Roses are beautiful on their own, but imagine them being surrounded by a community of vibrant, supportive plants. That’s the magic of companion planting. When roses are paired with their ideal plant partners, the garden becomes a symphony of colors, and there’s an added bonus: these companion plants invite beneficial insects that naturally deter pests and reduce diseases. Companion planting is alive and well in some of the botanical gardens in our state, like the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State, and is emerging as a more popular practice everywhere because it produces results. Companion planting also makes diseases like rose-rosette disease harder to spread and discourages aphids and other harmful predators.
But the benefits don’t stop at the roses. Introducing a variety of plants creates a haven for pollinators, wildlife, and it nurtures the soil. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about fostering a thriving ecosystem. The richer the diversity, the healthier and more resilient the garden becomes. In fact, by ensuring that at least 70% of your garden is composed of native plants, you’re doing wonders for the local ecosystem. Native plants have evolved in tandem with local wildlife, soil, and weather conditions, making them exceptionally resilient and vital for supporting native insects, birds, and other wildlife. They require less water and fewer resources compared to exotic varieties, and they play a pivotal role in providing habitats and food sources for local creatures. Including these in your garden isn’t just a nod to your local heritage; it’s an active step toward sustainable and responsible gardening. So, when mapping out your garden’s future, remember to save plenty of space for the plants that call your region home. It’s a choice that Mother Nature would certainly applaud, and they go so well with your roses.
So, which plants are a match made in heaven for roses? Consider adding Allium (fancy onions), with its unique blossoms, or the aromatic Catmint. Kitchen favorites like Parsley and Sage are unexpected allies, as are Russian Sage, Lavender, and Rosemary. All of these plants help control pests and prevent disease. There’s also the lush Lady’s Mantle, native clematis, mountain mint, and the dainty baby’s breath that add interest to your garden. Nasturtiums add a playful touch, while Coreopsis, feverfew, peonies, and phlox complete this harmonious blend. Anything in the perennial aster family from rudbeckia and goldenrod to coneflower come back every year, require very little maintenance after establishment, and attract beneficial pollinators to the garden in abundance. Together, these plants will make your garden not only look good but feel good, too.
If you want to talk more about companion planting, feel free to swing by The Gathering Garden in Mount Gilead at the corner of W Allenton St and School St, if you want to discuss gardening with us, you can find out more about or workdays on our facebook page.
In these weekly columns, I will share the science of gardening and so many more interesting tidbits. Check back here every week for tailored Montgomery County garden advice, sharing our garden updates, and more.
Let’s grow together!
This article was originally published in the Montgomery Herald and is reused here with permission by Mary Poplin.