Roses are prized for appearance, scent, and symbolism. If your garden is in a cottage romantic setting or a tastefully planned landscape, the rose can be the focal point. But if you want them to flourish, one of the gardening rituals to keep in mind is companion planting—and in this instance, what not to place beside roses.
There are some plants that compete for nutrients, disease spread, pestiferous insects or simply conflict in the sense of their maintenance needs. Here, we’re going to take you through 8 plants that never need to be grown with roses, and how avoiding these combinations can prevent your garden from being a nuisance.
1. Fennel
Fennel may be a favorite to eat, but it’s one of the most detrimental plants to have around roses—or any plant, for that matter.
Why to Avoid
Fennel is allelopathic, meaning that it emits chemicals into the ground that will suppress the growth of plants around it.
It will stunt the growth of your roses and keep them from blooming fully.
Fennel likes dry, poor soil—the opposite of what roses prefer.
2. Black Walnut Trees
While not being a garden staple, black walnut trees (or even their surrounding roots) can ruin your rose gardens.
Why to Avoid:
Black walnut trees drop juglone, a toxic compound that injures or kills surrounding plants, particularly roses.
Toxic effect is experienced from walnut leaves, roots, and husk.
Roses are very susceptible to juglone and will exhibit symptoms of yellow leaves, reduced growth, and dieback.
3.Mint
Mint is wonderful in tea but not in your bed of roses.
Why to Avoid:
Mint is extremely aggressive and will rapidly spread via underground runners.
It can take over rose roots, robbing them of moisture and nutrients.
Mint also loves shadier, cooler locations, whereas roses grow best in full sun.
4. Boxwood
Boxwood could be an effective structural addition to your garden, but it does not get along with roses.
Why Avoid:
It will contain pests such as spider mites and aphids, which may transfer to roses.
Boxwood produces intense shade, diminishing airflow and potentially spreading fungal disease to roses.
Their varying watering and soil requirements may cause imbalances in their care.
5.Lavender
This one might shock you—lavender and roses are both lovely and scented, but they’re terrible planting buddies.
Why to Avoid:
Lavender loves dry, sandy, alkaline soil, whereas roses love rich, loamy, slightly acidic soil.
Their watering habits are incompatible: roses require regular moisture, lavender likes dry spells.
Having them together can mean sacrificing the health of both plants.
6. Rue
A vintage herb employed in traditional medicine, rue is another plant that’s best avoided near roses.
Why to Avoid:
Rue emits chemicals that suppress the growth of nearby plants, including roses.
It can lead to leaf scorch and disrupt nutrient uptake.
Rue’s pungent scent can drive away some beneficial pollinators that roses depend on.
7.Tomatoes
It may be tempting to plant food near your roses, but tomatoes are a definite no.
Why to Avoid:
Both tomatoes and roses are susceptible to the same diseases—such as blight, mildew, and black spot—that spread easily from one to the other.
Tomatoes need plenty of water and nutrients, taking over from your roses.
Tomato plants will also shade out roses, blocking the sun from reaching them.
Why Companion Planting Errors are Important
- Siting incompatible companions around roses may lead to:
- Stunted development
- More pest and disease issues
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Sparse bloom production
- Root invasion and overcrowding
- Being considerate of your rose garden neighbors is important to secure your investment of time, energy, and capital.
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Best Companions for Roses (Bonus Tip)
To leave on a good note, here are some excellent companion flowers for roses:
- Garlic and chives – Repel aphids and Japanese beetles.
- Marigolds – Repel nematodes and provide bold color contrast.
- Catmint (Nepeta) – Pollinator attractant and aphid Repeller.
- Alliums – Naturally repel insects and provide vertical interest.
- Geraniums – Repel leafhoppers and beetles.
Final Thoughts
Though roses are versatile, it is possible to plant them alongside the wrong things and lose their beauty and health. Steer clear of planting your roses alongside fennel, mint, or black walnut to allow your roses the best environment in which to grow. Companion planting is an easy but effective gardening method that can make or destroy your rose garden.
By understanding what not to plant near roses, you’re one step closer to creating a flourishing, fragrant garden full of healthy, vibrant blooms.
FAQS:
Are there vegetables that I can plant next to roses?
Yes, but not those with similar diseases like tomatoes and potatoes.
Can lavender be planted near roses?
Not advisable because lavender has different soil and watering requirements.
Which herbs are suitable alongside roses?
Give garlic, thyme, and oregano a try—these repel pests and benefit the soil.
How far do I plant companion plants from roses?
At least 12–18 inches from roses to prevent root competition and airflow obstruction.
