Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a towering perennial herb, often reaching heights of six feet, distinguished by its hollow stems and large, dark-green leaves. It possesses a strong, aromatic flavor that closely resembles celery, making it a powerful culinary addition. Cultivating this herb successfully involves companion planting, a method designed to maximize garden health and enhance overall yield. Understanding the specific needs of lovage helps gardeners create a mutually beneficial environment for a thriving garden ecosystem.
Understanding Lovage’s Growth Requirements
Lovage is a vigorous herb that demands significant space and rich resources to support its impressive size. Mature plants typically grow between three and six feet tall, requiring substantial structural support from their thick, hollow stems. The plant prefers deep, fertile soil that retains moisture well, as it is a heavy feeder and drinker throughout the growing season.
Lovage develops a deep, thick taproot, which anchors the large plant and mines nutrients and water from lower soil levels. This deep root system dictates which companion plants will thrive nearby without resource competition. Lovage performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade, particularly in climates where intense summer heat might scorch its large leaves.
Ideal Partners for Structural Support
The tall, bushy canopy of lovage creates a valuable microclimate that benefits several garden crops. The dense foliage casts significant shade, which is advantageous for heat-sensitive, shallow-rooted plants that might bolt or burn in direct summer sun. Low-growing, leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and chervil thrive when planted near the base of lovage, utilizing the cooler, shaded soil.
These ground-level plants have short, fibrous root systems that occupy the topsoil layer, avoiding competition with the lovage’s deep taproot. Root vegetables like carrots are excellent companions, as their downward growth does not interfere with the lovage’s lateral root spread. The deep-rooted lovage also draws up subsoil minerals, cycling nutrients to benefit its shallow-rooted neighbors as its lower leaves drop.
Companion Plants for Pest Management
Lovage’s powerful, celery-like aroma is a key factor in its pest management abilities. Its volatile compounds mask the scent of vulnerable crops, acting as a natural deterrent that confuses generalist pests like the cabbage moth and aphids. Placing lovage near brassicas, such as cabbage or broccoli, can significantly reduce the colonization of these common cruciferous pests.
The plant’s large, umbrella-shaped flower heads, characteristic of the parsley family (Apiaceae), are highly attractive to beneficial insects. These umbels provide a broad, accessible landing platform and a dependable source of nectar and pollen for predatory species. Lovage flowers specifically draw in tiny parasitic wasps and lacewings, which are natural enemies of aphids and caterpillars. Companion flowers like marigolds can enhance this effect by deterring nematodes and attracting ladybugs, which consume soft-bodied pests.
Plants to Avoid Planting Nearby
Due to its size and high nutrient demands, certain plants should be kept at a distance from lovage. Crops that are also heavy feeders and possess aggressive root systems will directly compete for water and soil nutrients, resulting in stunted growth for both plants. For instance, potatoes and celery have high demands for resources and are poor neighbors for the vigorous herb.
Fennel must be avoided, as it excretes allelopathic chemicals from its roots that actively suppress the growth of many nearby species, including lovage. Additionally, because a mature lovage plant casts extensive shade, smaller herbs or vegetables that require full sun, such as basil or thyme, should be planted well away from the canopy. Maintaining a minimum distance of three feet helps prevent resource depletion and light deprivation for susceptible companions.