Although roses are often considered to be the divas of the flower garden, these beautiful bloomers also play well with others and can share the spotlight with aplomb. When it comes to combining roses with other plants, there are many that make great costars. Some offer a welcome contrast in color, texture, and form. Others are beneficial to rose health by warding off pests and attracting beneficial insects. And many are great gap fillers, putting on a display of colorful flowers and foliage during the interludes when roses are not in bloom.
The most important rule to follow when choosing companion plants for roses is to make sure they have similar growing requirements in terms of water, fertilizer, soil, and sun exposure. Also look for well-behaved plants that won’t aggressively compete with your roses or detract from their beauty. Even considering these constraints, that still leaves you with a long list of potential rose-friendly companions. Here are a few of our favorites, along with advice on certain plants you should keep out of your rose garden.
Growing roses in containers and pots is gaining popularity among home gardeners who lack sufficient outdoor space. Container gardening allows anyone to grow these beautiful bloomers on a balcony, patio, or front porch But choosing the right companion plants is key to keeping your potted roses healthy and looking their best
When pairing roses with companion plants in pots consider their shared needs for water light, and nutrients. Combining plants with different requirements in the same container usually doesn’t end well. The key is finding companion plants that can thrive in the same conditions as roses.
Here are some of the best annuals perennials herbs. and vegetables to grow alongside roses in pots
Annual Flowers
Marigolds – One of the most popular annual companions for roses. Their bright golden, orange, and yellow flowers repel common pests like aphids, thrips, and beetles. Marigolds also attract beneficial pollinators. Choose compact varieties like ‘Petite’ that won’t overtake the pot.
Geraniums – Available in a diverse range of colors, geraniums bloom constantly from spring until fall. Their mound-shaped foliage helps fill space around the lower parts of the rose plant. Be sure to avoid aggressive spreading types that could overtake the container.
Coleus – Grown for its colorful and patterned foliage, coleus comes in shades of green, burgundy, pink, cream, and more. It thrives with the same light and water conditions as roses. Use coleus to provide an attractive foliage accent.
Nasturtiums – An edible, trailing nasturtium is ideal for softening the edges of containers and hanging over the sides. The brightly colored blooms also attract beneficial insects. Make sure to give nasturtiums room to spread.
Petunias – Available in many gorgeous colors, petunias bloom continuously all season. Their trailing habit makes them great “spillers” in mixed pots with roses. Choose multiflora, wave, or trailing types best suited to containers.
Perennials
Dianthus – Commonly called “pinks,” dianthus produces colorful flowers spring through summer. Some also have a lovely spicy fragrance. Compact varieties like ‘Amazon Neon Cherry’ work well in rose containers.
Creeping Phlox – Also called moss phlox, this low-growing perennial has masses of pretty flowers in spring. It spreads nicely to cover bare soil but won’t overtake the pot. Phlox subulata is a good container-friendly species.
Thyme – In addition to culinary uses, thyme makes an attractive edging plant around roses. It releases a fresh herbal aroma when brushed against or after watering. Be sure to give thyme excellent drainage.
Oregano – This aromatic herb has attractive rounded leaves that complement the rose’s foliage. Oregano also helps repel aphids. Compact oregano varieties like ‘Humile’ grow just 6 inches tall, ideal for smaller containers.
Chives – The globe-shaped purple flowers of chives stand out against the rose’s blooms. Like other alliums, chives help deter aphids. Plus, you can snip some leaves to spice up your cooking.
Vegetables & Fruits
Lettuce – Looseleaf and oakleaf lettuce varieties do well when interplanted with roses in containers. They grow fast and can be harvested regularly before bolting in summer heat.
Radishes – These quick-growing root crops will be ready to harvest in just 4-6 weeks. Cherry-type radishes are miniature and good choices for potted gardens. Be sure to give radishes ample room for their roots.
Swiss Chard – The colorful stems and leaves of Swiss chard add striking beauty. Harvest individual leaves to allow the plant to keep producing all season long. Provides a nutritious edible crop in containers.
Strawberries – Trailing strawberries can be tucked in around the edges of rose containers. Choose everbearing or day-neutral varieties that produce berries throughout the season.
Nasturtiums – As mentioned before, edible nasturtiums serve double duty, providing ornamental interest and salad ingredients from their leaves and flowers. Be sure to harvest often to keep them from crowding out the roses.
Herbs
Basil – Available in many varieties, such as bush, dwarf, and frilly leaf types, basil is one of the most popular container herbs. It thrives with the same conditions preferred by roses. Plus, you can use it to flavor foods.
Thyme – This classic herb comes in trailing varieties perfect for decorative hanging over pot rims. Thyme’s aroma may help deter aphids and other pests. Just be sure it gets good drainage.
Chives – Give your cooking a kick of flavor and your container color with chives. The grasslike foliage contrasts nicely with roses. Harvest flower buds to prolong the bloom period.
