The Best Companion Plants for Roses in Pots

Growing roses in containers is a great way to enjoy these beautiful flowers even if you don’t have space for an in-ground rose garden With the right companion plants, potted roses can be an attractive focal point on your patio, deck or balcony

When pairing companion plants with container roses, choose varieties that have similar needs in terms of sunlight, water and fertilizer Compact annuals, perennials and herbs with brightly colored flowers or foliage that complement your roses are ideal You’ll also want plants that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies but deter common rose pests.

Here are some of the best companion plants for roses in pots:

Annuals

Sweet Alyssum – These low-growing annuals have clusters of tiny, fragrant white or pink flowers that bloom all season long. They help suppress weeds and look beautiful spilling over the edges of containers.

Superbells Calibrachoa – Also called million bells these colorful trailing plants bloom prolifically in shades of blue purple, red and yellow. Deadhead to encourage more flowers.

Angelonia – Heat and drought tolerant, these “summer snapdragons” produce spiky flowers in white, pink, purple or blue from spring until fall. Good for hot climates.

Verbena – Available in upright and trailing types, verbenas have clusters of small flowers in vibrant colors. Trailing verbenas make great spillers in mixed containers.

Marigolds – Cheerful marigolds bloom abundantly in yellow, orange, red and white. Some varieties have a strong scent that deters rabbits and other pests.

Perennials and Herbs

Catmint – With aromatic gray-green foliage and blue or white flowers, catmint repels aphids, rabbits and deer. It blooms for weeks in summer. Choose compact varieties like ‘Walker’s Low’.

Salvia – Also called sage, salvia has spiky flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Combine with roses in blue, purple, red, pink or white. Prefers full sun.

Lavender – The scent of lavender flowers and foliage helps deter pests. It looks beautiful with pink or white roses. Needs good drainage.

Oregano – This culinary herb has pink or white flowers and a pungent scent that repels aphids and other insects. Let some go to flower.

Chives – The purple flowers are edible and help attract pollinators. Like other alliums, chives help deter pests. Cut back regularly to prevent self-seeding.

Thyme – Another edible herb, thyme has flowers in white, purple or pink that bees love. The fragrant leaves fend off aphids, whiteflies and other pests.

Care Tips

• Use containers at least 12-16 inches wide and deep to provide room for rose roots.

• Make sure containers have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

• Use a good quality potting mix for container roses. they need soil that drains well.

• Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer to encourage blooms.

• Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Don’t let pots completely dry out.

• Place containers in full sun (at least 6 hours per day).

• Prune roses and companion plants as needed to keep them tidy.

Good Companion Plant Combinations

• Trailing verbena, sweet alyssum and calibrachoa around the edges of a pot with an upright rose in the center.

• Rose with catmint and sage – the colors and textures complement each other nicely.

• Lavender and thyme planted around the base of a rose.

• Marigolds and oregano paired with roses to help repel pests.

• Rose with purple salvia and yellow coreopsis for contrast.

• White roses with blue or purple companion plants like salvia, catmint or verbena.

With the right selection and care, it’s easy to create beautiful container rose gardens that will flourish all season long. Be sure to choose compact plants suited to containers and pay close attention to soil, sunlight and watering needs. Then sit back and enjoy the lovely combination of roses and companion plants!