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Discover 21 of my favorite companion plants for roses to enhance beauty, help deter pests, improve soil health, and extend the blooming season.
I ’ve always loved growing roses , but I quickly learned they are even good when copulate with the right companion plant . Over the twelvemonth , I ’ve experiment with different flowers , herbaceous plant , and earth spread over to incur the good combinations that not only heighten the beauty of my garden but also help keep plague off , improve soil health , and carry the blooming season .
Choosing the right-hand companion plants can make a deviation if you want to grow healthier , more vibrant rose without relying on harsh chemicals . In this guide , I ’ll share 21 of the best plants to grow alongside roses and excuse why they wreak so well together .
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Note : This list of plants is what I have grown with my roses . There are many more choices out there for you to try . Experimentation in your garden will supply you with the dear familiar plants for your climate and circumstance .
Why Use Companion Plants for Roses?
Companion plant with roses offers several key benefit :
21 Favorite Companion Plants for Roses
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender drive aphids and beetles while attracting pollinators . Its silvern leaf and purple flowers supply a beautiful contrast to rose , so even when it is n’t blooming , it complement the roses .
Aim for curt ontogeny or dwarf varieties so they do n’t draw a blank airflow or the visibleness of your beautiful rose .
2. Nepeta (Nepeta spp.)
A low - maintenance perennial , the strong scent deters aphid and Nipponese beetles while suppressing gage . Its soft , mound use full complement the construction of roseate bushes .
Be sure and do not grow the more strong-growing catnip that can not only inundate your rose wine but reseed so much that is takes over and becomes weedy .
I prefer the shorter growing specimen like Cat ’s Pajamas , Kitten Around , and Junior Walker with my pink wine . Junior Walker has been a spectacular flower machine all summer long in my garden !
Grow Nepeta in Your Garden
3. Shasta Daisies
Shasta daisies make splendid comrade plants for pink wine , adding a smart and upbeat contact to the garden while providing practical welfare . Their uncompromising stems and bushy growth help produce a natural support system , filling in gap between roseate bushes without vie for resources .
Shasta daisy also attract pollinators like bee and butterflies , which can improve overall garden wellness . to boot , their resilience to pests and diseases build them a abject - maintenance choice , while their long - lasting blooms complement the elegance of blush wine , extending ocular interest throughout the raise season .
Another plus is I have found that when daisies are plant in front of my blush wine the deer lean to leave them alone . I find this by accident but test it again over the next few years and found it very effective .
Now we all have it away that very thirsty cervid will eat anything , and nothing is in truth deer proof , but planting daisies with my roses has kept them from being eaten .
Grow Dasies with Ease!
4. Alliums (Allium spp.)
Onions , garlic , and ornamental genus Allium discourage aphids and attract beneficials but be warn : gophers love to eat them despite what many garden sites evidence you . recurrent or herbaceous alliums bloom of youth later in the season than the medulla - grown alliums .
Be aware that the repeated alliums do spread readily by seed . So if you do n’t desire them to take over ensure todeadheadthem as the blooms begin to fade and before they go to seed !
Some hoi polloi take that planting them alongside roses can forbid black office and mildew , but this is an honest-to-god wives tale . They only serve with fungal offspring if you create a resolution from their leaf or flowers and spray it directly on the roses . Simply acquire them nearby will not preclude shameful spot , making this belief more of agardening myththan a evidence method acting .
5. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantine)
Lamb ’s ear is a rattling companion industrial plant for rose , offering both hardheaded and aesthetic benefits . Its subdued , silvery foliage provides a beautiful direct contrast to the vibrant colour of rosaceous flush , lend grain and optical interest to the garden .
As a drought - tolerant ground binding , lamb ’s auricle help retain soil wet and suppress gage , reducing competition for nutrients . to boot , its fuzzed farewell make it unappealing to cervid and rabbits , offering some natural protection for nearby rose .
With its low - sustainment nature and ability to thrive in well - drain soil , lamb ’s ear is an splendid choice for occupy in outer space around rose bushes while enhancing the overall garden intent .
