Author Topic: Underplanting roses - what to plant? (Read 6990 times)

Rosemary · « **on:** November 17, 2012, 04:12:12 pm »

We've just had some landscaping done at the front of the house forming two nice beds.

I'm going to put in four climbing roses, two in each bed, plus some English roses along with a lavender hedge round the edges.

Anyone any suggestions as to what I might underplant the roses with. I thought perovskia but I'm not sure. I don't want anything too hard to look after. Bee / insect friendly would be a real bonus.

deepinthewoods · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2012, 05:09:47 pm »

there is a companion planting relationship between roses and garlic, the garlic keeps blackfly (i believe) away from the roses and theyre nutritional needs are different so can coexist.

Rosemary · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2012, 05:33:04 pm »

Quote from: deepinthewoods on November 17, 2012, 05:09:47 pm

there is a companion planting relationship between roses and garlic, the garlic keeps blackfly (i believe) away from the roses and theyre nutritional needs are different so can coexist.

Thanks, DITW. I will plant some garlic but I was thinking "something decorative"

jaykay · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2012, 05:36:21 pm »

The hardy geraniums would be good (the cranesbill family not pelargoniums). Come in pinks and blues, and make good ground cover that doesn't need weeding once it's established.

happygolucky · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2012, 06:31:45 pm »

We have lots of roses BUT, although they are very beautiful, we made the mistake of planting tall stuff between them that dies down and looks a mess and I get ripped up trying to clear it all up.....I love the idea of Lavender with Roses but we never seem to be able to get the look we want!!!

Rosemary · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2012, 07:35:59 pm »

Quote from: jaykay on November 17, 2012, 05:36:21 pm

The hardy geraniums would be good (the cranesbill family not pelargoniums). Come in pinks and blues, and make good ground cover that doesn't need weeding once it's established.

That's a good idea. I like hardy geraniums - they are my type of plant

Fowgill Farm · « **Reply #6 on:** November 19, 2012, 12:25:40 pm »

marigolds are a good greenfly deterrent i always put a few pots in with the tomatoes and when we had rose beds used to put one or two in with them during the summer, it really works. Colours can be a bit clashing though.
mandy

Rosemary · « **Reply #7 on:** November 19, 2012, 01:10:00 pm »

Quote from: Fowgill Farm on November 19, 2012, 12:25:40 pm

Colours can be a bit clashing though.

I know

I've just ordered 96 lavender plug plants and 24 hardy geraniums. Just got to order roses and Virginia creeper now.

Ina · « **Reply #8 on:** November 19, 2012, 01:28:01 pm »

I was planning to do it the other way round - use roses (a very low one) to underplant a plum tree!

happygolucky · « **Reply #9 on:** November 19, 2012, 03:41:57 pm »

I love any plants that have colour all year round or at least a long floweing period, I planted some viginia creeper and some other climbing colourful stuff to climb around an arch, they seem to be growing very slowly but I just love those vibrant reds!!! I actualy do not mind clashing colours in the garden, to me any colour is good,!!