Rose Companion Plants – The Ultimate Guide

Roses are prized for their beauty but can be susceptible to pests and diseases. By selecting the right rose companion plants, gardeners can enhance the health and vitality of their rose bushes in a natural way.

Companion planting is a classic gardening technique that involves strategically placing different plants together for mutual benefit.

In this article we’ll discuss many plants that make for excellent rose companions.

How To Plant Around Roses

Planting around roses requires careful consideration so as not to unintentionally damage both the rose and the companion plant.

Here are some tips on how to successfully plant around roses:

1. Select companion plants that are compatible with your rose cultivar in terms of their light, soil, fertilizer, and water requirements.

Plants with similar needs will thrive together; it will be easier to care for all species if they have the same requirements.

2. Proper spacing is essential to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to competition for nutrients and sunlight.

When you plant your companions, you should take into consideration how big the plant will be once it matures.

3. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can affect both your roses and companion plants.

Certain pests and diseases are easily transmissible and one sick plant can spoil the entire garden bed.

Early detection and treatment are key to prevent the spread of issues.

The Best Companion Plants For Roses

Choosing the best companion plants for roses depends on your specific goals and the conditions of your garden, but here are some tried-and-true companion plants that your roses are sure to love:

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is an excellent companion plant for roses for several reasons.

Its fragrant flowers are not only delightful but they have many pest-preventing benefits.

Lavender’s strong aroma helps deter common rose pests like aphids and deer.

It also attracts beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs.

Additionally, both lavender and rose plants have similar growth requirements.

They both enjoy well-drained soil and ample sunlight.

Furthermore, lavender is not a heavy feeder and does require not as much water.

Lavender will not compete for soil nutrients with your rose plants.

Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)

Baby’s breath is a classic companion in a rose bouquet, but it also makes a great companion in the garden as well.

It is a hardy perennial with very similar growing requirements to roses, making it one of the best rose companion plants.

Both plants require well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight.

They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, requiring little water.

Marigolds (Tagetes)

Marigolds are a versatile and beneficial companion for roses.

These cheerful flowers are known for their ability to deter nematodes and microscopic soil-dwelling pests that primarily harm rose roots.

Planting marigolds around your rose bushes helps protect the roses from these potentially damaging organisms.

Not only will marigolds keep the bad insects away, but they will also help attract the beneficial ones such as bees and butterflies.

The heightened presence of pollinator insects proves to be extremely beneficial for the growth of your roses and your garden as a whole.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Many know sage as a delicious herb, but this plant can also make an excellent companion when grown alongside roses.

The presence of sage will help deter harmful pests such as aphids and beetles.

Sage prefers sunny, slightly dry climate conditions, something that many rose plants also share.

Rose Companion Plants In Pots

Rose companion planting in pots can be a great way to maximize not only the beauty but also the health of your container garden.

Here are some good companion plants for roses in pots:

Ornamental Onion ‘Millennium’ (Allium)

The presence of an ornamental onion will not only further add to the structure and beauty of your container roses, but it will also prevent pests with its aroma.

On average, these plants can grow between 14” and 22” in both length and width.

Sea Heart Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)

The sea heart brunnera grows best in partial shade, which would make it a perfect pair with a rose variety that shares its love for shady conditions.

These plants grow to about 12” tall with a 24” spread and have a preference for cool to moderate climates.

Old Man’s Bones Stonecrop (Sedum):

This low-lying succulent can be used as a ground cover to fill out empty spaces in your roses’ container.

These plants are low-maintenance and will not compete with your roses for water or nutrients. 

Evergreen Companion Plants For Roses

Evergreen companion plants for roses can provide a year-round structure to your garden while maintaining visual appeal even during the winter months.

Here are some evergreen companion plants that pair well with roses:

Boxwood (Buxus)

Boxwood shrubs are known for their dense, evergreen foliage, which provides an attractive backdrop to rose bushes.

They create a structured look in the garden, which helps complement the elegance of roses.

Boxwood enjoys well-drained soil just like most roses do, and will grow in full sun to partial shade.

Holly (Ilex)

One of the most distinctive evergreen shrubs out there, adding holly to your rose garden will add a touch of color and texture to your garden throughout the year.

Not only are they aesthetically a good companion plant, but they will also help the ecology of your garden by attracting birds.