I prefer the lower - spring up 1 like Little Lamb and Silver Carpet .
6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow pull in beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewing fly , which help master aphid and caterpillars .
Yarrow occur in a load for color but be warn , more and more areas are worried about it becoming invasive , even though common Yarrow is a indigen . I have had no issues with it but then if I find something becoming a bully , I dig it out and dispose of it .
There are nanus smorgasbord now , and I have had none of those reseed themselves or disperse by secret rhizomes .
Grow Yarrow from Seed!
7. Zonal Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Geraniums aid manipulate Nipponese beetles by acting as a rude trap . The petals of certain geranium varieties , particularly zonary geranium ( Pelargonium spp . ) , contain compounds that temporarily paralyse Nipponese beetles when they fertilise on the flowers .
After consume the flower petal , the beetle become sluggish or immobilized for several hours , making them more vulnerable to predators or light to transfer by hand .
While geraniums do not completely pass Nipponese beetles , planting them near roses can help lose weight beetle population by disrupting their feeding patterns and get them more susceptible to rude control methods .
Many say to imbed them away from the plants you wish to protect instead of among them , but you opt how you want to go about it . If you have a problem and desire to plant them with your roses , take a bucket of soapy urine when you take the air the garden each Clarence Shepard Day Jr. and coldcock the comatose beetles into it .
Grow Geraniums from Seed!
8. Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
Foxgloves benefit rosiness in several ways , making them a valuable companion plant in the garden . Their tall , spiky blooms furnish shade and malarky tribute for rose , assist to create a more shelter microclimate .
Foxgloves also attract good pollinators like bee and hummingbirds , which can improve the overall health and vitality of the garden . to boot , their thick roots help with tough soil , improving drain and aeration — condition that roses thrive in .
Some gardeners also trust that foxgloves firing natural compounds into the soil that can promote the growth and resiliency of nearby plant , though this is more anecdotal than scientifically establish . Regardless , their striking presence and ability to enhance biodiversity make foxgloves a fantastic companion for rose . Plus they are so simple to raise .
They are done blooming betimes in the season yet gentle to pull out or abridge back to neaten thing up .
Growing Foxgloves without Fear
9. Salvias (Salvia spp.)
Salvias are an excellent familiar plant for roses , offering a divers option of species that provide both decorative beauty and practical benefits . These hardy , drought - kind plant life belong to theSalviagenus , which includes hundred of variety , ranging from compact , low - grow ground covers to tall , showy perennial .
Their long - durable , tubelike flowers salad days in shades of dreary , purple , pink , red , and blanched , creating a spectacular direct contrast to the romantic , rounded blooms of rose . Salvias pull in a broad chain of pollinators , including bees , butterflies , and hummingbirds , which aid enhance biodiversity and defend a healthy garden ecosystem .
Some varieties , such as woodland sages ( Salvia nemorosa ) , are known for their upright outgrowth habit and spiky blossom bunch , making them idealistic for add together vertical interest . Others , like mealycup sage ( Salvia farinacea ) , supply uninterrupted flush from spring through tumble , extend color in the garden long after roses have finished their independent blush .
Additionally , redolent salvia such asSalvia officinalis(common sage ) andSalvia elegans(pineapple sage ) help deter common rose pests , including aphid and Japanese mallet , while contributing fragrant foliation that sum another sensory element to the garden .
With their downcast - sustenance nature , impedance to cervid and hare , and adaptability to various growing experimental condition , salvias make a rattling choice for complementing and protect roses in any garden context .
The hard part is narrowing down which one you need to tot . In my garden the woodland sage is an other boo-boo with sporadic bloom after deadheading but still beautiful and stay shorter . The pineapple salvia can grow on the orotund side , but the scent is amazing and delightful . Plus , the scent is also think of to repel mosquitoes . I will quiz it this next time of year and countenance you know how well that works .
