The practice of growing some plants together is not a recent one. This method, which is mostly used for agricultural purposes, has been used for many decades. On the other hand, members of the gardening community have discovered that companion planting is applicable in other contexts outside agriculture.
Some plants help other plants get healthier by repelling harmful insects and lowering the population of harmful insects. This leads to an overall improvement in plant health. However, in other circumstances, companion planting might be undertaken for no other reason than the fact that particular plants look fantastic when grown together.
Planting Rose companion plants
It is important to remember to plant rose buds at a distance of at least one foot away from your roses in order to avoid disturbing the roses’ roots. When working in your rose garden, you could find that three gauntlet gloves made of leather are useful. Leather that is resistant to thorns is made of kidskin, and the stress areas at the thumb and fingers are strengthened so that the gloves will survive for a long time.
By using proper pruning techniques, you may give your roses a strong and open structure that is healthy. Always ensure that there is enough airflow around your plants to assist in warding off attacks from unwanted pests and illnesses. If you take good care of your roses, you’ll be able to fill the space around them with a lot of different and fascinating companions.
Rose Companion plants for a beautiful garden
Roses are beautiful even when grown in isolation in any setting; nevertheless, there are instances when you may want to add a little something more to the mix. The easiest method to do this is to cultivate other plants, such as flowers or herbs, that are beneficial to your rose bushes and go well with them.
These 12 plants are wonderful for any conventional or non-traditional rose garden since they either look fantastic with roses, grow in the same circumstances, or assist your roses out in some way.
- Foxgloves
- Alyssum
- Lady’s Mantle
- Baby’s Breath
- Shasta Daisy
- Snapdragons
- Alliums
- Sage
- Pincushions
Foxgloves
Roses look particularly lovely when paired with tall plants, especially foxgloves. They form a beautiful pair when planted together and provide fascinating borders along long paths when used in this manner.
The tubular blooms of foxgloves bloom in late summer and may be a variety of colors, including pink, white, purple, and even yellow; this range of colors is the perfect complement to any rose.
Foxgloves are able to thrive in a variety of light environments, from partial shade to full exposure to the sun. The quantity of sunshine that foxgloves may need might be determined by your climate. In regions with a lower average temperature, they will be able to spend more time in the sun, but in regions with a higher average temperature, they will benefit more from spending time in the shade.
Foxgloves are hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, however, they have a low tolerance for extended exposure to hot temperatures. Alongside your roses, foxgloves will remain robust and tall if the soil they are grown in drains water efficiently.
Alyssum
The low-growing habit of alyssum results in a stunning carpet of blooms in a range of pastel tones. It only appears more beautiful when it’s accompanied by flowers.
Alyssum, much like lavender, thrives in climates ranging from Zones 5 to 9 and prefers well-drained, nutrient-dense soil. However, alyssums do not thrive in direct sunlight, particularly in regions with higher average temperatures. They are an excellent option for gardeners who reside in warm regions and are trying to add something to their flower beds in cooler portions of their gardens.
They have a scent that is comparable to honey and, when combined with the roses in your yard, create an atmosphere that is impossible to resist.
Lady’s Mantle
The lady’s mantle is the ideal perennial companion for typical cottage gardens filled with roses. It has little blooms that are yellow and make a ground cover despite its very modest height. Even better, it makes for an attractive border plant and is a possibility if you are looking for a simple plant that you can use to hide the stems of your towering roses.
Although it may grow in a variety of light, a lady’s mantle does best when it receives partial shade. It is possible for it to thrive in direct sunlight, but you need to watch out for sunscalds. Although it is not too particular about the environment, a lady’s mantle will not thrive in soil that is always wet. Any kind of soil that drains well is ideal, but not required.
Even though the lady’s mantel is able to adjust well to varying temperatures, it does need more shade in warmer regions. USDA Zones 3-7 are optimal for its growth.
Baby’s Breath
Baby’s breath is a flower that may be found in many different kinds of bouquets and floral arrangements. Its delicate flower clouds of gentle white and pink never get old in gardens, particularly when combined with deeper orange and red roses.
Gardeners who wish to create a floral highlight in their garden with as little work as possible can consider using baby’s breath as their focal point plant of choice. This hardy perennial requires plenty of drainage in the soil, which is a common denominator with these companion plants.
The plant known as a baby’s breath has to be grown in direct sunlight but does not require a lot of water. It can withstand dry conditions and performs better in arid environments than in wet ones (USDA Zones 3-9).
In the yard and in arrangements of cut flowers, roses, and baby’s breath are a lovely combination that beautifully complements and enhances one another.
Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies, much like roses, are a traditional staple in landscape design. They are easily recognizable because to their white petals with yellow centers. The delicacy of roses of any color looks beautiful when contrasted with the straightforward beauty of this flower.
Shasta daisies are hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, and they thrive in soil that drains well and receives full sun. This plant is relatively drought resistant, but it cannot withstand extended periods of temperatures that are very hot or cold. Shasta daisies are low-maintenance plants that need very little water after they have been established and are simple to care for as long as the temperatures stay consistent.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a spring delight, for gardeners and bumblebees alike. The long, snout-shaped blossoms of this plant provide for an interesting contrast to the forms of roses. In order to create an appealing flower arrangement, snapdragons are used to fill in the spaces. Your garden will be covered with flower wonders of practically every color, giving it a vibrant and colorful appearance.
