companion plant for roses in hot and dry climate?

Question

I have a long stretch of driveway wiht 35 rose bushes, its too hot and dry for them so I have pulled up every alternate one and want to replace witha plant better suited to our climate ((South Australia, hot and dry) What would be a good plant to alternate with the roses and maybe protect them a bit, I was thinking lavander/rosemary??????

Answer 1

I like your rosemary/lavendar idea... possibly both. Any of the flowering onions might work too. These are all low perennials, though. did you want something more shrub sized? If so... how about:
- Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed), shrub, height up to 4 feet. fine in dry areas. Attracts butterflies. Flowers mostly hot orange to red, some yellows.
- Verbena bonariensis (verbena), perennial, height up to 3', with purple flowers.
- anything else from http://www.theherbcottage.com/hot_dry.html
- anything from http://www.hotgardens.net/hedges.htm
especially smoke bush... purple leaved shrub... looks like it'd go really well with roses.

Answer 2

Orchids are good,and there is a huge range of these plants. Bromeliads are good because they have beautiful flowers, and thrive in a hot climate. Cacti and Succulents. Your local garden center will have suitable choices.

Answer 3

Lavender would thrive in those conditions. How about considering Russian Sage? It's blooming now & is used along long stretches in sunny, hot & dry areas.
http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/flowers/perovskia/perovskia.htm

Answer 4

Onions,garlic and parsley for something different around each rose amongst staggered 'clipped' rosemary...ward off pests and supply herbs..?

Answer 5

Garlic, leeks... If you want natural protection against aphids and pests