Gardening Mistakes: 30 Plants You Shouldn’t Plant Next to Roses

Roses are a gardener’s delight, known for their beauty and fragrance. However, planting the wrong companions near them can lead to problems. In this post, we’ll explore 30 plants you should avoid planting next to your roses and why these combinations don’t work.

1. Mint

Mint can quickly take over garden space and compete with roses for nutrients. Its aggressive nature makes it a poor choice as a rose companion.

2. Fennel

Fennel releases a chemical that can inhibit the growth of roses. It’s best kept away from your rose bed to ensure healthy blooms.

3. Black Walnut

Black walnut trees release juglone, a compound toxic to many plants, including roses. Avoid planting roses nearby to prevent toxicity.

4. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients that roses need to thrive. Keep these bright beauties at a distance.

5. Garlic

Garlic can stunt the growth of roses by competing for resources. It’s better suited to a different part of your garden.

6. Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks attract rust diseases that can spread to roses, leading to unsightly spots and weakened plants.

7. Potatoes

Potatoes and roses are susceptible to similar blights and pests. Planting them together can increase the chances of disease spreading.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes can attract nematodes and other pests that may also attack roses, making them an unfavorable companion.

9. Corn

Corn’s tall growth can overshadow roses, depriving them of needed sunlight and inhibiting their blooming potential.

10. Peppers

Peppers can attract aphids, a common pest that can also plague roses, leading to shared infestations.

11. Cabbage

Cabbage attracts cabbage worms which can cause damage to both cabbage and roses. Separation is key to preventing infestations.

12. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus releases oils that can affect the growth of nearby plants, including roses. It’s best to plant eucalyptus far from your rose garden.

13. Onions

Onions can compete for nutrients with roses, leading to poor growth. They are best planted in a separate area.

14. Lavender

Lavender prefers different growing conditions compared to roses. While both are beautiful, they thrive better apart.

15. Beans

Beans attract aphids and can spread bacterial blight, which also affects roses. Keeping them separate reduces the risk.

16. Peas

Like beans, peas can attract pests and diseases that might transfer to roses. It’s best to grow them separately.

17. Broccoli

Broccoli attracts pests like cabbage worms that can also damage roses. Keep them separated to maintain healthy plants.

18. Dill

Dill can attract tomato hornworms, which are detrimental to both tomatoes and roses. Plant dingill away from roses for better outcomes.

19. Cauliflower

Cauliflower can attract common pests that also affect roses, including aphids and moths. Keeping them apart is wise.

20. Chives

Chives can compete with roses for resources and attract similar pests, making them a less than ideal companion.

21. Radishes

Radishes attract flea beetles, which can harm both radishes and roses. Separating them helps prevent pest issues.

22. Grapes

Grapes and roses can both suffer from powdery mildew, a disease that can spread quickly between the two plants.

23. Carrots

Carrots can attract root-knot nematodes, which can also attack roses, leading to poor growth and root damage.

24. Zucchini

Zucchini can take up significant space and resources, potentially outcompeting roses for sunlight and nutrients.

25. Eggplant

Eggplants attract similar pests as tomatoes and peppers, making them incompatible with roses due to potential infestations.

26. Basil

Although basil has some beneficial companions, its water and nutrient needs can clash with those of roses, leading to competition.

27. Leeks

Leeks and roses have different nutrient needs, and they can compete for resources, potentially stunting each other’s growth.

28. Parsley

Parsley’s dense growth can overshadow young rose plants, depriving them of sunlight. It’s best to give them space.

29. Marigolds

While marigolds are great pest deterrents, they can overshadow and compete with roses for nutrients and space.

30. Asparagus

Asparagus can attract the asparagus beetle, which can also feed on rose foliage. Keeping them apart helps manage pest issues.