Not all plants can be good neighbors for roses. Some of them can compete for food and moisture, shade or suppress the growth of roses, and also attract pests and diseases.
What plants should not be planted next to roses
There are several criteria by which you can determine which plants are not suitable for neighboring roses.
Plants that have deep and developed roots, such as trees and shrubs. They can intersect with the roots of roses and take away nutrients and moisture from the soil. Such plants include birch, maple, poplar, viburnum, hawthorn and others.
Plants that are aggressive and grow quickly, such as bindweed, ivy, bluegrass, and others. They can twine around and suppress the stems and leaves of roses, and also create excess moisture and shade. This can lead to rot and fungal infections.
Plants that attract the same pests or diseases as roses. For example, aphids like to settle on raspberries, strawberries, beans and other plants.
If you plant them next to roses, you increase the risk of aphid infestation. You should also avoid proximity to plants that suffer from black spot, powdery mildew or gray mold. Such plants include dahlias, gladioli, peonies and others.
What plants can be planted next to roses
On the other hand, there are plants that can be beneficial to roses. They can improve the soil, repel pests or diseases, attract beneficial insects, or simply be harmonious in color or shape. Such plants include the following.
Bulbous flowers such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and others. They bloom before or at the same time as roses, creating a beautiful contrast.
In addition, they do not compete for nutrition and moisture, since their roots are at different depths. Also, bulbous flowers repel rodents that can damage the roots of roses.
Herbs such as lavender, thyme, basil, mint and others. They have a strong aroma that repels aphids, ants, fleas and other pests.
They also attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators that are beneficial to roses. In addition, herbs decorate the flowerbed with their green or silvery leaves and small flowers.
Annual flowers such as asters, forget-me-nots, cosmos, ageratum and others. They create a bright background for roses and highlight their beauty. They also help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing. Annual flowers are easy to plant and care for.
Roses are noble and capricious flowers that require special attention and care. But if you choose the right neighbors for them in the flowerbed, you can not only decorate your garden, but also make your work of caring for roses easier.
Choose plants that will complement your roses in color, shape, and scent, and that will help them fight pests and diseases.