To create the enchanted effect you want, make sure your snapdragons get enough of sunlight and, in hotter climates, some partial shade. Although they are hardy in USDA Zones 7-11, they thrive best in locations with lower average temperatures.
As a result of the different periods at which they bloom, it is possible that you will not be able to see the two together. They need a little more watering than most other perennials, but this is a little price to pay for the warm flowers they produce.
Pincushions
Now we will return to couples that are gorgeous. Pincushion blooms are delicate yet appealing, and they provide a little of life to the area surrounding the rose’s base.
Your rose garden might benefit greatly from the addition of pincushions if you are the kind of person who likes to pluck flowers and display them in your house. Along the lowest part of your rose bushes, its numerous hues will stand out beautifully.
Pincushions need relatively little attention and are most successful in warm, humid regions. Temperatures that are too hot, too cold, or have a high humidity level are all undesirable (USDA Zones 3-7). These plants thrive in bright, sunny locations and need a lot of light in order to produce the stunning flowers for which they are famous.
In regions with higher average temperatures, the requirement for midday shade is more likely. After they have been established, pincushions can live without water for some time (the exact amount of time varies depending on the weather). Because of this, pincushions are a blooming plant that is an additional simple but lovely companion for your roses.
Companion Plants to Keep Pests Away
If you have ever planted roses, you know that roses often get attacked by varieties of pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and diseases like black spots. This makes the rose’s growth stunt and we won’t be able to enjoy its beautiful bloom. However, this problem can be solved by planting suitable companion plants with roses.
Companion plants help to deter pests and diseases naturally. Some plants make great pairs with roses and shine together.
Here, I listed the best companion plants for roses. Grow roses along with these companion plants and you will experience bright, sweet smell blooms without any diseases.
The number one problem we face while growing any plant is pests and diseases. Watching your plant every day isn’t possible and if plants get infected it’s hard to cure them. Some companion plants may help keep pests away without using chemicals because they have natural pests repellent leaves, flowers, or roots.
Members of the Allium family
Roses do great with allium family plants such as chives, garlic, edible onions, and ornamental alliums. Planting roses with these plants increase their perfume and wardens off pests and prevents black spots. While garlic and chives are mostly recommended, however one can also grow ornamental alliums.
- Chives
- Garlic
- Ornamental alliums
- leeks
Related Post: How to Grow Chives
Herbal companion for roses
Herbs and other aromatic plants make wonderful companions with roses and help to deter aphids and Japanese beetles.
- Parsley (Petroselinum)
- Thyme (Thymus)
- Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium)
- Russian-sage (Perovskia)
Flower companion that deters pests
Many flowers have some growth requirements similar to roses, these flowers do not compete aggressively with roses. what’s better than to plant a companion that looks wonderful with roses? Plus protects from pests and diseases. Below are some companion flowers for roses to deter pests.
Marigolds (Tagetes)
Marigolds if you’re doing gardening for a long time you know marigolds are a great trap plant for pests. They do well with roses.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Make a pair of your roses with a beautiful purple color lavender. They both have a sweet fragrance that attracts many beneficial insects and pollinators. Lavender also deters rabbits.
Yarrow
Grow yarrow along with roses to protect from aphids. Yarrow attracts ladybugs who will eat any nearby aphids. Know more about Yarrow companion plants.
Geranium
Plant roses with geranium to repel Japanese beetles rose beetles and aphids.
Companion plants for roses in containers
Roses are generally upright plants that empty near the bottom, plants hugging flowers around its base is a good idea to cover the bare ground.
- Annuals: Annual phlox, Heliotrope, Alyssum, Larkspur, Pansies, Million Bells, Flowering Tobacco.
- Perennials: Anise, hyssop, Catmint, Bellflower, Baptisia, Lady’s Mantle, Garden Phlox, Lavender, Lilies, Russian Sage, Spurge, Yarrow, Wormwood.
The plant you should avoid planting near roses
There are three types of plants you should avoid growing near roses:
- Plants that might cast a shadow on roses. Rose is a sun-loving plant, do not plant with companion plants that cast shadow over them.
- Avoid plants whose roots spread too far and might encroach on the root system of the rose.
- Finally, avoid companion plants that are invasive or uncontrollable spreading.
Keeping these factors in mind, there are some plant species that are not ideal companions for roses:
- Fuchsia – This plant cannot flourish without the presence of shade, as well as nutrient-dense and wet soil.
- Bunchberry – need a lot of water and shade in order to grow.
- Leopard plants – require soil that is wet and little more alkaline than neutral. They also like the shade.
- Toad lilies – require soil with good drainage, yet they thrive in complete shadow.
Did I Miss Anything?
Now I’d like to hear from you: which plant from today’s post are you going to try first? Or maybe, I didn’t mention your favorite plant. Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
Before going if you want to grow beautiful flowers in your garden? Then click on these articles also.
Hey! I’m Madhuresh, a passionate content creator, and a Plant lover. I created Shiny Plant to explore and learn about new plants. The purpose is to provide simple and effective Gardening Tips. Hope you’ll find this informative.