Companion Plants for Rich Pink and Crimson-Violet Roses: Spotlight on Princess Anne and J.W. von Goethe

In our last post, we explored three varieties of English roses with light pink shades and discussed the best companion plants to enhance their beauty. Today, I’d like to shift our focus to roses with deeper pink and crimson-violet hues, and suggest some companion plants that will complement these striking colors.

Let’s start with the English rose variety Princess Anne. This rose boasts a rich, dark pink color that becomes even more striking when paired with perennials featuring blue flowers.

The cool blue tones create a stunning contrast, making the deep pink petals pop.

Additionally, combining Princess Anne with perennials in softer pink shades can enhance the lighter pink tones that emerge as the blooms reach their full maturity, adding depth and complexity to your garden’s color palette.

Now, if you’re working with a rose that has a crimson-violet shade, such as the renowned J. W. von Goethe Rose (Rosen Tantau 2009), consider complementing it with perennials that have violet-blue flowers. This combination will create a harmonious and visually pleasing palette. For those who enjoy bold contrasts, you can introduce a rose with yellow-golden flowers or a perennial with yellow blooms into the mix. In one such composition, I’ve added the Golden Celebration rose, positioning it on a low obelisk to serve as a vertical focal point. This not only draws the eye upward but also adds an extra layer of interest to the arrangement.

Let’s not forget about ornamental grasses—these can be a fantastic addition to rose compositions. Grasses bring both structure and movement to the garden. For example, in the first combination with Princess Anne, consider using Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’. This grass can serve as a backdrop, framing the roses and subtly separating them from the rest of the garden. In the second scenario, with the J. W. von Goethe Rose, Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’ in the foreground adds lightness and a gentle sway to the composition, creating a dynamic and lively garden scene.

I hope these two examples inspire you to choose the perfect companion plants for your roses with dark pink and crimson-violet hues, helping you craft unique and captivating combinations in your garden.