When planning your rose garden, you might wonder, "What should I plant under roses in the UK?" Roses, with their vibrant colours and delightful fragrances, are indeed the queens of the garden. However, they also have specific needs, and choosing the right companion plants can enhance their growth and beauty. Here, we'll explore the best plants to grow under roses in the UK, focusing on those that improve soil health, deter pests, and complement your roses' appearance.
Understanding Roses' Needs
Roses thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and they prefer full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also benefit from regular feeding and consistent moisture. By understanding these needs, we can choose companion plants that support these requirements.
Improving Soil Health
Roses are heavy feeders, meaning they require plenty of nutrients. Choosing plants that improve soil health can benefit your roses significantly. Here are some plants that can help:
- Nitrogen-fixing plants: These plants, such as clover and beans, convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by other plants. They can be planted around the base of your roses to enrich the soil.
- Green manures: Plants like winter rye and mustard greens can be planted in the fall, allowed to grow over the winter, and then tilled under in the spring to improve soil structure and fertility.
Deterring Pests and Diseases
Certain plants can help deter pests and diseases that affect roses. Here are a few examples:
- Chives: These alliums release a strong scent that deters aphids, which can otherwise weaken roses and transmit diseases.
- Nasturtiums: These colourful flowers not only attract beneficial insects but also deter pests like whiteflies and beetles. They can also be used to repel black spot, a common rose disease.
- Marigolds: French marigolds contain a substance called thiopene in their roots that can help prevent fungal diseases in the soil, such as those that cause root rot in roses.
Complementing Roses' Appearance
When choosing plants to grow under roses, consider those that will complement their appearance. Here are some suggestions:
- Lavender: This fragrant herb has silvery foliage and purple flowers that contrast beautifully with roses. It also attracts bees, which helps with pollination.
- Herbs: Many herbs, such as thyme, oregano, and sage, have attractive foliage and flowers that can complement roses. They also release scents that can deter pests.
- Clematis: These climbing plants can be trained to grow up and around roses, providing a stunning display of colour and texture. They also benefit from the roses' support, as they are climbers.
Plants to Avoid
While there are many plants that can benefit roses, there are also some that should be avoided. These include:
- Kale: This brassica can compete with roses for nutrients and may also harbour pests that can affect roses.
- Potatoes: These plants can also compete with roses for nutrients and may also harbour diseases that can affect roses.
- Ferns: While ferns can provide shade, they can also compete with roses for water and nutrients.
Planting and Care
When planting companion plants under roses, ensure they are not so tall or wide that they shade the roses or compete with them for space. Most companion plants should be placed within the drip line of the rose bush, which is the area directly under the outermost branches. They should also be planted at least 18 inches apart to allow for growth and air circulation.
In conclusion, choosing the right plants to grow under roses in the UK can enhance their growth, deter pests and diseases, and create a beautiful and harmonious garden. By understanding your roses' needs and selecting appropriate companion plants, you can create a thriving rose garden that will be the envy of your neighbours.