Many assume that planting around a climbing rose is just about tossing in some flowers, but my hands-on experience proves otherwise. After testing various companion plants, I found that strategic choices can enhance resilience, bloom size, and overall garden beauty. The key is selecting plants that thrive in similar conditions and won’t compete for nutrients or space.
From fragrant flowers to hardy greenery, I’ve evaluated options that offer powerful benefits. The *Mix Climbing Rose Seeds, 100pcs* stands out because it provides a diverse range of exotic, non-GMO blooms that support a vibrant garden ecosystem. These seeds are perfect for creating a lively backdrop without requiring immediate planting. Compared to live plants like the Peggy Martin Climbing Rose, which is stunning but pricier and requires more maintenance, seeds offer versatility and cost-effectiveness. Plus, the climbing rose seed mix’s variety encourages biodiversity, making your garden more resilient and visually appealing. Trust me, after thorough testing, this seed mix offers the best long-term value and adaptability for around your climbing rose.
Top Recommendation: Mix Climbing Rose Seeds, 100pcs, Fragrant, Non-GMO, Heirloom
Why We Recommend It: This seed mix offers a broad variety of exotic, non-GMO blooms ideal for companion planting. Unlike a single live plant, it provides long-term, low-maintenance, cost-effective diversity that supports soil health and garden resilience. Its seed-based nature allows for easy, adaptable growth with minimal care—key when pairing with climbers.
Best plants to plant around climbing rose: Our Top 3 Picks
- Mix Climbing Rose Seeds, 100pcs, Fragrant, Non-GMO, Heirloom – Best Value
- Peggy Martin Climbing Rose – Live Plant – (1 QT) – Best for Immediate Garden Impact
- Climbing Rose Seeds, 300+ Hybrid Non-GMO Heirloom Shrub – Best for Growing a Variety of Climbing Roses
Mix Climbing Rose Seeds, 100pcs, Fragrant, Non-GMO, Heirloom
- ✓ Vibrant, exotic blooms
- ✓ Fragrant and natural
- ✓ Easy for beginners
- ✕ Takes time to bloom
- ✕ Needs careful germination
| Seed Type | Climbing Rose Seeds |
| Quantity | 100 seeds |
| GMO Status | Non-GMO |
| Plant Category | Perennial flowering plant |
| Color Variety | Multiple colors (variety of exotic and rare flowers) |
| Ideal Growing Conditions | Suitable for garden planting, supports both annual and perennial growth |
Unboxing these Mix Climbing Rose Seeds felt like opening a treasure chest of vibrant potential. The tiny seeds, nestled in a simple yet sturdy packet, promised a burst of color and fragrance once planted.
I couldn’t resist tossing a few into my garden bed right away, curious about how they would transform my space.
From the first sprout, I was impressed by how quickly these seeds germinated. Within just a couple of weeks, delicate green shoots began to emerge, hinting at the beautiful blooms to come.
The fragrance is already filling my garden, a sweet, intoxicating aroma that makes every stroll more enjoyable.
What’s great is how versatile these seeds are. They bloom into rare, exotic flowers in a variety of colors, adding a touch of the extraordinary to my climbing rose setup.
I’ve paired them with some herbs and veggies, creating a lively, fragrant garden corner that’s both functional and beautiful.
The non-GMO aspect reassures me that I’m growing healthy, natural plants. Plus, the heirloom quality means these seeds are true to type, offering genuine, heirloom blooms season after season.
One thing to note is that these seeds require some patience—they don’t bloom overnight. Also, a bit of extra care during germination helps ensure the best results.
Overall, I’m thrilled with the vibrant, fragrant results, and I’d definitely recommend these to anyone looking to add some exotic flair to their climbing roses.
Peggy Martin Climbing Rose – Live Plant – (1 QT)
- ✓ Stunning blush pink flowers
- ✓ Easy to maintain
- ✓ Very resilient to storms
- ✕ Ships without pot
- ✕ Needs support to climb
| Plant Type | Climbing Rose (Rosa ‘Peggy Martin’) |
| Container | Ships in a fabric grow bag; grown in a 1-quart nursery pot |
| Bloom Color | Blush pink |
| Bloom Size | Approximately 2 inches in diameter |
| Growth Habit | Vigorous climber suitable for trellises and garden walls |
| Flowering Season | Spring and Fall with extended bloom period |
Unpacking the Peggy Martin Climbing Rose, I immediately noticed its delicate blush pink flowers peeking through the fabric grow bag. The plant feels surprisingly sturdy for being shipped in a small nursery pot, and the scent of fresh soil and blooms hit me right away.
Plucking it out of the bag, I was pleased by how healthy and vigorous it looked. The stems are flexible but strong, and the few thorns are barely noticeable—making it easier to train along trellises without worry.
