Roses have always held a special place in my heart. My deep passion for these exquisite blooms led us to run a small garden center dedicated exclusively to roses for many years. This experience allowed me to explore a wide variety of roses and gain a deep understanding of how to use them effectively in garden design.
Over time, I discovered that while roses are undeniably stunning on their own, pairing them with perennials and ornamental grasses can further enhance their beauty. Thoughtful companion planting not only highlights the unique charm of roses but also keeps the garden vibrant during the quieter periods between their main waves of bloom.
For this post, I’ve chosen three varieties of English roses in delightful pink shades. In future posts, we’ll explore companion plants for a range of rose colors, including white, red, and dark burgundy. I’m excited to share some of my favorite combinations of English roses with perennials and grasses. I hope these examples will spark your creativity and inspire you to create your own stunning rose and perennial pairings.
The Olivia Rose Austin is a delightful variety, reaching about 3 1/2 feet (110 cm) in both height and width. Its soft, light pink blooms have a cool undertone, giving it a marshmallow-like appearance that’s simply irresistible. To my eye, this delicate rose looks especially elegant when paired with perennials that have silvery-gray foliage, like Stachys byzantina. It also shines when surrounded by blue flowers, such as Perovskia, Lavender, Nepeta, and blue varieties of Geranium. These companions enhance the gentle beauty of the Olivia Rose Austin, highlighting its softness and charm.
Eustacia Vye is an exceedingly pretty rose with soft, glowing apricot-pink blooms, each one packed with numerous delicately ruffled petals. This variety reaches a height of about 4 feet (125 cm) and spreads to around 3 feet (90 cm). When selecting companion plants for Eustacia Vye, I aim to complement and enhance its warm pink hue. To achieve this, I choose companion plants in warm tones, which can create a vibrant and harmonious garden display.
Harlow Carr is a dependable rose with a simple yet charming pink hue and medium-sized flowers. Standing about 3 feet (90 cm) tall and wide, this rose may not capture attention at first glance, but it earns admiration through its trustworthiness and consistent performance. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking an easy-to-care-for rose that’s forgiving of minor mistakes and consistently rewards with abundant blooms and robust health.
I particularly appreciate Harlow Carr when used in drift planting along garden paths. However, keep in mind that this variety has many thorns. To enhance its beauty and keep it safely away from the edge of the path, consider planting a border of Lavender or Nepeta in the foreground. These companion plants not only highlight the rose but also provide a simple color scheme that ensures the rose remains the focal point of the garden composition.
I hope I’ve provided you with some fresh ideas for pairing companion plants with your roses. May your garden be filled with beautiful combinations that enhance the charm of your roses and keep your garden vibrant throughout the seasons. Happy gardening!
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