10 Evergreen Companion Plants for Roses

Oleh Anonymous July 09, 2021 Post a Comment

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Choosing the Right Companion Plants for Your Roses

Roses are one of the most beloved and popular flowers in the world. Known for their beauty, fragrance, and versatility, they can be grown in a wide range of climates and soil types. However, like all plants, roses have their own unique set of requirements and challenges. One of the key factors in growing healthy and beautiful roses is choosing the right companion plants.

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together in order to benefit each other in some way. In the case of roses, companion planting can help to improve soil quality, provide shade and shelter, attract beneficial insects, and deter pests and diseases. In this article, we'll explore 10 evergreen companion plants that are well-suited to growing alongside roses.

1. Lavender

Lavender is a classic choice for companion planting with roses. This fragrant herb not only looks beautiful alongside roses but also has many beneficial properties. Lavender attracts bees and other pollinators, which can help to increase the yield of your roses. It also repels pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and moths, which can damage your roses.

To plant lavender alongside your roses, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil, so you may need to add lime if your soil is too acidic. Plant lavender in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Lavender

Lavender requires very little maintenance once it is established. Water deeply but infrequently, and avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal diseases. Prune back the plant by one-third each year in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

2. Boxwood

Boxwood is another popular choice for companion planting with roses. This evergreen shrub provides a low hedge or border around your rose garden, creating a neat and tidy appearance. Boxwood also helps to retain moisture in the soil, which can be beneficial for roses during dry periods.

To plant boxwood alongside your roses, choose a spot with partial shade or full sun. Boxwood prefers well-draining soil, so amend the soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary. Plant boxwood in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Boxwood

Boxwood requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune back the new growth in early spring or late winter, making sure to leave some green foliage on each branch. Fertilize boxwood once a year in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

3. Salvia

Salvia is a stunning perennial that makes a great companion plant for roses. This plant produces tall spikes of blue, pink, or purple flowers, which can add color and interest to your rose garden. Salvia also attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which can help to pollinate your roses.

To plant salvia alongside your roses, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Salvia prefers neutral to alkaline soil, so you may need to add lime if your soil is too acidic. Plant salvia in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Salvia

Salvia requires regular deadheading to encourage more blooms. Cut back the spent flower spikes to just above a set of leaves or buds. Water deeply but infrequently, and fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

4. Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that can be a great companion plant for roses. This plant produces clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, white, or yellow, which can complement the colors of your roses. Yarrow also attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which can help to control pests.

To plant yarrow alongside your roses, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Yarrow prefers slightly alkaline soil, so you may need to add lime if your soil is too acidic. Plant yarrow in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Yarrow

Yarrow requires very little maintenance once it is established. Water deeply but infrequently, and deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to become leggy and flop over.

5. Catmint

Catmint is a low-growing perennial that can be a great companion plant for roses. This plant produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers, which can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. Catmint also repels pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and squash bugs, which can damage your roses.

To plant catmint alongside your roses, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Catmint prefers slightly alkaline soil, so you may need to add lime if your soil is too acidic. Plant catmint in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Catmint

Catmint requires very little maintenance once it is established. Water deeply but infrequently, and deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms. Cut the plant back by one-third after the first flush of flowers to encourage reblooming.

6. Euphorbia

Euphorbia is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can be a great companion plant for roses. This plant produces clusters of tiny flowers in shades of yellow or green, which can add texture and interest to your rose garden. Euphorbia also repels pests such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels, which can damage your roses.

To plant euphorbia alongside your roses, choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. Euphorbia prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, so you may need to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary. Plant euphorbia in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Euphorbia

Euphorbia requires very little maintenance once it is established. Water deeply but infrequently, and avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal diseases. Prune back the plant by one-third each year in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

7. Heuchera

Heuchera is a low-growing perennial that can be a great companion plant for roses. This plant produces spikes of small flowers in shades of pink, red, or white, which can complement the colors of your roses. Heuchera also attracts bees and other pollinators, which can help to increase the yield of your roses.

To plant heuchera alongside your roses, choose a partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. Heuchera prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary. Plant heuchera in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Heuchera

Heuchera requires very little maintenance once it is established. Water deeply but infrequently, and deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to become leggy and flop over.

8. Thyme

Thyme is a fragrant herb that can be a great companion plant for roses. This plant produces small purple flowers in summer, which can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. Thyme also repels pests such as slugs, snails, and cabbage worms, which can damage your roses.

To plant thyme alongside your roses, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Thyme prefers slightly alkaline soil, so you may need to add lime if your soil is too acidic. Plant thyme in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Thyme

Thyme requires very little maintenance once it is established. Water deeply but infrequently, and avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal diseases. Prune back the plant by one-third each year in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

9. Hellebore

Hellebore is a stunning evergreen perennial that can be a great companion plant for roses. This plant produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, white, or green, which can add color and interest to your rose garden. Hellebore also attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help to control pests.

To plant hellebore alongside your roses, choose a partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. Hellebore prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary. Plant hellebore in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Hellebore

Hellebore requires very little maintenance once it is established. Water deeply but infrequently, and deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms. Cut the plant back by one-third after the first flush of flowers to encourage reblooming.

10. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can be a great companion plant for roses. This plant produces small blue flowers in summer, which can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden. Rosemary also repels pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and moths, which can damage your roses.

To plant rosemary alongside your roses, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Rosemary prefers slightly alkaline soil, so you may need to add lime if your soil is too acidic. Plant rosemary in early spring or fall and water regularly until it becomes established.

How to Care for Rosemary

Rosemary requires very little maintenance once it is established. Water deeply but infrequently, and avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal diseases. Prune back the plant by one-third each year in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

Enhancing Your Rose Garden with Companion Plants

Companion planting is a powerful tool for any gardener, and when it comes to roses, there are many evergreen plants that can help to enhance their beauty and health. Whether you choose lavender for its fragrance, boxwood for its structure, or catmint for its pest-repelling properties, these 10 evergreen companion plants are sure to add color, interest, and functionality to your rose garden.

FAQs

Q1. Can I plant other types of plants alongside my roses?

Yes, there are many different types of plants that can be grown alongside roses. However, it's important to choose plants that have similar soil, sun, and water requirements to your roses.

Q2. Do companion plants really help to control pests and diseases?

Yes, many companion plants have natural pest-repelling properties, which can help to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases in your garden.

Q3. How often should I water my companion plants?

The frequency of watering will depend on the specific plant and the climate in your area. As a general rule, most companion plants prefer deep but infrequent watering.

Q4. Should I fertilize my companion plants?

Most companion plants do not require frequent fertilization, as they are adapted to growing in relatively nutrient-poor soils. However, you may wish to fertilize them once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.

Q5. Can I transplant established companion plants?

Yes, you can transplant established companion plants, but it's best to do so in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler and there is less stress on the plants.