I always pictured a dreamy garden bursting with blooms, with roses stealing the spotlight.
Everything was coming up roses—until it wasn’t. Turns out, these beauties are picky about their neighbors.
I thought snapdragons would be the perfect sidekick… but it turned into a garden disaster, with both plants catching every bug and blight under the sun.
Lesson learned: not all plant pairings are a match made in heaven. Want your roses to truly thrive? Keep them away from these troublemakers.
1. Hollyhocks And Roses Are Both Susceptible To Rust
If you are into cottage gardens, you probably already know that roses and hollyhocks belong there. They love full sun, rich soil, and good air flow.
But here’s the thing – both flowers can get rust, which is definitely something you don’t want in your garden. The easiest way to prevent rust is to give these plants plenty of space.
So, if you want to grow roses and hollyhocks, keep them apart!
Also read: Style Your Garden With These Attractive Flowers That Will Bloom All Summer Long
2. Morning Glory Is A Glorious Climber That Can Smother Your Roses
Morning glories are great climbers that can make even the most unsightly walls and fences into something more vibrant and lively.
However, if their vines get too close to your rose stems, they can cause some serious harm. They might overshadow your roses and compete for water and nutrients (the most crucial elements required for roses to thrive).
To keep your roses in tip-top shape, I would recommend you to steer clear of any plants that might take over.
Also read: Morning Glory Might Attract Hummingbirds To Your Yard But Beware Of This Hidden Downside
3. Lilacs Are Big Plants That Can Take Up Space And Steal All The Nutrients
Roses are big plants with even bigger root systems, so it’s important to give them some space!
Therefore, you shouldn’t plant them too close to other large woody plants – the perfect example would be lilacs. Wondering why?
Well, that’s because those lilacs could hog the water and nutrients, leaving your roses feeling a bit deprived. Many lilacs are also prone to powdery mildew, which is just another headache you don’t need in your garden.
So, make those roses happy by giving them plenty of room to grow!
Also read: These 5 Plants Becomes Besties With Your Lilacs When Planted Next To Them
4. Leopard’s Bane Makes The Perfect Environment For Fungal Diseases
Leopard’s bane is a lovely ground cover that brings lovely yellow flowers to your garden. Although cheerful and low-maintenance, this plant can still wreak havoc.
It shades the soil, holds in moisture, and spreads rapidly. While it might look nice, this creates an ideal spot for black spot, a fungal disease that roses are particularly vulnerable to.
Give these plants some distance, it would be for the best!
Also read: This Kitchen Staple Might Just Save Your Precious Roses From Black Spot Disease
5. Creeping Jenny Will Only Suffocate Your Roses
Creeping Jenny is another tempting ground cover that should be kept further away from roses.
While it spreads quickly and creates pretty dense mats, it can also suffocate your roses and fight for water and nutrients. This overcrowding can reduce airflow and trap moisture, making the ideal conditions for all those nasty fungus and diseases that come with it.
I would highly recommend you to consider giving creeping Jenny a separate space in your garden!
Need more ideas for ground covers? If so, then this might be helpful: Creative & Simple Ground Cover Ideas For A Stunning Landscape
6. Snapdragons Are Cute Little Flowers That Bring Many Troubles
Snapdragons are gorgeous annuals (and sometimes perennials) that can lighten up any garden with their rainbow of colors. But when it comes to growing them besides roses, it may not be such a good idea.
These cute little flowers are prone to powdery mildew and rust, only causing your roses trouble if planted nearby. In this case, it would be a better idea to let your snapdragons shine solo!
7. Fennel Releases Chemicals That Can Harm Your Roses
Fennel might be a useful herb in the kitchen, but it’s not so great in the rose garden. This plant produces chemicals that can stunt the growth of nearby plants, including your delicate roses.
If planted too close, fennel can interfere with root development and prevent your roses from truly thriving.
If you love fennel, it’s best to grow it in a separate garden bed!
8. Hydrangeas Hold Too Much Moisture And Invite Fungal Issues
Hydrangeas and roses might both be garden favorites, but they don’t make the best companions.
Hydrangeas love moist soil, which can create overly damp conditions for your roses, making them more susceptible to fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew.
If you want to enjoy both, plant them in separate areas with their ideal growing conditions!
9. Mint Spreads Like Wildfire And Will Overrun Your Roses
Mint is one of those herbs that seems harmless—fragrant, useful in the kitchen, and easy to grow. But don’t be fooled! Once planted, mint spreads fast and can easily overtake nearby plants.
If mint gets too close to your roses, it can invade their root space, hog moisture, and make it tough for your roses to compete. Not to mention, that dense growth can limit airflow and invite fungal issues.
If you’re set on growing mint, it’s best to keep it contained in pots or well away from your rose beds!
10. Bamboo Might Be Pretty, But It’s Trouble With A Capital B
Bamboo might bring a lush, exotic vibe to your space, but it’s not a good companion for roses—or really anything nearby, to be honest.
Its aggressive root system can spread far and wide, robbing your roses of nutrients and making it nearly impossible for them to thrive. Plus, bamboo creates dense shade that roses definitely won’t appreciate.
Unless you want a garden takeover, bamboo is best kept far away from your delicate blooms.
11. Rue Might Repel Pests, But It Can Also Repel Your Roses’ Growth
Rue is often praised for its pest-repelling properties and can be a helpful addition in many herb gardens. But when it comes to planting it near roses, it’s a different story.
This herb contains substances that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including your beloved roses. Its strong oils can leach into the soil and potentially cause stress to your blooms, making them more vulnerable to disease and poor development.
If you’re planning to grow rue, give it a separate spot in the garden to avoid any unwanted side effects.
12. Black Walnut Trees Are Toxic To Roses And Most Other Plants
If you have a black walnut tree nearby, you might want to reconsider planting roses anywhere close to it. These trees release a substance called juglone, which is toxic to many plants—including roses.
This chemical can affect the soil several feet from the tree, stunting rose growth, yellowing leaves, and even causing plants to die off altogether.
To protect your rose bushes, it’s best to plant them far away from any black walnut trees or their root zones.
It’s tempting to pair roses with all kinds of flowers, but not all make great neighbors! Skip these ones to let your roses truly thrive.
Also read: These Are The 12 Best Companion Plants For Roses That Will Keep Them Healthy And Pest-Free