Parsley – Curly leaf parsley can be used as an edging plant around roses. The lush green leaves complement all rose colors. Parsley improves roses’ scent and deters aphids.
Sage – Known for its grayish leaves and purple flowers, sage has an upright form that contrasts well with roses. It helps repel insects and provides seasoning for your kitchen.
Tips for Growing Companion Plants in Rose Containers
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Make sure all plants have similar needs for sunlight, water, and fertilizer to prevent stress.
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Select container-friendly compact varieties that won’t outgrow the pot. Avoid aggressive spreaders.
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Roses need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Give them the sunniest spot or rotate pots to distribute light evenly.
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Use a quality potting mix and provide regular watering when the top inch becomes dry. Roses prefer consistent moisture.
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Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for abundant blooms.
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Prune companion plants as needed to keep them neat, contained, and from crowding out the roses.
Combining the right rose companion plants creates beautiful potted gardens that bloom spring through fall. Just be sure to give your roses sufficient room to grow and choose partners happy to share their space. With a bit of planning, your container rose garden will be thriving and gorgeous all season long.
ENGLISH LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia)
Zones: 5-9 Exposure: Full sun Height/Spread: 1 to 3 feet tall, 2 to 4 feet wide Bloom time: Early to late summer
Usually lauded for its many culinary uses, lavender is also wonderful company for roses, offsetting the cup-shaped blooms with their dainty purple spires. This aromatic herb will also help keep roses healthy by repelling aphids and attracting beneficial insects. Learn more about growing English lavender.
Photo by: Ball Horticultural Company
AGASTACHE (Agastache spp. and hybrids)
Zones: 5-9 Exposure: Full sun Height/Spread: 1 to 6 feet tall, 1 to 3 feet wide Bloom time: Summer to early fall
Also known as anise hyssop, this fragrant member of the mint family has tall spikes of tubular flowers that bloom for weeks from summer until fall. The upright form adds vertical interest to the rose garden, while the strong scent helps to repel common garden pests. Learn more about growing agastache.
Photo by: Proven Winners
Zones: 3-9 Exposure: Full sun to part shade Height/Spread: 6 inches to 6 feet tall, 1 to 12 feet wide, depending on the variety Bloom time: Summer to fall
Plants with soft, silvery foliage, such as artemisia and lambs ear, will accentuate the color of your roses and add welcome textural contrast. Artemisia also needs little care once established and is tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soil. Learn more about growing artemisia plants.
Photo by: Proven Winners
21 Best Companion Plants for Roses | Keep Your Roses Healthy and Blooming!
FAQ
What should you not plant next to roses?
Fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers, shouldn’t be grown next to roses due to how prone they are to diseases that can spread, such as verticillium wilt and fungal infections.
What is the best combo with roses?
- Companion Plants for Roses.
- Agastache (Hyssop)
- Asclepias (Milkweed)
- Coreopsis (Tickseed)
- Delphinium (Larkspur)
- Echinacea (Coneflower) Plants.
- Lavandula (Lavender) Plants for Sale.
- Leucanthemum (Daisy)
What’s the best thing to put around rose bushes?
Apply Mulch for Healthier Plants
A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. It also prevents soil from splashing onto leaves, reducing disease risk. As it breaks down, mulch enriches the soil with nutrients.
What is the best ground cover around roses?
Verbena’s spreading growth habit makes it an excellent groundcover, filling gaps around rose bushes and suppressing weeds.
What is companion planting for Roses?
Gardeners use companion planting for roses as a strategy to maximize the potential of their rose garden. It involves pairing roses with plants that either improve each other’s growth, help control pests, or enhance one another’s beauty. Think of it as creating a symbiotic community in your garden where each plant helps the others thrive.
Is lavender a good companion plant for Roses?
Renowned as a classic companion plant for roses, lavender has multiple benefits that make it an excellent choice. Thriving in full sun and well-draining soils—conditions similar to what roses prefer—lavender contributes significantly to the aesthetics of your roses with its stunning purple blossoms and silver-green foliage.
Are petunias good companion plants for Roses?
Petunias make excellent companion plants for roses, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Their colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom continuously throughout the growing season, providing a vibrant contrast to the classic elegance of roses.
Should you grow plants alongside Roses?
Growing plants alongside roses isn’t just for aesthetics, though it’s always a treat to see flowers blooming in your roses’ off-season. It’s also important to consider each plant’s needs, preferred growing conditions, and your climate.
Can a rose grow in a pot?
Low-growing herbs, annuals, or perennials can complement miniature or patio roses beautifully in pots. Ensure that the companion plants do not overtake the rose in terms of growth, and pay careful attention to watering, as container plants typically require more frequent irrigation.
What flowers make a good filler for Roses?
The cheerful white puffs of the Feverfew also make a perfect filler for rose arrangements. The original variety, also called “Bride’s Buttons” also makes a great companion plant. Be sure to plant them where you don’t mind them filling in a lot of space. These little flowers reseed readily and form short shrubs in no time.