What Flowers Grow Well With Roses?
Roses are among the most recognized and most popular flowers in the world. The Greek poet Sappho called the rose the queen of flowers, and the title is still in use. Companion plants for any plant are chosen not only to increase the aesthetic value of the garden but also to reduce diseases and pests. The same principle applies when choosing companion plants for roses. For instance, flowers that attract hummingbirds are a good companion for roses since the birds eat aphids. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Agastache Cana
-
Agastache cana (Labiatae) is also known as wild hyssop. The leaves of the plant have a bubble-gum-like aroma. The plant has purplish-pink, red or copper flowers and is considered one the best plants for attracting hummingbirds. Agastache cana grows easily from seed and blooms during the same year in late summer and fall with 12-inch, loose, floral spikes. The plant thrives in USDA Zones 5 to 10. They reach a mature height of 2 to 6 feet and have a spreading growth habit. Plant in full sun and fertile ground. The plant has a low tolerance for humidity and drought.
Blue Woodruff
-
Blue woodruff (Asperula orientalis) is among the best companion plants for roses, large perennials and shrubs. Blue woodruff is also known as Asperula azurea. The plants are easy to grow and reach a mature height of 12 inches. The blue, fragrant flowers are tubular and thin and grow in dense clusters. The plant blooms through the summer and fall and can be grown in light shade. Blue woodruff is easy to grow and self-seeds profusely. Plant in light shade or full sun in a well-drained, fertile soil. Blue woodruff is well tolerant of alkaline soils.
-
Rosemary
-
Herbs like rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and creeping thyme make good companion plants for roses. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with needle-like, aromatic, gray-green leaves. The plants bear lavender to white flowers during summer. The plants reach a mature height of 1 to 5 feet and grow best in full sun with good air circulation. Rosemary is tolerant of a wide variety of well-drained soils. It grows best in USDA Zones 8 to 10. Rosemary does not have a very high water or fertilizer requirement. The plants can be easily propagated with cuttings dipped in rooting hormones. Prune the plant after the flowers are spent to keep in shape.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit rosemary image by Denis Plaster from Fotolia.com