Climbing Rose Companion Plants

Companion plants for climbing roses help embrace both the beauty and longevity of your climbing roses.

Here are some companion plants that pair well with climbing roses:

Clematis (Clematis spp.)

One of the more popular choices for climbing roses, clematis vines can intermingle with the rose branches, providing an additional layer of color with their stunning blooms.

Select clematis varieties that bloom at a different time than your climbing rose cultivar to ensure a longer flowering season.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Honeysuckle vines can twine around your climbing roses, adding fragrance and attracting hummingbirds (great pollinator birds) with their flowers.

They are a great choice for gardeners looking for both aesthetic and ecological benefits to their gardens.

Ground Covers

Select ground-cover plants such as phlox, thyme, or nepeta for both beauty and utility.

Planting a ground cover can help suppress weeds and cover the base of the climbing rose, creating a luscious carpet-like appearance.

Companion Plants For Roses To Keep Pests Away

The common characteristic amongst companion plants for keeping pests away is aroma.

Pests are very unlikely to attack roses if they are near a strongly scented plant.

Here are just a few of these examples:

1. Most herbs including basil, parsley, sage, and chives are all fantastic options to deter pests from your rose garden. These herbs all have pungent aromas that can keep your roses pest-free. As an added benefit, you can harvest these herbs and use them for culinary purposes! Herbs are light feeders that grow easily; they will not compete with your roses for water and nutrients.
2. Flowers that have an aroma that deter pests include lavender, geraniums, marigolds, and hyssop. Not only will these flowers aid in preventing pests, but they also look beautiful alongside your rose plants.

What To Plant With Roses To Deter Aphids

When selecting a rose companion plant to deter aphids, it is especially important to look for a plant that has a strong aroma to keep aphids (and other pests) at bay.

Some examples of these companion plants include:

Lavender

While we humans love the scent of lavender, aphids do not agree.

Plant lavender near your roses to help keep these pests at bay.

Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their strong scent, which can deter aphids and other pests.

They also add a vibrant golden hue to your garden.

Chives

Chives have an onion scent, which can help deter aphids from your roses.

Not only that, but you can also harvest chives as needed for cooking.

What Should You Not Plant Around Roses

While there are many plants that can complement roses as companion plants, there are also some types of plants that should be avoided when planting with roses for various reasons.

Here are some types of plants that are generally not recommended to be planted with roses:

Highly Competitive Plants

Avoid planting vigorous and invasive plants that can outcompete roses for resources.

Examples include mint, bamboo, and aggressive ground covers like English ivy.

Heavy Feeders

Rose plants are heavy feeders, they require a rich soil that is abundant in nutrients in order to grow vigorously and produce flowers.

When they are planted with other heavy feeders, these plants will start to compete for the finite resources in the garden bed.

Plants With Different Care Requirements

Part of what makes rose companion planting successful is when both the rose and the companion plant have overlapping care requirements (sunlight, water, soil, etc.).

When selecting the right rose/companion pair, it is important to take this into consideration.

What your roses might find suitable can be a death sentence for the companion plant and vice versa.

Other Roses

Planting multiple rose varieties too closely together can lead to increased competition for resources, such as nutrients, water, and sunlight.

This can also create significant challenges for pruning and maintenance.

What Vegetables To Plant Next To Roses

Combining vegetables and roses in the garden can be a practical and space-efficient way to utilize space in the garden.

Here are some vegetables that can be planted near roses:

Lettuce and Spinach

Both of these vegetables can benefit greatly from being grown under the shade of a rose bush.

Both lettuce and spinach prefer cooler, shadier growing conditions as the heat of the sun can cause their leaves to have a bitter taste.

Furthermore, they are light feeders and will grow easily without depleting soil nutrients from the roses.

Chives, Onions, and Garlic

All three of these Allium plants serve a great purpose for the roses, and it is all thanks to their pungent scent.

The aroma of allium plants is a deterrent for many pests, including aphids on roses.

Conclusion

Adding rose companion plants to your garden is a simple yet effective way to promote healthier rose plants.

Whether your intention is to deter pests, improve soil quality, or simply add a touch of beauty, the right companion plants can make a noticeable difference.

By understanding the needs and preferences of your roses and selecting appropriate companions, you can create a thriving garden.