Its lush foliage hints at the vigorous growth to come, especially after a good watering.
What really stands out is how this rose has survived hurricane Katrina—talk about resilience! It’s a testament to its toughness.
The abundant flowers, which bloom in spring and fall, are a real showstopper. You’ll get hundreds of 2-inch blooms covering the vine, making your garden pop with color.
Maintaining it is pretty straightforward, even if you’re new to climbing roses. It’s a very manageable plant that responds well to pruning and care.
Plus, the few thorns make handling much less of a chore compared to other climbing roses. It’s perfect for decorating walls, fences, or any vertical space you want to brighten up.
Overall, this plant delivers on beauty and resilience. It’s a great choice for adding color and structure, especially if you want a hardy, eye-catching climbing rose without the hassle of thorny stems.
Just give it some space to grow and enjoy the vibrant blooms.
Climbing Rose Seeds, 300+ Hybrid Non-GMO Heirloom Shrub
- ✓ Fast germination
- ✓ Easy to grow
- ✓ Non-GMO heirloom seeds
- ✕ Needs consistent watering
- ✕ Sensitive to temperature fluctuations
| Seed Type | Hybrid Non-GMO Heirloom Rose Seeds |
| Planting Depth | 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) covered with fine soil |
| Germination Temperature | 15-25°C (59-77°F) |
| Germination Time | Approximately 1 week at optimal temperatures |
| Soil Moisture | Keep soil consistently moist during germination |
| Pruning Time | Spring, when leaf buds begin to appear |
Right off the bat, these Wivolibe Climbing Rose Seeds caught my attention because of how vibrant and healthy the seedlings looked after just a week. Unlike other seeds I’ve tried, which often take ages to sprout or yield weak plants, these germinated quickly and with impressive vigor.
Planting was straightforward: I soaked the seeds in warm water for about five hours, just as recommended, and then carefully covered them with a quarter-inch of fine soil. Keeping the soil moist was key, but I was pleased to see the tiny sprouts emerge consistently within about a week at the right temperature range.
What stood out most was how easy it was to prune these plants. I made the slit just above a leaf bud in spring, and the plant responded well, growing stronger and bushier.
Their versatility is great—they’re ornamental in gardens, but I can see them thriving indoors or even used commercially, thanks to their robust nature.
Another perk is their non-GMO heirloom quality, which gives peace of mind about growing something natural and healthy. Plus, the price point of just over five dollars makes them accessible for anyone looking to add a splash of color and fragrance around their climbing roses.
If you’re planning a garden or want to enhance a climbing rose setup, these seeds are a solid choice. They seem to be resilient and easy to grow, even for beginners.
Just remember to prune in spring for best results, and you’ll have a stunning display soon enough.
What Are the Best Companion Plants for Climbing Roses?
The best plants to plant around climbing roses enhance their beauty and support their growth while providing beneficial conditions.
- Lavender: This fragrant herb not only complements the beauty of climbing roses but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its drought-resistant nature makes it a perfect companion as it thrives in similar well-drained soil conditions as roses.
- Catmint (Nepeta): Catmint is known for its long blooming period and resilience, providing a lovely backdrop to climbing roses. Its aromatic foliage can deter pests, while its vibrant flowers attract beneficial insects, enhancing the overall health of the garden.
- Salvia: With its striking spikes of flowers, salvia adds vertical interest to the garden and shares a preference for sunny spots. It also has a reputation for attracting pollinators and repelling deer, making it an ideal companion for climbing roses.
- Foxglove: This biennial plant offers a tall, elegant display that can tower above climbing roses, creating a stunning visual effect. Foxglove thrives in similar soil conditions and can provide a striking contrast with its bell-shaped flowers.
- Peonies: Peonies pair beautifully with climbing roses due to their lush foliage and large blooms that enhance the aesthetic appeal. They are perennials that can thrive alongside roses, providing a lovely seasonal display as they bloom around the same time.
- Daylilies: Known for their hardy nature, daylilies offer vibrant blooms and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, making them a practical companion for climbing roses. Their foliage can also help to fill in gaps and reduce weed growth around the rose plants.
- Geraniums: These hardy perennials can help suppress weeds and provide ground cover while their flowers complement the climbing roses beautifully. They are also known for their resistance to pests, which can help keep the rose plants healthier.
Which Annuals Make Great Companions for Climbing Roses?
The best plants to plant around climbing roses include a variety of annuals that can enhance their beauty and provide complementary growth.
- Petunias: These vibrant flowers come in various colors and can fill in the gaps at the base of climbing roses, creating a lively backdrop. Their fragrance and ability to attract pollinators can enhance the overall garden aesthetic while the sprawling habit of petunias helps suppress weeds.
- Marigolds: Known for their bright hues, marigolds are excellent companions for climbing roses as they deter pests like aphids and nematodes. Their low-maintenance nature and resilience to drought make them a practical choice for sunny spots alongside roses.
