Rose Companion Plants

A monoculture of roses, while pretty, is an invitation for pests.

Jason Riedy, Flickr Creative Commons Attribution License

The best companion plants for roses are those that share the same care requirements (in terms of light, moisture, and fertility) and also help the roses grow better. In some cases, companion plants may deter insect pests or make them less vulnerable to diseases. In others, they attract beneficial insects that will eat insect pests. Here are the most common rose companion plants.

Great Companion Plants for Roses - Members of the Allium Family

All members of the onion family are useful companions for roses. They deter aphids and other pests by confusing them with their strong scent. They also help roses combat black spot. While garlic and chives are most commonly recommended, ornamental alliums can also be used, and you get the bonus of beautiful flowers in addition to pest and disease deterrence.

GarlicChivesOrnamental AlliumsLeeks

Herbal Companions for Roses

Much like alliums, above, certain herbs help roses deter pests (most notably, aphids). The herbs below are the ones that work best with roses. There are several varieties of scented geranium, and they seem to all work equally well as companion plants for roses.

Flower Companions for Roses

Many flowers make attractive additions to a rose garden, and, if they have the same light, moisture, and fertility requirements, can be planted quite successfully near roses. The flowering plants listed below, however, also provide protection against pests and diseases.

Lavender - helps deter rabbits.Yarrow - attracts ladybugs, which will then eat any nearby aphids.Marigolds - deter pests, help encourage strong plant growth.

Garlic Companion Plants

In general, garlic is one of those plants that you should plant throughout your garden to help naturally deter pests. It actually accumulates sulfur, which is a naturally-occurring fungicide that will help protect your plants from diseases. Garlic also helps repel insects such as aphids. Below are the best and worst companion plants for garlic.

Best Companion Plants for Garlic

Garlic helps the plants listed below grow better. Because garlic isn't overly picky about where it is planted (as long as it is in full sun), it works in a variety of situations.

Fruit trees (all)TomatoesPeppersEggplantPotatoesCabbageBroccoliCauliflowerKaleKohlrabiCarrots

Worst Companion Plants for Garlic

Garlic and its allium relatives seem to stunt the growth of certain crops. Avoid planting garlic near the vegetables listed below.