Companion Planting for Roses: Attracting Beneficial Insects for a No-Spray Garden

A thriving rose garden doesn’t have to rely on chemical sprays to keep pests at bay. By using companion planting to attract beneficial insects like lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, you can create a balanced ecosystem where nature does the pest control for you. In this guide, we’ll explore the best plants to grow alongside your roses to naturally deter pests and support a healthy, vibrant garden.

Why Companion Planting Works

Companion planting leverages nature’s own methods to protect plants from pests while improving overall garden health. Certain flowers, herbs, and shrubs attract beneficial insects that feed on common rose pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Others act as natural repellents to deter harmful insects.

Best Companion Plants for Attracting Beneficial Insects

To encourage lacewings, ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps in your no-spray rose garden, consider planting the following companion plants:

1. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

• Attracts: Lacewings, ladybugs, parasitic wasps

• Benefits: Provides nectar for beneficial insects while repelling aphids and spider mites

• Planting Tip: Grow near roses but allow space for air circulation to prevent mildew

2. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

• Attracts: Hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs

• Benefits: Produces umbrella-shaped flowers that serve as a food source for beneficial insects

• Planting Tip: Best grown nearby rather than directly next to roses to prevent competition

3. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Attracts: Ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies

• Benefits: Its small, clustered flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, encouraging beneficial insects

• Planting Tip: Drought-tolerant and works well in borders around rose beds

4. Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

• Attracts: Hoverflies, parasitic wasps

• Benefits: Provides nectar while acting as a ground cover to suppress weeds

• Planting Tip: Ideal for planting between rose bushes as a living mulch

5. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

• Attracts: Hoverflies, ladybugs

• Benefits: Naturally repels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes

• Planting Tip: Works well as a border plant around rose gardens

6. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

• Attracts: Bees, ladybugs, parasitic wasps

• Benefits: Strong fragrance repels aphids while enhancing the garden’s beauty and fragrance

• Planting Tip: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun alongside roses

7. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

• Attracts: Ladybugs, predatory insects

• Benefits: Acts as a sacrificial plant, drawing aphids away from roses

• Planting Tip: Grow as ground cover or trailing plants around rose beds

8. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

• Attracts: Lacewings, parasitic wasps

• Benefits: Repels aphids, flea beetles, and squash bugs while providing nectar for beneficial insects

• Planting Tip: Plant near roses but be mindful of spreading tendencies

  
  

9. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

• Attracts: Ladybugs, hoverflies, and pollinators

• Benefits: Provides shelter and food for beneficial insects while acting as a natural trellis for climbing plants

• Planting Tip: Grow along the edges of rose beds for maximum benefit

10. Borage (Borago officinalis)

• Attracts: Bees, ladybugs, parasitic wasps

• Benefits: Improves soil health, repels tomato hornworms, and enhances nectar availability for pollinators

• Planting Tip: Plant near roses for a natural pest deterrent and vibrant blue flowers

Additional Tips for a No-Spray Rose Garden

• Encourage biodiversity: The more plant variety in your garden, the more beneficial insects will be attracted.

• Provide water sources: Shallow dishes with small rocks for perching can keep helpful insects hydrated.

• Avoid chemical pesticides: Even organic sprays can disrupt the natural balance of beneficial insects.

• Let some plants flower: Many beneficial insects rely on pollen and nectar, so allowing herbs and flowers to bloom enhances their presence.

Final Thoughts

Companion planting is a powerful tool for cultivating a healthy, no-spray rose garden. By strategically choosing plants that attract lacewings, ladybugs, and other natural predators, you can effectively manage pests while promoting biodiversity. Whether you're a home gardener or a floral designer sourcing sustainable blooms, embracing this natural approach will enhance both your roses and your overall garden ecosystem.

At Blomma Flower Company, we believe in sustainable gardening practices that support pollinators and beneficial insects. By using companion planting, you can create a lush, pest-resistant rose garden that thrives without synthetic chemicals. Visit our website for more expert tips on rose care and eco-friendly gardening solutions!