Companion Plants for Roses to Keep Pests Away

The importance of companion planting for roses

Roses are some of the most popular flowers in the world, known for their beauty and fragrance. However, just like any other plant, they can easily fall prey to various pests and diseases. Fortunately, there's a natural way to keep these issues at bay - companion planting. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to benefit each other. In this post, we'll discuss some of the best companion plants for roses that will help keep pests away.

to Companion Plants for Roses

Growing roses can be challenging, especially when it comes to pest control. Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and thrips are just a few of the many pests that can wreak havoc on your rose garden. Luckily, there are a variety of companion plants that can help deter these pests from attacking your roses. These plants work by emitting certain scents or chemical compounds that repel pests or by attracting beneficial insects that feed on them.

Basil

Basil is one of the most versatile herbs for companion planting with roses. It not only repels aphids, thrips, and whiteflies but also attracts bees and other pollinators. Plant basil around your roses to help keep pests at bay and improve pollination rates. It's best to plant basil in pots or in a separate bed next to your rose garden.

Growing Basil: Tips and Tricks

Basil is a warm-weather herb that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. You can seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date or sow them directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Basil needs regular watering and fertilization to produce lush foliage. You can harvest basil leaves as needed once the plant reaches a height of 6 to 8 inches.

Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the most popular companion plants for roses due to their strong scent, which repels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on these pests. Plant marigolds around your rose garden to help protect your roses from damage caused by pests.

Growing Marigolds: Tips and Tricks

Marigolds are easy to grow from seed or transplants in well-draining soil and full sun. They need moderate watering and can tolerate some drought. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms throughout the growing season.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes, making it an excellent companion plant for roses. It also attracts bees and other pollinators, which helps with pollination rates. Plant lavender around your rose garden to keep pests away and add a lovely fragrance to your garden.

Growing Lavender: Tips and Tricks

Lavender is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It needs minimal water once established and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape. Harvest lavender flowers as soon as they open in mid-summer for best fragrance and flavor.

Chives

Chives are a great companion plant for roses because they repel Japanese beetles and deter aphids. They also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which feed on aphids and other pests. Plant chives around your rose garden to help control pest populations and improve pollination.

Growing Chives: Tips and Tricks

Chives are a perennial herb that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. They're easy to grow from seed or transplants and can tolerate some drought. Harvest chive leaves as needed once the plant reaches a height of 6 to 8 inches.

Mint

Mint is another versatile herb for companion planting with roses. It repels aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage moths while attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Plant mint around your rose garden to help control pest populations and add a refreshing fragrance to your garden.

Growing Mint: Tips and Tricks

Mint is a hardy perennial that prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It's best grown in pots or containers to prevent it from spreading too much. Harvest mint leaves as needed once the plant reaches a height of 6 to 8 inches.

Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family that repels aphids, squash bugs, and Japanese beetles. It also attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs, which feed on these pests. Plant catnip around your rose garden to help control pest populations and provide a fun distraction for your feline friends.

Growing Catnip: Tips and Tricks

Catnip is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It needs regular watering and benefits from occasional fertilization. Harvest catnip leaves as needed once the plant reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches.

Garlic

Garlic is a pungent plant that repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests. It also has antifungal properties that can help protect your roses from diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. Plant garlic around your rose garden to help control pest populations and improve overall plant health.

Growing Garlic: Tips and Tricks

Garlic is a bulbous plant that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It's best planted in the fall for a summer harvest or in early spring for a fall harvest. Garlic needs regular watering and fertilization to produce healthy bulbs.

Onions

Onions are another pungent plant that repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests. They also have antifungal properties that can help prevent diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. Plant onions around your rose garden to help control pest populations and improve overall plant health.

Growing Onions: Tips and Tricks

Onions are a cool-season crop that prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They're easy to grow from seed or transplants and need regular watering and fertilization to produce healthy bulbs. Harvest onions once the tops begin to yellow and fall over.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a colorful annual flower that repels aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. They also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which feed on these pests. Plant nasturtiums around your rose garden to help control pest populations and add a splash of color to your garden.

Growing Nasturtiums: Tips and Tricks

Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed in well-draining soil and full sun. They need moderate watering and can tolerate some drought. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms throughout the growing season.

Sage

Sage is a fragrant herb that repels cabbage moths and slugs. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on these pests. Plant sage around your rose garden to help control pest populations and add a lovely fragrance to your garden.

Growing Sage: Tips and Tricks

Sage is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It needs minimal water once established and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape. Harvest sage leaves as needed once the plant reaches a height of 6 to 8 inches.

Clematis

Clematis is a climbing vine that repels slugs and snails. It also attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs, which feed on these pests. Plant clematis near your rose garden to help control pest populations and add some vertical interest to your garden.

Growing Clematis: Tips and Tricks

Clematis is a hardy perennial that prefers some shade and moist, well-draining soil. It needs regular watering and fertilization to produce lush foliage and blooms. Train clematis vines to a trellis or other support structure for best results.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a fragrant herb that repels flying insects like mosquitoes and flies. It also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps, which feed on other pests. Plant chamomile around your rose garden to help keep pesky insects away and add a relaxing fragrance to your garden.

Growing Chamomile: Tips and Tricks

Chamomile is an annual or perennial herb that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It's easy to grow from seed and needs moderate watering. Harvest chamomile flowers as soon as they open in mid-summer for best fragrance and flavor.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that repels cabbage moths and bean beetles. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and parasitic wasps, which feed on these pests. Plant rosemary around your rose garden to help control pest populations and add a lovely fragrance to your garden.

Growing Rosemary: Tips and Tricks

Rosemary is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It needs minimal water once established and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape. Harvest rosemary leaves as needed once the plant reaches a height of 6 to 8 inches.



Companion planting is an excellent natural method for controlling pests in your rose garden. By planting some of the herbs and flowers discussed above, you can help keep aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and other pests at bay. Additionally, these plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings, which feed on these pests and help pollinate your roses. Try incorporating some of these companion plants into your rose garden this season and see what a difference they can make.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants grown together for mutual benefit. They can help repel pests, improve soil health, and provide other benefits to each other.

2. Can companion plants really help deter pests in my rose garden?

Yes! Companion plants emit certain scents or chemical compounds that repel pests or attract beneficial insects that feed on them. By planting companion plants around your rose garden, you can help keep pest populations under control.

3. Do I need to plant all of these companion plants in my rose garden?

No, you don't need to plant all of these companion plants. Choose the ones that work best for your garden and the pests you're dealing with.

4. Can I plant these companion plants in pots or containers?

Yes, many of these companion plants can be grown in pots or containers. Just make sure they have enough space to grow and are getting the right amount of sunlight and water.

5. Are these companion plants safe for my roses?

Yes, these companion plants are safe for your roses. In fact, many of them can help improve overall plant health and pollination rates.