Discover the top 25 Companion Plants for Roses and learn how to create a stunning, healthy rose garden. Find perfect pairings for color, texture and pest control.
Roses are beautiful flowers that can look even better when paired with the right companions. Companion Plants for Roses planting isn’t just about looks – it can help your roses grow healthier and stronger. Here’s a list of 25 great plants to grow alongside your roses:
1. Lavender
Certainly! Here’s the information chart for Lavender:
Category | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Lavandula spp. |
Common Name | Lavender |
Plant Type | Perennial herbaceous |
Hardiness Zone | Zones 5-9 (depends on species) |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-draining, sandy or loamy |
Watering | Low to moderate |
Growth Habit | Bushy, compact |
Height/Spread | Height: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm); Spread: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) |
Special Features | Fragrant foliage and flowers, attracts pollinators, deer resistant |
Lavender’s purple flowers look stunning next to roses. It also attracts helpful insects and repels pests.
2. Catmint
Certainly! Here’s a structured chart with the information you requested for Catmint (Nepeta):
Category | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Nepeta spp. |
Common Name | Catmint |
Plant Type | Perennial herbaceous |
Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-8 (depends on species) |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-draining, average fertility |
Watering | Moderate; drought tolerant once established |
Growth Habit | Clumping, spreading |
Height/Spread | Height: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm); Spread: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) |
Special Features | Attracts pollinators, deer resistant, aromatic foliage |
Catmint plant has soft, gray-green leaves and purple flowers. It’s easy to grow and looks great with roses.
3. Salvia
Here’s the information chart for Salvia:
Category | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Salvia spp. |
Common Name | Salvia |
Plant Type | Annuals, perennials, shrubs |
Hardiness Zone | Zones 4-11 (depends on species) |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-draining, fertile |
Watering | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Upright, bushy |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 4 feet (15 cm to 1.2 m); Spread: 6 inches to 3 feet (15 cm to 90 cm) |
Special Features | Attracts pollinators, aromatic foliage, various flower colors (depending on species) |
Salvia comes in many colors and blooms for a long time. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
4. Alyssum
Certainly! Here’s the information chart for Alyssum:
Category | Information |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Lobularia maritima |
Common Name | Alyssum |
Plant Type | Annual or perennial depending on variety |
Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-draining, average fertility |
Watering | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Low-growing, spreading |
Height/Spread | Height: 4-12 inches (10-30 cm); Spread: 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) |
Special Features | Fragrant flowers, attracts pollinators, deer resistant |
This low-growing Alyssum plant has tiny white or purple flowers. It covers the ground nicely under roses.
5. Geraniums
Here’s the information about Geraniums in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Pelargonium spp. |
Common Name | Geranium |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-11 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6 inches to 3 feet |
Special Features | Colorful blooms, aromatic foliage, deer resistant |
Geraniums come in many colors and bloom all summer. They help keep pests away from roses.
6. Marigolds
Here’s the information about Marigolds in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Tagetes spp. |
Common Name | Marigold |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 2-11 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Annual |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6 inches to 2 feet |
Special Features | Bright, cheerful flowers, pest-repellent properties, easy to grow |
Marigold’s bright orange or yellow flowers help keep pests away and add a pop of color.
7. Dianthus
Here’s the information about Dianthus in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Dianthus spp. |
Common Name | Dianthus, Carnation, Sweet William |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Perennial (some are annual) |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6-18 inches |
Special Features | Fragrant flowers, deer resistant, attracts butterflies |
Also known as “pinks,” these flowers come in many colors and have a sweet scent.
8. Lamb’s Ear
Here’s the information about Lamb’s Ear in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Stachys byzantina |
Common Name | Lamb’s Ear |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 4-8 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Low |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 6-12 inches Spread: 12-18 inches |
Special Features | Soft, fuzzy silver-gray foliage, drought tolerant, deer resistant |
Lamb’s Ear plant has soft, fuzzy leaves that look great next to roses. It’s very easy to grow.
9. Artemisia
Here’s the information about Artemisia in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Artemisia spp. |
Common Name | Artemisia |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 4-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy to loamy soil |
Watering Needs | Low |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-6 feet Spread: 1-3 feet |
Special Features | Silvery-gray foliage, drought tolerant, aromatic |
Artemisia plant has silvery-gray leaves that contrast nicely with colorful roses.
10. Peonies
Here’s the information about Peonies in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Paeonia spp. |
Common Name | Peony |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-8 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Rich, well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 1.5-3 feet Spread: 1.5-3 feet |
Special Features | Large, showy flowers in spring, fragrant, deer resistant |
Peonies bloom early in the season and look beautiful with roses. They like similar growing conditions.
11. Foxgloves
Here’s the information about Foxgloves in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Digitalis spp. |
Common Name | Foxglove |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 4-9 |
Sun Exposure | Part shade to full shade |
Soil Type | Rich, well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Biennial or short-lived perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 2-5 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Tall spikes of tubular flowers, attracts bees and hummingbirds, poisonous if ingested |
These tall flowers add height to your garden and look great behind rose bushes.
12. Clematis
Here’s the information about Clematis in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Clematis spp. |
Common Name | Clematis |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 4-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Climbing vine |
Height/Spread | Height: 6-30 feet Spread: 3-6 feet |
Special Features | Showy flowers, attracts butterflies, long blooming period |
This climbing plant can grow up a trellis alongside climbing roses for a stunning display.
