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Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

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

1.-Lavender Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Certainly! Here’s the information chart for Lavender:

CategoryInformation
Botanical NameLavandula spp.
Common NameLavender
Plant TypePerennial herbaceous
Hardiness ZoneZones 5-9 (depends on species)
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-draining, sandy or loamy
WateringLow to moderate
Growth HabitBushy, compact
Height/SpreadHeight: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm); Spread: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm)
Special FeaturesFragrant 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

Nepeta Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Certainly! Here’s a structured chart with the information you requested for Catmint (Nepeta):

CategoryInformation
Botanical NameNepeta spp.
Common NameCatmint
Plant TypePerennial herbaceous
Hardiness ZoneZones 3-8 (depends on species)
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-draining, average fertility
WateringModerate; drought tolerant once established
Growth HabitClumping, spreading
Height/SpreadHeight: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm); Spread: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Special FeaturesAttracts 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

Salvia-1024x1024 Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information chart for Salvia:

CategoryInformation
Botanical NameSalvia spp.
Common NameSalvia
Plant TypeAnnuals, perennials, shrubs
Hardiness ZoneZones 4-11 (depends on species)
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-draining, fertile
WateringModerate
Growth HabitUpright, bushy
Height/SpreadHeight: 6 inches to 4 feet (15 cm to 1.2 m); Spread: 6 inches to 3 feet (15 cm to 90 cm)
Special FeaturesAttracts 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

Alyssum-1024x1024 Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Certainly! Here’s the information chart for Alyssum:

CategoryInformation
Botanical NameLobularia maritima
Common NameAlyssum
Plant TypeAnnual or perennial depending on variety
Hardiness ZoneZones 3-9
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-draining, average fertility
WateringModerate
Growth HabitLow-growing, spreading
Height/SpreadHeight: 4-12 inches (10-30 cm); Spread: 6-18 inches (15-45 cm)
Special FeaturesFragrant 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

Geraniums-819x1024 Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Geraniums in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NamePelargonium spp.
Common NameGeranium
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-11
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-drained soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6 inches to 3 feet
Special FeaturesColorful blooms, aromatic foliage, deer resistant

Geraniums come in many colors and bloom all summer. They help keep pests away from roses.

6. Marigolds

Marigolds Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Marigolds in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameTagetes spp.
Common NameMarigold
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 2-11
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-drained soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitAnnual
Height/SpreadHeight: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6 inches to 2 feet
Special FeaturesBright, 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

Dianthus Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Dianthus in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameDianthus spp.
Common NameDianthus, Carnation, Sweet William
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-9
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-drained, fertile soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitPerennial (some are annual)
Height/SpreadHeight: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6-18 inches
Special FeaturesFragrant flowers, deer resistant, attracts butterflies

Also known as “pinks,” these flowers come in many colors and have a sweet scent.

8. Lamb’s Ear

Lambs-Ear Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Lamb’s Ear in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameStachys byzantina
Common NameLamb’s Ear
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 4-8
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-drained soil
Watering NeedsLow
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 6-12 inches Spread: 12-18 inches
Special FeaturesSoft, 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

Artemisia-3 Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Artemisia in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameArtemisia spp.
Common NameArtemisia
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 4-9
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-drained, sandy to loamy soil
Watering NeedsLow
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 1-6 feet Spread: 1-3 feet
Special FeaturesSilvery-gray foliage, drought tolerant, aromatic

Artemisia plant has silvery-gray leaves that contrast nicely with colorful roses.

10. Peonies

Peonies Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Peonies in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NamePaeonia spp.
Common NamePeony
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-8
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeRich, well-drained soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 1.5-3 feet Spread: 1.5-3 feet
Special FeaturesLarge, 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

Foxgloves Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Foxgloves in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameDigitalis spp.
Common NameFoxglove
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 4-9
Sun ExposurePart shade to full shade
Soil TypeRich, well-drained soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitBiennial or short-lived perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 2-5 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesTall 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

Clematis Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Clematis in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameClematis spp.
Common NameClematis
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 4-9
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-drained, fertile soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitClimbing vine
Height/SpreadHeight: 6-30 feet Spread: 3-6 feet
Special FeaturesShowy flowers, attracts butterflies, long blooming period

This climbing plant can grow up a trellis alongside climbing roses for a stunning display.

