Roses are beautiful as standalone plants in any setting, but there are plants that can help show off your rose bushes to their best advantage. The right companion plant can decrease the danger of pests and diseases, provide a longer season of interest, and improve the visual aesthetics of your garden.
There are numerous plants available that will make great combinations to enhance your landscape. The following seven plants are ideal for your classic or unconventional rose garden because they complement roses well, grow well in similar circumstances, or benefit your roses in some other way. Take a look!
1. Catmint
Aromatic catmint forms clusters of lavender-blue blossoms among tufts of gray-green foliage. It is easy to grow and is great for mass planting. It repels bugs, notably aphids and Japanese beetles, in addition to being low maintenance.
Catmint is an excellent companion plant for roses since its wispy spires softly disguise any flaws in the rose’s foliage. No matter the color of your rose blossoms, the blue blossoms of the catmint will be an eye-catching color combination.
Catmint may be grown in either full sun or mild shade on average, well-draining soil. They are ideal for dry garden areas since they can tolerate both heat and drought. Trim your catmint once it has bloomed to encourage the development of new blossoms.
2. Lavender
Roses and lavender have always made a beautiful combination. Roses, with their long stalks and cupped blooms, look fantastic when contrasted with lavender’s short, purple spires.
Roses and lavender have similar growth requirements, such as full light and soil that drains well, so the two can coexist well in your garden. They also flower at the same time.
However, lavender prefers soil that is drier, requires less water, and has a lower fertility level than roses. Because of this, it is essential to plant roses and lavender at least 2 to 3 feet away from one another.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are often considered to be the best companion plant. They pair well with roses visually, and their maintenance needs are similar. Marigolds draw in pollinators, like bees and other insects.
Like roses, marigolds thrive in direct sunlight and, once established, require little water to flourish. They are simple to maintain, which will allow you to spend some extra time with your roses if needed.
The vibrant hues of the marigolds’ yellow, orange, and gold blossoms provide life to your garden’s rose beds. If marigolds haven’t already won you over with their beautiful colors, flowers, and benefits, then this simple fact will: They can grow in almost any area, from USDA Zone 2 to Zone 11.
4. Parsley
Parsley and roses are a couple that may not be the first to come to mind. But not only do they look great together, but parsley also provides a lot of advantages for roses.
Aphids and rose beetles are just a few of the unpleasant insects that parsley keeps away from your flowers. Even more, this herb could really make your roses smell better.
This herb is unaffected by humidity and may thrive in a broad range of climates. It can grow in USDA Zones 2 to 11. The ideal soil for parsley is consistently damp and well-draining, so you have to take care not to accidentally overwater your roses.
5. Sage
Sage is another option to consider if you want to protect your roses from beetles and aphids. Sage has been shown to be effective in this regard. When combined with rose bushes, the lilac-colored blossoms of sage provide a fascinating visual effect, similar to that of lavender.
Sage, too, will fill in the spaces created by the long stems of the roses while simultaneously ensuring that your roses are developing healthily.
Sage requires full light and soil that is dry and well-drained in order to flourish. It can also withstand periods of drought and does not respond well to excessive amounts of watering.
6. Alliums
Alliums, which are members of the onion family, can be an intriguing companion for your roses.
If you ask experienced rose gardeners, they will tell you that adding plants from this family to your rose garden may work miracles. Their strong odor is effective in warding off aphids and other pests, and many people believe that it also protects roses from developing black spots.
The blossoms of alliums are a delicate white, making them a lovely addition to any rose arrangement. They need a lot of direct sunlight and soil that drains well, but other than that, they are not difficult to care for.
7. Sea Holly
Sea holly creates a striking contrast with the refined beauty of roses. The cool silver tint of sea holly blossoms calms the impact of bright rose colors. Additionally, sea holly plants are just tall enough to provide a wonderful curtain for the bottoms of your rose plants.
If you plant your roses and sea holly on a border along a walkway or next to a doorway, patio, or deck, you can enjoy both plants’ fragrances on a regular basis.
