Roses are often considered the queen of the garden.
Their timeless beauty, fragrance, and variety make them a favorite among gardeners worldwide.
Having grown roses for many years, I can attest that they bring an unparalleled elegance to any garden space.
However, while roses are showstoppers, they are also demanding and particular about their growing conditions.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various plant combinations in my garden, and I’ve learned that not all plants make good companions for roses.
In fact, some plants can hinder their growth, compete for nutrients, or even invite pests and diseases.
In this article, I’ll share my experiences and advice on the plants you should never grow next to roses.
By understanding these tips, you can ensure that your roses—and the rest of your garden—thrive in harmony.
1. Lavender
Lavender is a well-loved herb, known for its fragrant blooms and ability to attract pollinators.
However, planting lavender too close to roses can lead to competition for similar resources.
Both lavender and roses thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, but they can end up competing for space, nutrients, and moisture if planted too closely together.
I once tried planting lavender near my rose bushes, thinking their complementary colors and shared pollinators would make for a perfect pairing.
However, as the season progressed, I noticed that both plants were struggling.
The lavender’s growth was stunted, and the roses produced fewer blooms than usual.
The competition for the same resources was simply too much for both plants to handle.
After that, I decided to separate them, giving each plant its own space in the garden where they could thrive without competing with each other.
2. Mint
Mint is a popular herb, known for its refreshing aroma and versatility in the kitchen.
However, mint is highly invasive and can quickly take over garden beds, including those housing your precious roses.
Mint spreads through underground runners and can choke out other plants by competing for water and nutrients.
I once planted mint near a rose bed, thinking it would provide a lovely fragrance and keep pests at bay.
However, within a season, the mint had started to overrun the rose bed, wrapping around the rose stems and stealing vital nutrients.
The roses began to look weak and stunted, and I eventually had to dig up the mint to save them.
If you love mint and roses, it’s best to grow the mint in a container or a separate area of the garden where it can’t invade the rose bed.
3. Gladiolus
Gladiolus are stunning flowers that add height and drama to any garden.
However, they are not the best companions for roses.
Gladiolus have a tendency to attract thrips, tiny insects that can cause significant damage to roses by feeding on their buds and blooms.
I once planted gladiolus near my roses, thinking the tall spikes of flowers would create a beautiful backdrop for the roses.
But as the season progressed, I noticed an increase in thrips activity on my roses, which led to damaged and deformed blooms.
It was a frustrating experience, as I had to spend extra time and effort trying to control the thrips.
After that, I decided to plant my gladiolus far away from my roses to reduce the risk of pest problems.
4. Black Walnut Trees
Black walnut trees are known for their beautiful, sturdy wood and large, aromatic nuts.
However, they are also notorious for producing a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants, including roses.
Juglone is released through the roots, leaves, and nuts of the black walnut tree, and it can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and even death.
I once planted roses near a black walnut tree, not realizing the impact the tree would have on my roses.
Over time, the roses began to show signs of distress—yellowing leaves, reduced growth, and fewer blooms.
It took me a while to realize that the juglone from the walnut tree was the cause of these problems.
Eventually, I had to move the roses to a different part of the garden, far away from the black walnut tree, where they could recover and thrive.
If you have a black walnut tree in your garden, be sure to keep your roses—and other sensitive plants—well away from its reach.
5. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are beloved for their large, showy blooms and ability to add a splash of color to any garden.
However, they are not the best companions for roses.
Hydrangeas require a lot of water and prefer slightly acidic soil, which can create problems for roses that thrive in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
I once planted hydrangeas near a bed of roses, thinking the combination of the large hydrangea flowers and the elegant rose blooms would create a stunning visual display.
But as the season progressed, it became clear that the hydrangeas’ need for frequent watering was causing issues for the roses.
The roses began to suffer from root rot and other moisture-related problems, and their growth was stunted.
Eventually, I had to move the roses to a drier spot in the garden, where they could thrive without the extra moisture that the hydrangeas required.
6. Large Shrubs
Large shrubs, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, can dominate the garden space and compete with roses for light, water, and nutrients.
These shrubs have extensive root systems that can spread out and take over the surrounding soil, leaving little room for other plants to thrive.
I once planted roses near a large rhododendron, thinking the shrub would provide some shade and create a layered effect in the garden.
However, the rhododendron’s roots quickly took over the area, and the roses struggled to compete for the nutrients and water they needed.
The roses became stunted and produced fewer blooms, and their overall health declined.
After that, I decided to give my roses their own space, away from large, dominant shrubs that could overpower them.
7. Tall, Dense Trees
Roses need plenty of sunlight to produce their best blooms, ideally at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Planting them near tall, dense trees can be a big mistake.
Not only do these trees cast too much shade, but their extensive root systems also compete with roses for water and nutrients.
I once planted a rose bush near a large maple tree, thinking that the tree would provide a nice backdrop.
However, the tree’s canopy blocked out much of the sunlight, and the rose began to stretch towards the light, becoming leggy and weak.
Additionally, the tree’s roots were so dominant that the rose struggled to get the nutrients it needed, resulting in fewer and smaller blooms.
After that experience, I made sure to plant my roses in open areas where they can bask in the sun without competing with large trees.
8. Camellias
Camellias are beautiful evergreen shrubs that produce large, rose-like flowers, often in early spring or late fall.
However, they are not the best companions for roses.
Camellias prefer acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture, which is very different from the conditions that roses prefer.
In one of my garden experiments, I planted camellias near a group of roses, hoping to create a lush, colorful display.
However, the camellias struggled with the more neutral soil that the roses needed, and the roses began to suffer from the increased moisture levels required by the camellias.
Neither plant thrived, and I eventually had to relocate them to different areas of the garden where they could each get the conditions they needed.
9. Peonies
Peonies are stunning perennials that offer large, fragrant blooms each spring, much like roses.
While they can create a beautiful display in a garden, they are not the best companions for roses.
Peonies and roses both prefer full sun and well-drained soil, but peonies have deep, fleshy roots that can compete heavily with roses for nutrients and space.
I once planted peonies near a rose bed, thinking their overlapping bloom times would create a stunning show.
However, the peonies’ roots began to encroach on the roses’ root zone, leading to competition for nutrients and water.
The roses started to show signs of stress, producing fewer and less vibrant blooms.
After realizing that the two plants were not compatible, I decided to separate them and plant the peonies in a different part of the garden, where they wouldn’t interfere with the roses.
Final Thoughts
Gardening is a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges.
Roses, while beautiful and beloved, have specific needs that must be met to ensure they thrive.
Through my own experiences, I’ve learned that not all plants make good neighbors for roses.
Whether it’s due to competition for nutrients, water, or sunlight, or the risk of spreading pests and diseases, some plants can hinder the growth and health of your roses.
By avoiding the plants I’ve mentioned in this article, you can create a garden where your roses can flourish.
Remember, the key to a successful garden is understanding the needs of each plant and providing them with the right environment to thrive.
With careful planning and consideration, you can enjoy a garden filled with healthy, vibrant roses and complementary plants that enhance their beauty.
Happy gardening!