13. Alliums

Alliums Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Alliums in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameAllium spp.
Common NameAllium, Ornamental Onion
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 4-10
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-drained soil
Watering NeedsLow to moderate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 1-4 feet Spread: 6 inches to 1.5 feet
Special FeaturesSpherical 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

Delphinium Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Delphinium in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameDelphinium spp.
Common NameDelphinium, Larkspur
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-7
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeRich, well-drained soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 2-6 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesTall 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

Ladys-Mantle Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Lady’s Mantle in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameAlchemilla mollis
Common NameLady’s Mantle
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-8
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-drained, moist soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 1-2 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesSoft, 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

Snapdragons Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Snapdragons in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameAntirrhinum majus
Common NameSnapdragon
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 7-10 (grown as annual in cooler zones)
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-drained, loamy soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitHerbaceous annual/perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 6 inches to 3 feet Spread: 6-12 inches
Special FeaturesBrightly colored flowers, attracts pollinators, deer resistant

These colorful flowers bloom for a long time and come in many heights.

17. Yarrow

Yarrow Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Yarrow in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameAchillea millefolium
Common NameYarrow
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-9
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-drained, sandy to loamy soil
Watering NeedsLow to moderate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 1-3 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesAromatic foliage, attracts pollinators, drought tolerant, medicinal uses

Yarrow has flat-topped flower clusters and feathery leaves. It attracts beneficial insects.

18. Coneflowers

Artemisia-1 Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Coneflowers in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameEchinacea spp.
Common NameConeflower
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-9
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-drained, sandy to loamy soil
Watering NeedsLow to moderate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 2-4 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesDrought tolerant, attracts pollinators, medicinal properties, long blooming period

These daisy-like flowers bloom all summer and attract butterflies.

19. Russian Sage

Russian-Sage Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Russian Sage in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NamePerovskia atriplicifolia
Common NameRussian Sage
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 4-9
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-drained, sandy to loamy soil
Watering NeedsLow
Growth HabitWoody perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 3-5 feet Spread: 2-4 feet
Special FeaturesAromatic 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

Verbena Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Verbena in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameVerbena spp.
Common NameVerbena
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 7-11 (grown as annual in cooler zones)
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-drained soil
Watering NeedsLow to moderate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial or annual
Height/SpreadHeight: 1-3 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesLong 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

Shasta-Daisies Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Shasta Daisies in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameLeucanthemum x superbum
Common NameShasta Daisy
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 4-9
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-drained soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 1-3 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesLarge, 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

Lilies Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

To provide you with accurate information about Lilies, I’ll compile a chart with the details you requested:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameLilium spp.
Common NameLily
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-9
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-drained, fertile soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 1-6 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesLarge, 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

Cosmos Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Sure, here’s the information about Cosmos in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameCosmos spp.
Common NameCosmos
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 2-11 (depends on variety)
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeWell-drained, fertile soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitAnnual
Height/SpreadHeight: 1-6 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesProfuse 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)

Bellflowers Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

To provide you with accurate information about Bellflowers, here’s a chart format with the details you requested:

AspectDetails
Botanical NameCampanula spp.
Common NameBellflower
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-9
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeWell-drained soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 6 inches to 4 feet Spread: 6 inches to 2 feet
Special FeaturesBell-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

Phlox Best 25 Companion Plants for Roses

Here’s the information about Phlox in a chart format:

AspectDetails
Botanical NamePhlox spp.
Common NamePhlox
Plant ZoneUSDA zones 3-9
Sun ExposureFull sun to part shade
Soil TypeRich, well-drained soil
Watering NeedsModerate
Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Height/SpreadHeight: 1-3 feet Spread: 1-2 feet
Special FeaturesFragrant 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

  1. Choose plants that like similar growing conditions as roses (full sun and well-drained soil).
  2. Plant taller companions behind roses and shorter ones in front.
  3. Mix different leaf shapes and textures for visual interest.
  4. Consider bloom times – choose companions that flower when your roses do or that bloom at different times to extend the flowering season.
  5. Don’t plant companions too close to roses. Roses need good air circulation to stay healthy.
  6. Some plants, like garlic and chives, can help keep pests away from roses.
  7. 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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