Discover the Wide World of Salvias
10. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
A classic pairing , clematiscan climb trellis near rosiness , offering vertical color and extending the blooming season . I love growing clematis and climbing roses together on an arbor or obelisk !
11. Petunias
Petunias make excellent comrade plant for rose wine , offer both aesthetic collection and practical benefits . Their colourful , trumpet - shape blossom bloom unendingly throughout the farm time of year , providing a vibrant contrast to the classic elegance of rose .
Petunias ’ spreading increase use work as a innate land screening , suppressing weeds and aid to keep on soil moisture around rosaceous bushes . Available in a wide mountain chain of colors , from soft pastels to bold , vibrant hues , petunias can be easily matched to complement different rose varieties .
Their adaptability to containers , delimitation , and garden beds makes them a versatile option for enhancing the beaut and health of a roseate garden . With minimal caution requirements and continuous blooms , petunias are a worthful addition to any roseate planting .
Petunias can easy be grown from come in a super budget - friendly way to fill up a garden bed or consumption as a ground blanket with roses . They are shallow rooted so they will not compete for resources .
Grow Petunias from Seed
12. Veronica
Veronicas , also known as speedwell , make first-class fellow traveller industrial plant for roses due to their elegant , spiky bloom spike heel and crushed - care nature . Their erect growth add together height and grain , beautifully complementing the rounded form of roseate blooms .
Veronicas pull pollinators such as bees and butterflies , enhancing the garden ’s biodiversity while supporting rose health . to boot , their resistance to gadfly and diseases makes them a reliable choice for filling in garden spaces without competing with roses for nutrient .
With a foresighted rosiness time from late bound to fall , veronicas help extend seasonal coloring and create a superimposed garden pattern .
13. Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Alyssum acts as a live mulch , retaining stain moisture and suppressing weeds . It also attracts beneficial insects . Loads of them ! Its sweet scent is a delight to bask along the pathway or border as you take the air through the rose garden . Plus it is super easy to grow from seed , making it a budget - well-disposed , low - grow mete flora !
14. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtiums appeal aphids away from rose , dish as a sacrificial plant . Their chase after growth adds optical interest to the garden .
Though saying sacrificial plant is a bit dramatic , it really is hard and can handle an aphid onslaught easy . Nasturtiums prefer to flower in poorer soil ; if you find it does n’t bloom well amongst your roses , it is most likely because it is too enriched .
Nasturtiums are leisurely to grow from source and some incur them a scrap fast-growing and coming up in surface area they did n’t plant them .
15. Phlox (Phlox paniculata & Phlox subulata)
Phlox provides an prolonged bloom time of year and attracts pollinators , complementing roses beautifully .
Garden or marvelous phlox come in annual and recurrent varieties . Some will spread sharply by underground rhizomes so do your research before planting .
I have different perennial phlox in my garden , and while some are well behaved the snowy David phlox are quite the garden bully . I now grow them in large pots to keep them in control and place the pot in the garden to satiate in scanty spots during the season .
Planting Bare Root Phlox in Pots
16. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
There are yearly and perennial type of Bee Balm . Bee balm attracts bees , butterflies , and hummingbirds while help to deter deer and other scrounge fauna with its strong fragrance . Many types are susceptible to powdery mildew so if you inhabit in a humid climate search for the mildew resistant crossbreed .
Bee unction can also unfold aggressively by underground rhizomes but is easily commit up . intercrossed varieties are more tame and may produce myopic .
I have Purple Rooster , Jacob Cline and Pardon My Purple . Purple Rooster and Jacob Cline can get a contact of mildew but I just cut them back and let them rebloom as needed . It is n’t severe enough to concern about .
Discover More About Bee Balm
17. Hardy Geraniums aka Cranesbill
Hardy geraniums , also known as cranesbills , are excellent companion plant for roses , offer both beauty and pragmatic benefits . Their mounding drug abuse and fragile , five - petaled peak make a soft , natural look that complement the bold blooms of roses .
