Can anyone suggest the best companion plant for roses in zone 5?

Question

I just planted a a rose garden in zone 5 just north of Philadelphia and I was wondering what the best companion plants for roses in this zone would be. They can be annuals or perennials. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Go to:
http://springhillnursery.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_02188
they sell complete gardens & ship when it is time to plant in your zone. You can send for the free catalog to study & select the best plants to go with your roses if you want to design your own. I buy their complete gardens & alter the shape to fit my yard & planting area.

Answer 2

Hi, in my rose garden i have the following plants. Geranium
theses deter Japaneses beetles, I bring them in in the fall
and place them back out side after all danger of frost has past.there are a lot of scented geraniums.
Basil is another good one it helps repel thrips, basil is a wonderful herb to cook with it and they flower. Again there are a lot of basils out there.
Lavender is another great choice they help repell aphids their flower heads can be cut and dried for a very calming scent. Make sure they are the right type of lavender that can be grown in the 5 zone.
On the outter edge of my rose garden I planted four o'clocks.
They attract Japeanse bettles, but one they dine on there leaves which they love they die. The leaves are poision,
use with cation if you have small childeren.Four o'clocks
reseed. I mulch the bed heavy in the winter our you can collect seeds. I live in Mich in zone 5 and have had them return for the last 5 years. Another great one is garlic. It helps improve the soil and replies aphids roses love them.
Hope this has help and happy organic gardening. Pattie

Answer 3

I guess the rose grower in me says, "If you have room for companion plants, but in more roses!" But I understand what you are trying for.

How much digging do you do around your roses, adding fertilizers and such? How much walking will you be doing among the roses such as for pruning, cutting flowers, etc. If you aren't sure then the first year just plant annuals.......like alyssum and portulaca that remain low. If you find your rose cultivation will allow you to have companion plants, then low perennials as well as tall uprights in the rear......say delphiniums.......work well. I've always liked Shasta daisies with roses as well as salvias (annual and perennial).