As a gardening enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the world of companion planting.
The idea that some plants can help each other grow and thrive is truly amazing.
However, not all plants are best friends, and there are some that should never be planted next to each other.
Roses, in particular, are rather sensitive when it comes to their neighbors.
In this article, I’ll be sharing with you 14 plants you should never plant next to your roses.
Learn from my experience and save yourself the heartache of seeing your beautiful roses suffer due to poor companion choices.
1. Black Walnut Trees
Black walnut trees are beautiful, but they’re not the best neighbors for your roses.
The tree produces a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants, including roses.
This chemical can stunt the growth of your roses and eventually kill them.
So, if you’re thinking about planting a black walnut tree, make sure it’s far away from your rose garden.
You can still enjoy the beauty and shade of a black walnut tree, just not in close proximity to your roses.
2. Mint
While mint might be a lovely addition to your iced tea, it’s not the best companion for roses.
Mint is a vigorous grower and can quickly spread, choking out other plants.
This aggressive growth can deprive your roses of the nutrients and space they need to grow properly.
Keep your mint in a separate container, and your roses will thank you for it.
Remember, sometimes it’s best to keep a little distance between certain plants to ensure everyone has room to grow.
3. Cabbage
Cabbage is a popular vegetable, but it’s not an ideal companion for roses.
Both roses and cabbage require a lot of nutrients from the soil, which can lead to competition.
When planted close together, they can struggle and underperform due to this competition for resources.
To avoid this issue, it’s best to plant your cabbage and roses in separate areas of your garden.
Your roses will appreciate having their space and will continue to bloom beautifully.
4. Dill
Dill might be a wonderful herb for your kitchen, but it’s not a great neighbor for roses.
Dill attracts several pests that can be harmful to roses, such as aphids and spider mites.
If you want to grow dill, plant it away from your rose bushes to avoid inviting these pests into your rose garden.
Remember, not all herbs are friendly to roses, and it’s essential to choose your companions wisely.
5. Potatoes
Potatoes are a staple in many households, but they’re not good friends with roses.
Both potatoes and roses are susceptible to the same diseases, such as blight and powdery mildew.
Planting them close together increases the risk of these diseases spreading between them.
To keep your roses and potatoes healthy, give them their own space in the garden.
Healthy plants are happy plants, and a little separation goes a long way.
6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a favorite in many gardens, but they’re not suitable companions for roses.
Both tomatoes and roses are susceptible to similar pests and diseases, such as aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew.
Planting them together can increase the chances of these problems spreading.
Keep your tomatoes and roses separate to maintain a healthy garden environment.
7. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are stunning, but they can be problematic when planted near roses.
These large plants have extensive root systems that can compete with roses for water and nutrients.
Additionally, sunflowers can cast shade on your roses, depriving them of much-needed sunlight.
To keep your roses healthy and happy, plant sunflowers at a distance.
8. Fennel
Fennel may be a tasty herb, but it’s not a good neighbor for roses.
Fennel is allelopathic, meaning it releases chemicals that can inhibit the growth of other plants nearby.
Roses planted near fennel may struggle to grow and bloom properly.
To avoid this issue, keep your fennel and roses separate in the garden.
9. Lettuce
Lettuce is a popular garden vegetable, but it’s not a great companion for roses.
Lettuce has shallow roots that can compete with roses for water and nutrients.
Give your roses and lettuce their own space in the garden to ensure they both have the resources they need to grow.
10. Strawberries
Strawberries are a sweet treat, but they’re not the best companions for roses.
Both strawberries and roses are susceptible to the same diseases, such as verticillium wilt and powdery mildew.
Planting them together increases the risk of these diseases spreading.
To keep your roses and strawberries healthy, plant them separately.
11. Rhubarb
Rhubarb might be perfect for pies, but it’s not a good neighbor for roses.
Rhubarb has large leaves that can cast shade on your roses, depriving them of sunlight.
Additionally, rhubarb can compete with roses for nutrients and water.
Plant rhubarb away from your roses to ensure both plants have room to grow.
12. Asparagus
Asparagus is a delicious vegetable, but it’s not a suitable companion for roses.
Asparagus and roses have different pH preferences, with asparagus preferring a more alkaline soil and roses preferring slightly acidic soil.
Planting them together can make it difficult to maintain optimal soil conditions for both plants.
Separate your asparagus and roses for the best results.
13. Onions
Onions may be a kitchen staple, but they’re not ideal companions for roses.
Onions can attract pests such as thrips, which can harm your roses.
To avoid inviting these pests into your rose garden, plant onions in a separate area.
14. Grapes
Grapes are a lovely addition to any garden, but they’re not good friends with roses.
Both grapes and roses are susceptible to the same fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and downy mildew.
Planting them close together increases the risk of these diseases spreading.
Keep your roses and grapes apart to maintain a healthy garden.
Final Thoughts
Gardening is an exciting and rewarding hobby, but it’s essential to consider the relationships between different plants.
Companion planting can be incredibly beneficial when done right, but it can also have adverse effects when the wrong plants are paired together.
By avoiding these 14 plants when planting your roses, you can help your roses thrive and avoid any unnecessary stress or damage to your beautiful blooms.
Remember, sometimes the best friendships are those that respect each other’s space and needs.
Happy gardening!