Shorter growing hardy geraniums pretend as a live mulch , help to bottle up weed and hold soil moisture , which benefits the health of nearby rose bushes . They also attract pollinators and beneficial insect while being naturally resistant to pests and disease . With their long bloom time , easy care , and adaptability to various garden weather , hardy geranium are a reliable and charming addition to any roseate garden .
Growing Hardy Geraniums in Your Garden
18. Thyme (Thymus spp.)
There is culinary thyme but here I am talking about the ground cover forms . This drouth - tolerant background cover , thyme repels pests and improves soil structure .
Some primer natural covering thyme can be used to cook with but most are are not best suited for that role .
19. Creeping Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla & Chamaemelum nobile)
Creeping chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ) , also known as papist Anthemis nobilis , is a low - growing , aromatic ground blanket that thrives in sunny garden spaces . Its feathery , fern - like foliage releases a pleasant apple - corresponding fragrance when stepped on , making it an excellent choice for pathways , margin , and companion planting with blush wine .
This brave perennial suppresses weed , keep back soil moisture , and attracts good insects such as bee and hoverflies , which facilitate pollinate nearby works . While it produces small , daisy - like flowers in summertime , some gardeners prefer the non - flowering variety ( Chamaemelum nobile ‘ Treneague ’ ) for a dull , carpet - same upshot .
drouth - patient of and well-fixed to assert , creeping chamomile tally sweetheart , redolence , and functionality to any garden . I grow it in my garden but it prefers part shade in the hot part of summer . It work well as an underplant as the rose leaves can provide the wraith needed .
20. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew ( Tanacetum parthenium ) is a audacious , daisy - like perennial bed for its bright clean flush and feathery , aromatic foliage . Traditionally grow for its medicative dimension , feverfew also dish out as a beneficial companion plant in the garden .
It helps deter pests such as aphid and spider mites , making it a great natural protector for roses and other touchy plants . Feverfew attract pollinators and beneficial dirt ball , contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem .
Easy to develop in full sun and well - drained soil , it self - seeded player readily , providing a uninterrupted display of cheerful blooms throughout the raise time of year . Some consider the self seeding pesky but I like it and it is very easy pull up up if if bug out up where you do n’t want it .
thin out it back hard in May to keep it on the short side , it can become 3 foot tall , bedim the view of your roses . Or you could let it bloom and foreshorten back after for another bloom spell , and this 2nd flush of blooms will be shorter .
21. Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
This delicate ground blanket suppresses weeds and keep soil wet while develop belittled blue bloom that create a indulgent , raw face around rose wine . There is a whitened version as well that is just as pleasing . Both stay very flat to the priming and do prefer a number of shade from the hot Sunday . Under establish taller plants that will shadow it is recommend .
How to Plant and Maintain Rose Companions
Spacing and Layout
Soil and Watering Needs
Use Ground Covers in Place of Mulch!
Encouraging Pollinators and Pest Control
What It Doesn’t Do or Common Myths
Disease Prevention – Let ’s just be point-blank , there is a LOT of nonsense out on the internet ! Some of it is promoted bysupposedlyreliable rootage . I have seen popular garden sites and different wing offices that make false claims about the fungous disease battle properties of some plant life .
The research shows that only pulverizing the plants with water , straining then spraying the roses with the solution present any help with mold or disastrous spotlight not the planting of those specimen with roses .
Another myth is that certain plants improve air circulation and cut fungous diseases . Does that make common sense to you ? That is just another trumpery program line that proliferates on the net . The only way you’re able to increase air circulation is proper spacing of plant and add together a fan to blow on your works ( which is not pragmatic but hey , if they can indite gimcrackery , why ca n’t I ? )
Final Thoughts
Pairing roses with the right companion flora enhances both the beaut and health of a garden while reducing the need for chemical fertiliser and pesticides . Whether you choose fragrant herbs , pollinator - friendly flowers , or lush terra firma covers , these companions will help your roses thrive throughout the growing time of year .
Watch the Video!
Do you have a favored companion plant for your roses ? divvy up your experience , I love getting novel ideas from others !
Happy Rose Gardening !
