Roses are a beloved part of many gardens. However, not all plants make good neighbors for them. Some plants can compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight, while others might attract pests or diseases that could harm your roses. In this article, we’ll explore which plants you should avoid planting next to your beloved roses to ensure they thrive in your garden.
Mint
Although mint is a popular garden herb, it isn’t the best companion for roses. Its strong scent can overshadow roses and deter pollinators. Mint spreads quickly, sending out runners that invade nearby spaces and can take over the garden bed within a season. Its invasive nature can suffocate roses by depriving them of necessary sunlight and space, and the thick mat of mint runners can make it hard for air and water to reach rose roots. This can lead to poor rose health and fewer blossoms.
Fennel
Fennel and roses don’t make good neighbors. Fennel has aggressive growth and a nutrient-hogging nature, which can weaken roses, leading to stunted growth and fewer blooms. Additionally, fennel can attract pests that may harm your precious roses. It’s best to plant fennel far away from your rose garden to keep your roses healthy and vibrant.
Ferns
Ferns are aggressive growers that can quickly overwhelm your rose bush. Their roots compete for water and nutrients, which leaves your roses deprived and struggling. As ferns expand rapidly, they overshadow roses and create an unfavorable environment for their growth. Given their invasive nature, ferns are not the best companions for roses.
Lilacs
Roses and lilacs, both large plants with extensive root systems, are not ideal companions. When planted together, they compete for resources like water and nutrients, which hinders the growth and health of both plants. Lilacs’ susceptibility to powdery mildew can pose a risk to roses. To ensure the optimal development of your roses, plant them away from lilacs or other large shrubs with extensive root systems.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes and roses are not ideal garden companions. Tomatoes can attract pests like aphids that can spread diseases to roses. Both plants are susceptible to similar fungal and bacterial infections, such as black spot, powdery mildew, and blight. Planting tomatoes near roses increases the risk of disease transmission. It also weakens the roses and reduces their growth and bloom.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers can be detrimental to rose growth. Their high water and nutrient demands deplete the soil of essential minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Sunflowers have expansive root systems that aggressively take over surrounding soil space, preventing roses from establishing a solid root system. Their towering height can also create excessive shade, reducing the sunlight roses need for healthy growth.
Garlic
Although garlic is a kitchen staple, it is a harmful neighbor for roses. Its sulfur compounds can poison rose roots, while its allelopathic effects and aggressive root system rob roses of essential nutrients and water. Additionally, garlic can attract pests that harm roses. To help your roses flourish, plant garlic well away from your rose garden.
Leopard’s Bane
Leopard’s bane is a lovely ground cover with cheerful yellow flowers, but it can wreak havoc on your garden if planted near roses. Its dense foliage shades the soil, retains moisture, and spreads rapidly, creating an ideal environment for black spot, a fungal disease that roses are highly susceptible to. While it may look appealing, Leopard’s bane can significantly increase the risk of this damaging disease.
Potatoes
Planting potatoes near roses can lead to pest and disease problems. Pests like spider mites and aphids can transfer between potatoes and roses, damaging both plants. Additionally, diseases such as early blight and black spot affect both crops, increasing the risk of cross-contamination when planted together. To keep your roses healthy and reduce the spread of these diseases, it’s best to keep potatoes and roses apart.
Hollyhocks
While roses and hollyhocks might seem like a perfect pair, sharing similar growing conditions like full sun and fertile soil, they can be harmful neighbors. Both plants are susceptible to rust, a fungal disease that can quickly spread between them. It’s best to plant roses and hollyhocks in separate areas of your garden, providing ample space and good air circulation to prevent the spread of rust and ensure their health.
Black Walnut
Black Walnut trees release a toxic chemical called juglone that can severely harm roses. This chemical disrupts nutrient uptake in plants, leading to wilting, yellowing, and even death. To protect your roses, plant them at least 50 feet away from Black Walnut trees. Consider planting juglone-tolerant buffer plants.
Canna Lilies
Canna lilies are stunning tropical plants that come in vibrant colors like yellow, orange, pink, and red. However, they are not ideal companions for roses. Their aggressive root systems compete with roses for water and nutrients, and their rapid spread can quickly overrun a rose garden. Given their height of 2-3 meters (6-10 feet), they can also overshadow roses, depriving them of essential sunlight.
Brassicas
Planting brassicas like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower next to roses can create several issues due to differences in growth patterns and nutritional needs. Brassicas have high nutrient demands, consuming large amounts of nitrogen, which can deprive roses of this essential resource. This nutrient competition can result in poor blooms and pale foliage in roses. Brassicas also have extensive root systems that can invade the space roses need for root development and stunt their growth.
Morning Glory
Morning glories are excellent climbers that beautify unsightly walls and fences but can harm roses. Their vines can intertwine with rose stems, causing damage and overshadowing them. This competition for water, nutrients, and sunlight can hinder
with the health of the roses.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are beautiful annuals that brighten up any garden with vibrant colors. However, they are prone to diseases like powdery mildew and rust, which can spread to your roses and cause problems. It’s best to let your snapdragons shine solo to keep your roses healthy.