Hello, fellow rose enthusiasts!
Roses are the epitome of beauty and elegance in a garden, but did you know that certain companion plants can help your roses grow even more vibrant and healthy?
Companion planting is the practice of planting different plants close to each other to benefit both.
For roses, there are specific plants that can boost their growth, help them fight off pests, and even improve their overall health.
Let’s dive into the 14 best companion plants to help your roses thrive!
1. Lavender
Lavender is a fantastic companion for roses.
Its fragrant foliage deters pests like aphids, which can damage your rose plants.
Lavender also attracts beneficial insects like bees, which can help with pollination.
The purple flowers of lavender provide a beautiful contrast to your roses, creating a visually stunning display in your garden.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are excellent companions for roses.
Their bright colors not only add visual interest to your garden but also help protect your roses from pests like aphids.
Marigolds release a natural pesticide called alpha-terthienyl that wards off these pesky critters.
Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your rose garden or intersperse them between your rose plants for maximum protection.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a great companion for roses.
Its strong smell deters pests like aphids and spider mites, which can damage your rose plants.
The sulfur compounds in garlic also have antifungal properties, which can help protect your roses from diseases like black spot and mildew.
Plant garlic in a staggered pattern around your rose plants or along the edges of your garden to create a barrier against unwanted insects.
4. Chives
Chives are a fantastic companion plant for roses.
Their small, onion-flavored leaves deter pests like aphids and other insects with their strong scent.
Chives also have natural antifungal properties, which can help protect your roses from diseases like black spot.
Plant chives near the base of your rose plants or along the borders of your garden to take advantage of their pest-repelling properties.
5. Parsley
Parsley is a beneficial companion for roses, as it attracts helpful insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies, which prey on common rose pests.
Parsley also serves as a host plant for the larvae of swallowtail butterflies, adding an extra touch of beauty to your garden.
With a deep root system, parsley helps break up compacted soil, improving water and nutrient availability for your rose plants.
6. Thyme
Thyme is a wonderful companion plant for roses.
Its fragrant foliage deters pests like aphids and spider mites, which can damage your rose plants.
Thyme also attracts beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, helping with pollination and pest control.
This herb is a tasty addition to your culinary creations, so be sure to harvest some for your kitchen.
7. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are vibrant flowers that not only look great in your garden but also provide valuable benefits for your roses.
They repel a variety of pests, including aphids and whiteflies, by releasing a chemical called glucosinolate that is toxic to many insects.
The flowers and leaves are edible, adding a peppery flavor to your salads.
Plant nasturtiums near the base of your rose plants or along the borders of your garden to take advantage of their pest-repelling properties.
8. Basil
Basil is a favorite companion plant for roses.
It repels pests like aphids, whiteflies, and thrips, which can wreak havoc on your roses.
Basil is also an excellent source of essential oils, which can boost the plant’s immune system and help it withstand diseases.
The aromatic herb can also improve the fragrance of your rose garden.
Plant basil near your rose plants to take advantage of its pest-repelling properties and enjoy its delicious flavor in your dishes.
9. Yarrow
Yarrow is a beautiful flowering herb that makes an excellent companion for roses.
Its feathery foliage and clusters of tiny flowers add texture and color to your garden.
Yarrow attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which help control aphids and other rose pests.
Additionally, yarrow is known for its ability to improve soil quality by accumulating essential nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, vital for rose growth.
10. Catmint
Catmint is a fantastic companion for roses.
Its fragrant, gray-green foliage and lavender-blue flowers not only provide a lovely contrast to your roses, but also deter pests like aphids and spider mites.
Catmint attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which help with pollination and add beauty to your garden.
Plant catmint near the base of your rose plants or along the borders of your garden to take advantage of its pest-repelling properties.
11. Sage
Sage is a great companion plant for roses.
Its strong scent deters pests like aphids, while its beautiful flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Sage also has natural antifungal properties that can help protect your roses from diseases like black spot and powdery mildew.
Plant sage near your rose plants to take advantage of its pest-repelling properties and enjoy its delicious flavor in your recipes.
12. Comfrey
Comfrey is a beneficial companion for roses.
Its large leaves provide an excellent ground cover, helping to keep the soil moist and cool, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Comfrey also attracts beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies, which help with pollination and pest control.
As an added bonus, comfrey leaves can be used as a nutrient-rich mulch for your roses, providing a natural source of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
13. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a lovely companion plant for roses.
Its lemon-scented leaves help deter pests like aphids and spider mites.
Lemon balm also attracts beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, which help with pollination and pest control.
Plant lemon balm near your rose plants or along the borders of your garden to take advantage of its pest-repelling properties.
14. Alliums
Alliums, like onions and chives, are excellent companions for roses.
Their strong scent deters pests like aphids, while their beautiful flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Alliums also have natural antifungal properties that can help protect your roses from diseases like black spot and powdery mildew.
Plant alliums near your rose plants to take advantage of their pest-repelling properties and enjoy their unique beauty.
Final Thoughts
Companion planting is an incredible way to maximize your garden’s potential, and these 14 plants are just the beginning.
By planting these companions near your roses, you’ll be setting yourself up for a beautiful and healthy garden.
Remember that every garden is different, and it’s essential to consider factors like climate, soil type, and available space when choosing the right companions for your roses.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that work best for you and your garden.
So grab your gardening gloves and get ready to discover the magic of companion planting.
Your roses – and your garden – will thank you!
Happy gardening!
