning, your garden can feed both your eyes and your kitchen.