Plants to Complement Roses: A Guide to Choosing the Right Plants

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Roses are one of the most popular flowers around, and for good reason. With their beautiful blooms and sweet fragrance, they add beauty and elegance to any garden or landscape. However, while roses can certainly stand on their own, they can also benefit from the addition of other plants that can help bring out their best qualities.

Choosing the Right Plants

When it comes to choosing plants to complement roses, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to choose plants that will enhance the overall look and feel of your garden. You also want to choose plants that will provide the right amount of shade, moisture, and nutrients to your roses.

Factors to Consider

Some key factors to consider when choosing plants to complement roses include:

• The climate in your area
• The type of soil you have
• The amount of sun and shade in your garden
• The size and shape of your garden

15 Plants to Complement Roses

Now that we've covered some of the key factors to consider, let's take a look at 15 plants that can complement roses beautifully:

1. Lavender

Lavender is a classic choice for complementing roses. Its soft purple color and sweet fragrance make it an ideal pairing. Plus, lavender is great for attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden.

How to Grow Lavender:

Lavender prefers well-draining soil and full sun. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in dry conditions.

2. Salvia

Salvia is another great option for complementing roses. Its bright blue or purple flowers add a pop of color to your garden, and it's also great for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

How to Grow Salvia:

Salvia prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires regular watering.

3. Geraniums

Geraniums are a classic choice for complementing roses. Their bright pink or red flowers add a pop of color to your garden, and they're also great for repelling pests like mosquitoes and Japanese beetles.

How to Grow Geraniums:

Geraniums prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. They're relatively low-maintenance plants that require regular watering.

4. Daylilies

Daylilies are another great option for complementing roses. Their bright yellow or orange flowers add a pop of color to your garden, and they're also great for attracting pollinators.

How to Grow Daylilies:

Daylilies prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. They're relatively low-maintenance plants that require regular watering.

5. Yarrow

Yarrow is a great option for complementing roses. Its delicate white or pink flowers add a soft touch to your garden, and it's also great for attracting butterflies.

How to Grow Yarrow:

Yarrow prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires regular watering.

6. Peonies

Peonies are a classic choice for complementing roses. Their large, fragrant blooms add a touch of elegance to your garden, and they come in a variety of colors to match any rose.

How to Grow Peonies:

Peonies prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. They're relatively low-maintenance plants that require regular watering.

7. Catmint

Catmint is a great option for complementing roses. Its soft purple flowers add a gentle touch to your garden, and it's also great for attracting bees and other pollinators.

How to Grow Catmint:

Catmint prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires regular watering.

8. Coneflowers

Coneflowers are a great option for complementing roses. Their bright pink or purple flowers add a pop of color to your garden, and they're also great for attracting butterflies.

How to Grow Coneflowers:

Coneflowers prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. They're relatively low-maintenance plants that require regular watering.

9. Iris

Iris is a classic choice for complementing roses. Its delicate blue or purple flowers add a touch of elegance to your garden, and they're also great for attracting bees and other pollinators.

How to Grow Iris:

Iris prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires regular watering.

10. Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans are a great option for complementing roses. Their bright yellow flowers add a pop of color to your garden, and they're also great for attracting butterflies.

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susans:

Black-eyed Susans prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. They're relatively low-maintenance plants that require regular watering.

11. Coreopsis

Coreopsis is a great option for complementing roses. Its bright yellow flowers add a pop of color to your garden, and it's also great for attracting bees and other pollinators.

How to Grow Coreopsis:

Coreopsis prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires regular watering.

12. Hostas

Hostas are a classic choice for complementing roses. Their large, leafy foliage adds a touch of elegance to your garden, and they come in a variety of shades to match any rose.

How to Grow Hostas:

Hostas prefer well-draining soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate some sun. They're relatively low-maintenance plants that require regular watering.

13. Lilies

Lilies are a great option for complementing roses. Their large, fragrant blooms add a touch of elegance to your garden, and they come in a variety of colors to match any rose.

How to Grow Lilies:

Lilies prefer well-draining soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate some sun. They're relatively low-maintenance plants that require regular watering.

14. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a great option for complementing roses. Their large, showy blooms add a pop of color to your garden, and they're also great for providing shade to your roses.

How to Grow Hydrangeas:

Hydrangeas prefer well-draining soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate some sun. They require regular watering and benefit from occasional fertilization.

15. Ferns

Ferns are a classic choice for complementing roses. Their delicate foliage adds a touch of elegance to your garden, and they're also great for providing shade to your roses.

How to Grow Ferns:

Ferns prefer well-draining soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate some sun. They're relatively low-maintenance plants that require regular watering.


Choosing the right plants to complement your roses can help enhance the overall look and feel of your garden. By considering factors like climate, soil type, and amount of sun and shade, you can choose plants that will provide the right amount of shade, moisture, and nutrients to your roses. Whether you go with classic options like lavender and peonies, or more unique choices like yarrow and catmint, there are plenty of plants out there that can complement your roses beautifully.

FAQs

Q: What are some plants to avoid planting near roses?

A: Some plants to avoid planting near roses include mint, fennel, and black walnut trees, which can all have negative effects on rose growth and health.

Q: Can I plant vegetables near my roses?

A: Yes, you can plant vegetables near your roses, as long as they don't require too much water or compete for nutrients with your roses.

Q: How often should I water my roses and their companion plants?

A: Roses and their companion plants should be watered regularly, usually about once a week or more often in hot, dry weather.

Q: Should I fertilize my roses and their companion plants?

A: Yes, you should fertilize your roses and their companion plants regularly to help them grow strong and healthy. Use a fertilizer that's specifically designed for roses and follow the instructions carefully.

Q: Can I plant annuals near my roses?

A: Yes, you can plant annuals near your roses. Annuals are a great way to add color and variety to your garden, and they can complement roses beautifully.

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