Companion Plants for Roses

Roses are undoubtedly one of the most beloved flowers in the world. They have been cherished for centuries for their beauty, fragrance, and symbolism. But as much as we love roses, they can also be quite finicky. They are susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses that can weaken or even kill them.

One way to ensure that your roses stay healthy is to plant them with suitable companions. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in a way that benefits both. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best companion plants for roses that can help them thrive.

The Benefits of Companion Planting for Roses

Companion planting offers several benefits for roses, including:

- Pest control: Some plants repel pests that can damage roses, such as aphids, mites, and thrips. Others attract beneficial insects that prey on these pests, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.

- Disease prevention: Certain plants have natural fungicidal properties that can help prevent common rose diseases, such as black spot, powdery mildew, and rust.

- Soil improvement: Many companion plants are nitrogen-fixers, which means they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants. This can improve the soil quality around your roses and help them grow stronger.

- Aesthetic appeal: Choosing attractive companion plants can enhance the overall visual appeal of your garden and make your roses stand out even more.

The Best Companion Plants for Roses

There are many plants that can be grown alongside roses, but some are better suited than others. Here are some of the best companion plants for roses:

1. Lavender

Lavender is a classic companion plant for roses, and for good reason. It has a lovely fragrance that complements the scent of roses, and its purple flowers provide a beautiful contrast to the red, pink, or yellow blooms of roses. In addition, lavender is a natural insect repellent that can help keep pests away from your roses.

How to Plant:

Plant lavender in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as lavender prefers dry soil.

2. Geraniums

Geraniums are another popular choice for companion planting with roses. They have pretty, colorful flowers that bloom throughout the summer, and they are also effective at repelling pests like Japanese beetles.

How to Plant:

Plant geraniums in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as geraniums prefer moderately moist soil.

3. Catmint

Catmint (also known as catnip) is a perennial herb that produces spikes of blue-purple flowers in early summer. It is a great companion plant for roses because it repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests. Plus, it attracts bees and other beneficial insects that can help pollinate your roses.

How to Plant:

Plant catmint in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as catmint prefers moderately dry soil.

4. Alliums

Alliums are members of the onion family and include plants like garlic, chives, and ornamental alliums. They have tall, showy flower heads that bloom in late spring or early summer, and they are effective at repelling aphids, thrips, and other pests.

How to Plant:

Plant alliums in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space the bulbs about 6-8 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as alliums prefer moderately dry soil.

5. Marigolds

Marigolds are annual flowers that come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. They are easy to grow from seed and are effective at repelling nematodes, which can damage roses.

How to Plant:

Plant marigolds in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space the plants about 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as marigolds prefer moderately moist soil.

6. Salvia

Salvia is a genus of flowering plants that includes both annuals and perennials. They have spiky flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, and they are attractive to bees and butterflies. In addition, some varieties of salvia have antifungal properties that can help prevent rose diseases.

How to Plant:

Plant salvia in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as salvia prefers moderately moist soil.

7. Yarrow

Yarrow is a perennial herb that produces clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, yellow, and red. It is a natural insect repellent that can help keep pests away from your roses, and it also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.

How to Plant:

Plant yarrow in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as yarrow prefers moderately dry soil.

8. Daylilies

Daylilies are a type of perennial that produces bright, showy flowers in a range of colors, including orange, yellow, red, and purple. They are easy to grow and can help prevent soil erosion around your roses.

How to Plant:

Plant daylilies in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as daylilies prefer moderately moist soil.

9. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are annual flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They have a peppery scent that repels aphids and other pests, and they are also edible (the flowers, leaves, and seeds can all be eaten).

How to Plant:

Plant nasturtiums in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. Space the plants about 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as nasturtiums prefer moderately moist soil.

10. Oregano

Oregano is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has small, fragrant leaves that are commonly used in cooking, and it is also effective at repelling pests like aphids, spider mites, and thrips.

How to Plant:

Plant oregano in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as oregano prefers moderately dry soil.

11. Peonies

Peonies are a type of perennial that produces large, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They are easy to grow and can help attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden.

How to Plant:

Plant peonies in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. Space the plants about 24-36 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as peonies prefer moderately moist soil.

12. Sage

Sage is a perennial herb that has gray-green leaves and purple or blue flowers. It is effective at repelling pests like cabbage moths, carrot flies, and slugs, and it also has antifungal properties that can help prevent rose diseases.

How to Plant:

Plant sage in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as sage prefers moderately dry soil.

13. Thyme

Thyme is a low-growing herb that has tiny leaves and produces small, delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It is effective at repelling pests like cabbage worms, corn earworms, and cutworms.

How to Plant:

Plant thyme in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space the plants about 6-8 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as thyme prefers moderately dry soil.

14. Zinnias

Zinnias are annual flowers that come in a range of colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, and purple. They are easy to grow from seed and can help attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden.

How to Plant:

Plant zinnias in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space the plants about 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly but do not overwater, as zinnias prefer moderately moist soil.

15. Roses

Yes, roses can be companion plants for other roses! In fact, planting different varieties of roses together can create a beautiful, diverse garden that is more resistant to pests and diseases than a monoculture of one type of rose.

How to Plant:

Plant roses in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Space the plants according to the instructions on the tag or label. Water regularly but do not overwater, as roses prefer moderately moist soil.



Companion planting can be a valuable tool for any gardener, especially those who love roses. By choosing the right companion plants, you can improve the health and beauty of your roses while also creating a more diverse and resilient garden.

Remember to consider factors like pest control, disease prevention, soil improvement, and aesthetic appeal when selecting companion plants for your roses. And don't forget to follow the planting and care instructions for each plant to ensure that they thrive.

FAQs

1. Can I plant vegetables with my roses?

Yes, many vegetables make great companion plants for roses. Some good options include tomatoes, beans, peas, and cucumbers.

2. Do I need to fertilize my companion plants?

Most companion plants do not require additional fertilizer if they are planted in soil that is already rich in nutrients. However, you may want to add some organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting.

3. How often should I water my companion plants?

This will depend on the specific plant and the conditions in your garden. As a general rule, most companion plants prefer moderately moist soil, so you should water them regularly but avoid overwatering.

4. What should I do if my companion plants attract pests?

If your companion plants are attracting pests, you may need to take action to control them. This could include using natural predators like ladybugs or releasing beneficial nematodes into the soil.

5. Can I plant annuals with my roses?

Yes, annual flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and nasturtiums can make great companion plants for roses. Just be sure to choose varieties that will thrive in your growing conditions.