13. Alliums
Here’s the information about Alliums in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Allium spp. |
Common Name | Allium, Ornamental Onion |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 4-10 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Low to moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-4 feet Spread: 6 inches to 1.5 feet |
Special Features | Spherical flower heads, attracts pollinators, deer resistant, drought tolerant |
These ball-shaped flowers come in purple, white or pink. They bloom when many roses do.
14. Delphinium
Here’s the information about Delphinium in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Delphinium spp. |
Common Name | Delphinium, Larkspur |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-7 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Rich, well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 2-6 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Tall spires of colorful flowers, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, toxic if ingested |
These tall, spiky flowers come in shades of blue, purple and white. They add height to your rose garden.
15. Lady’s Mantle
Here’s the information about Lady’s Mantle in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Alchemilla mollis |
Common Name | Lady’s Mantle |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-8 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained, moist soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-2 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Soft, velvety leaves that catch water droplets, yellow-green flowers, deer resistant |
Lady’s Mantle plant has soft, round leaves that catch water droplets. It looks lovely in front of roses.
16. Snapdragons
Here’s the information about Snapdragons in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Antirrhinum majus |
Common Name | Snapdragon |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 7-10 (grown as annual in cooler zones) |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained, loamy soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous annual/perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6-12 inches |
Special Features | Brightly colored flowers, attracts pollinators, deer resistant |
These colorful flowers bloom for a long time and come in many heights.
17. Yarrow
Here’s the information about Yarrow in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Achillea millefolium |
Common Name | Yarrow |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy to loamy soil |
Watering Needs | Low to moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-3 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Aromatic foliage, attracts pollinators, drought tolerant, medicinal uses |
Yarrow has flat-topped flower clusters and feathery leaves. It attracts beneficial insects.
18. Coneflowers
Here’s the information about Coneflowers in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Echinacea spp. |
Common Name | Coneflower |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy to loamy soil |
Watering Needs | Low to moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 2-4 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Drought tolerant, attracts pollinators, medicinal properties, long blooming period |
These daisy-like flowers bloom all summer and attract butterflies.
19. Russian Sage
Here’s the information about Russian Sage in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Perovskia atriplicifolia |
Common Name | Russian Sage |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 4-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy to loamy soil |
Watering Needs | Low |
Growth Habit | Woody perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 3-5 feet Spread: 2-4 feet |
Special Features | Aromatic foliage, attracts pollinators, drought tolerant, deer resistant, long blooming period |
Russian Sage plant has silvery leaves and purple flowers. It’s drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
20. Verbena
Here’s the information about Verbena in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Verbena spp. |
Common Name | Verbena |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 7-11 (grown as annual in cooler zones) |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Low to moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial or annual |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-3 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Long blooming period, attracts pollinators, drought tolerant, heat tolerant |
This low-growing plant has clusters of small flowers in many colors. It spreads nicely under roses.
21. Shasta Daisies
Here’s the information about Shasta Daisies in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Leucanthemum x superbum |
Common Name | Shasta Daisy |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 4-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-3 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Large, white daisy-like flowers, long blooming period, deer resistant |
These classic white flowers with yellow centers look fresh and cheerful next to roses.
22. Lilies
To provide you with accurate information about Lilies, I’ll compile a chart with the details you requested:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Lilium spp. |
Common Name | Lily |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-6 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Large, showy flowers, fragrant, attracts pollinators, variety of colors and shapes |
Lilies add height and drama to a rose garden. They come in many colors and have a strong scent.
23. Cosmos
Sure, here’s the information about Cosmos in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Cosmos spp. |
Common Name | Cosmos |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 2-11 (depends on variety) |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Annual |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-6 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Profuse bloomer, attracts butterflies, easy to grow, variety of colors |
These daisy-like flowers bloom all summer and come in pink, white and burgundy.
24. Bellflowers (Campanula)
To provide you with accurate information about Bellflowers, here’s a chart format with the details you requested:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Campanula spp. |
Common Name | Bellflower |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 6 inches to 4 feet Spread: 6 inches to 2 feet |
Special Features | Bell-shaped flowers, attracts pollinators, deer resistant, variety of colors |
These bell-shaped flowers come in blue, purple, pink or white. They add a delicate touch to rose gardens.
25. Phlox
Here’s the information about Phlox in a chart format:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Phlox spp. |
Common Name | Phlox |
Plant Zone | USDA zones 3-9 |
Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Soil Type | Rich, well-drained soil |
Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growth Habit | Herbaceous perennial |
Height/Spread | Height: 1-3 feet Spread: 1-2 feet |
Special Features | Fragrant flowers, attracts pollinators, variety of colors, deer resistant |
Phlox comes in both tall and short varieties. It has clusters of small flowers in many colors.
Tips for Companion Planting with Roses
- Choose plants that like similar growing conditions as roses (full sun and well-drained soil).
- Plant taller companions behind roses and shorter ones in front.
- Mix different leaf shapes and textures for visual interest.
- Consider bloom times – choose companions that flower when your roses do or that bloom at different times to extend the flowering season.
- Don’t plant companions too close to roses. Roses need good air circulation to stay healthy.
- Some plants, like garlic and chives, can help keep pests away from roses.
- Avoid plants that compete too much for water and nutrients, like most trees and shrubs.
Benefits of Companion Planting
- Improves soil health
- Attracts beneficial insects
- Repels harmful pests
- Creates a more diverse and resilient garden
- Enhances the beauty of your rose garden
Remember, every garden is unique. What works well in one climate might not be best in another. It’s always a good idea to check with local gardening experts or your cooperative extension office for advice specific to your area.
Companion planting with roses can make your garden more beautiful, healthier and more interesting. Try out different combinations to see what works best in your garden. Happy planting.
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