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Roses are meant to mingle with other plants in the garden.
There are also companion plants forrosesthat help ward off pests likeaphids.
Gardens are more robust and enduring when roses are paired with floweringperennials, shrubs, and annual bedding plants.
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When selecting companion plants for roses, start by considering plant needs.
Look for plants that require similar soil conditions, light levels, and watering regimes as roses.
Include plants of varying height to add movement and dimension to the planting.
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Also incorporate a variety of flower forms to complement the bold blooms of rose bushes.
Choose plants that flower at different times of the year for continuous color all season long.
Finally, consider augmenting the winter landscape, when roses and many of their companions lie dormant.
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Lavender
The silvery foliage and slender flower spikes oflavenderpair beautifully with roses.
These drought tolerant plants do not compete with roses for water and nutrients.
The fragrant foliage complements the perfume of roses and helps ward off aphids.
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These stylish blooms look fabulous together in gardens and bouquets.
Garden Phlox
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Phlox and roses make a classic pairing.
They are perfect for cottage-style plantings where they attract a host of pollinators.
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Delphinium
Delphiniumsadd upright structure and height to rose planting with their towering floral spikes.
The linear blooms provide a contrast in form to rounded roses, while the foliage brings airy texture.
Taller species make a striking backdrop while lower-growing varieties can be used to punctuate the middle of the border.
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Ornamental Onion
The globe-shaped flowerheads of ornamental onions or alliums add whimsy and contrast to rose plantings.
Butterflies are drawn to the blooms, but deer and rabbits leave these plants alone.
Alliums are commonly planted with roses to ward off aphids.
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Meadow Sage
The erect flower spikes of meadow sage add dramatic texture and contrast to rose bushes.
Artemisia
Silver varieties of artemisia or wormwood provide a beautiful underplanting to roses.
Foxglove
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Foxglovesand roses make an elegant pairing in any setting.
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Striking spikes of bell-shaped blooms add plenty of drama to plantings while attracting an abundance of hummingbirds and bumblebees.
Allow plants to set seeds and ensure this biennial returns year after year.
With lacy foliage and large, flat-topped flowerheads, yarrow makes a lovely companion to roses.
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Many varieties rebloom for months of color to complement autumn roses and fill the gap during the summer months.
Plant it in locations where rose bushes will provide some shade and let the plant work its magic.
Boxwood
Boxwoodshrubs commonly surround rose plantings to provide evergreen structure and hide the legs of rose bushes.
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Depending on their arrangement and pruning practices, boxwood can lend a formal or informal appearance to rose plantings.
Many modern varieties are available that maintain tidy, compact forms without pruning.
Catmint flowers all season long in soft lavender blue hues that accent rose blossoms.
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Small but showy flowers cover plants spring through fall, attracting beneficial insects all season long.
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Credit: Photo: White Oak Gardens
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