Companions for Roses: Selecting the Best Plants for Your Garden

The Importance of Choosing the Right Plants to Accompany Roses

Roses are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular flowers, beloved by gardeners all over the world. But they look even more stunning when planted alongside the right companions. Pairing roses with other plants can enhance their beauty, provide pest control, and improve soil health. In this article, we'll explore some of the best plants to accompany roses and how to create a beautiful garden.

The Basics of Companion Planting with Roses

Before we dive in, let's discuss the basics of companion planting. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to benefit each other. Certain plants make great companions for roses because they attract beneficial insects, repel pests, or provide shade or support. Others simply enhance the beauty of the garden.

When it comes to companion planting with roses, there are a few things to keep in mind:

- Choose plants that have similar sun, water, and soil requirements as roses.
- Avoid planting anything too close to the roses, which could compete for nutrients.
- Consider the height and spread of the plants, so they don't overwhelm the roses.
- Mix and match different types of plants to create a diverse and visually appealing garden.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's take a look at some of the best plants to accompany roses.

1. Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is a classic choice for a rose companion. Its fragrant blooms and attractive foliage add texture and color to the garden. Plus, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help with rose pollination. Lavender also repels pests, making it an excellent natural pest control option.

How to Plant Lavender with Roses

Plant lavender in well-drained soil that receives full sun. Space them about 18-24 inches apart from your roses. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

2. Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint is another great choice for a rose companion. This low-maintenance perennial has pretty blue or purple flowers and soft, silvery-green foliage that complements the beauty of roses. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies while deterring pests like aphids.

How to Plant Catmint with Roses

Plant catmint in well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Catmint likes dry soil, so be careful not to overwater.

3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia is a beautiful and versatile plant that comes in many different colors and varieties. Its striking blooms and fragrant foliage make it an excellent choice for a rose companion. It attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds while repelling pests like deer and rabbits.

How to Plant Salvia with Roses

Plant salvia in well-drained soil that receives full sun. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't let the soil become waterlogged.

4. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of tiny flowers in shades of pink, white, and yellow. It's an excellent choice for a rose companion because it attracts beneficial insects and repels pests like aphids and mosquitoes. Plus, its feathery foliage adds texture and interest to the garden.

How to Plant Yarrow with Roses

Plant yarrow in well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater, as yarrow prefers drier soil.

5. Allium (Allium spp.)

Alliums are showy bulbs that produce spherical flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. They're an excellent choice for a rose companion because they attract bees and other pollinators while deterring pests like aphids and slugs.

How to Plant Alliums with Roses

Plant alliums in well-drained soil that receives full sun. Space them about 6-8 inches apart from your roses. Plant the bulbs at a depth of three times their height and water regularly.

6. Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies are low-maintenance perennials that produce stunning blooms in shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink. They're an excellent choice for a rose companion because they attract beneficial insects and hummingbirds while deterring pests like deer and rabbits.

How to Plant Daylilies with Roses

Plant daylilies in well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater.

7. Geranium (Geranium spp.)

Geraniums are hardy perennials that produce pretty flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. They're an excellent choice for a rose companion because they attract beneficial insects while repelling pests like Japanese beetles and aphids.

How to Plant Geraniums with Roses

Plant geraniums in well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater.

8. Iris (Iris spp.)

Irises are elegant perennials that produce stunning blooms in shades of blue, purple, yellow, and white. They're an excellent choice for a rose companion because they attract beneficial insects while deterring pests like thrips and flea beetles.

How to Plant Irises with Roses

Plant irises in well-drained soil that receives full sun. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater.

9. Peony (Paeonia)

Peonies are classic garden plants that produce large, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. They're an excellent choice for a rose companion because they attract beneficial insects and make a stunning focal point in the garden.

How to Plant Peonies with Roses

Plant peonies in well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade. Space them about 24-36 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater.

10. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is an aromatic herb that produces pretty purple flowers and gray-green foliage. It's an excellent choice for a rose companion because it attracts beneficial insects and repels pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies.

How to Plant Sage with Roses

Plant sage in well-drained soil that receives full sun. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater.

11. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Foxglove is a tall, showy plant that produces spikes of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It's an excellent choice for a rose companion because it attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds while deterring pests like aphids.

How to Plant Foxgloves with Roses

Plant foxgloves in well-drained soil that receives partial shade to full sun. Space them about 18-24 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater.

12. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)

Shasta daisies are cheerful perennials that produce large, white or yellow flowers with bright yellow centers. They're an excellent choice for a rose companion because they attract beneficial insects and make a beautiful backdrop for roses.

How to Plant Shasta Daisies with Roses

Plant shasta daisies in well-drained soil that receives full sun. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater.

13. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a hardy perennial that produces striking purple or pink flowers with spiky centers. It's an excellent choice for a rose companion because it attracts beneficial insects and butterflies while deterring pests like Japanese beetles and aphids.

How to Plant Echinacea with Roses

Plant echinacea in well-drained soil that receives full sun. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater.

14. Ornamental Grasses (Miscanthus spp.)

Ornamental grasses are a beautiful and low-maintenance choice for a rose companion. They add texture, height, and movement to the garden while providing a natural backdrop for roses.

How to Plant Ornamental Grasses with Roses

Plant ornamental grasses in well-drained soil that receives full sun. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Water regularly but don't overwater.

15. Clematis (Clematis spp.)

Clematis is a beautiful climbing vine that produces stunning blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. It's an excellent choice for a rose companion because it adds vertical interest to the garden while complementing the beauty of roses.

How to Plant Clematis with Roses

Plant clematis in well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade. Space them about 12-18 inches apart from your roses. Provide support like a trellis or arbor for the vines to climb.

Frequently Asked Questions About Companion Plants for Roses

1. Can I plant vegetables with roses?

It's best to avoid planting vegetables too close to roses, as they can compete for nutrients and water. However, some vegetables like tomatoes and peppers can benefit from the pollinators attracted by roses.

2. Can I plant annuals with roses?

Yes, annuals like marigolds, petunias, and zinnias make great companions for roses. Just make sure to choose plants with similar light and water requirements.

3. Can I plant herbs with roses?

Yes, herbs like thyme, oregano, and chives can make excellent companions for roses. They attract beneficial insects and repel pests like aphids and beetles.

4. What plants should I avoid planting with roses?

Avoid planting anything too close to the roses that could compete for nutrients or shade them out. Also, avoid planting plants that are susceptible to the same diseases as roses, such as peaches and raspberries.

5. How do I care for companion plants with roses?

Make sure to water companion plants regularly and fertilize them as needed. Prune them as necessary to maintain their size and shape. Watch for any signs of pest or disease problems and treat them promptly.