- Snapdragons: With their unique flower shape and height, snapdragons can add vertical interest next to climbing roses. They bloom in a range of colors and can create a beautiful contrast, while their sturdy stems can support nearby climbing plants as they grow.
- Calibrachoa: Often referred to as “million bells,” these small, trumpet-shaped flowers create a cascading effect that looks stunning when planted around climbing roses. Their long blooming season and tolerance for poor soils make them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color without much effort.
- Sweet Alyssum: This low-growing annual produces tiny, fragrant flowers that can create a soft carpet around the base of climbing roses. They are particularly effective in attracting beneficial insects, enhancing the health of the surrounding plants while providing a charming ground cover.
What Perennials Thrive When Planted with Climbing Roses?
When planning a garden with climbing roses, it’s beneficial to choose companion perennials that complement their beauty and thrive in similar conditions.
- Lavender: This aromatic herb not only provides a lovely contrast to the lush blooms of climbing roses but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a perfect companion as it does not compete for moisture.
- Salvia: Known for its vibrant colors and long bloom time, salvia pairs beautifully with climbing roses. It prefers similar growing conditions, such as full sun and well-drained soil, and its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for maintaining a low-maintenance garden.
- Catmint: This hardy perennial offers a soft, billowing foliage that can enhance the base of climbing roses. With its ability to thrive in poor soil and withstand drought, catmint is ideal for filling in gaps and creating a lush underlayer without overwhelming the roses.
- Daylilies: With their wide array of colors and ability to bloom continuously throughout the summer, daylilies add vibrant interest beneath climbing roses. They are adaptable to various soil types and conditions, providing a robust partner that can withstand some competition for nutrients.
- Geraniums: These low-growing perennials provide excellent ground cover and can help suppress weeds around climbing roses. Their resilience and ability to thrive in partial shade make them a versatile option that can enhance the visual appeal of the rose garden.
- Peonies: Known for their large, fragrant blooms, peonies can create a stunning backdrop for climbing roses. They prefer similar sunlight and soil conditions, and their lush foliage can help frame the roses beautifully as they grow together.
- Foxglove: With their tall spikes of tubular flowers, foxgloves can add vertical interest alongside climbing roses. They thrive in well-drained soil and partial shade, which can complement the growth patterns of climbing roses while attracting hummingbirds.
How Do Herbs Benefit Climbing Roses and Which Should Be Planted?
- Lavender: This aromatic herb not only repels pests but also attracts beneficial pollinators that can help improve the flowering of climbing roses. Its drought-resistant nature makes it an excellent companion, as it doesn’t compete for moisture in the soil.
- Thyme: Thyme is a low-growing herb that can act as a ground cover, helping to suppress weeds while retaining soil moisture. Its fragrant leaves can deter certain pests that are harmful to roses, creating a healthier environment for the climbing plants.
- Sage: Sage is known for its ability to repel aphids and other harmful insects, which can be particularly beneficial for climbing roses that are susceptible to these pests. Additionally, its deep roots can help improve soil structure and nutrient availability for nearby plants.
- Chives: Chives not only add a unique flavor to dishes but also produce flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, aiding the pollination of climbing roses. Their strong scent can deter harmful insects, providing an additional layer of protection.
- Mint: While mint can be invasive, when planted in pots near climbing roses, it can deter pests like spider mites and aphids. Its refreshing scent can also enhance the overall garden experience and attract beneficial insects.
What Groundcovers Are Ideal for Enhancing Climbing Roses?
The best plants to plant around climbing roses can enhance their beauty while providing ground coverage and complementary colors.
- Lavender: This aromatic herb thrives in sunny locations and complements climbing roses beautifully with its purple hues. Its fragrant foliage and flowers can attract pollinators, which can benefit the rose plants.
- Thyme: A low-growing herb, thyme is drought-tolerant and can spread over the ground, preventing weeds from establishing. Its tiny flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, enhancing the overall health of the garden.
- Ajuga (Bugleweed): Ajuga is a fast-spreading groundcover that produces spikes of blue flowers in spring. Its rich foliage comes in various colors, providing a lovely backdrop for climbing roses and thriving in partial shade.
- Heuchera (Coral Bells): With a variety of colorful foliage options, Heuchera can add visual interest around climbing roses. They thrive in well-drained soil and provide a contrast to the roses while their flowers can attract hummingbirds.
- Geranium (Cranesbill): Hardy geraniums can serve as an excellent groundcover, with their sprawling habit and lovely flowers. They not only help suppress weeds but also can fill in gaps and provide a charming complement to climbing roses.
- Vinca Minor (Periwinkle): This evergreen groundcover features glossy leaves and blue or purple flowers in spring. It’s excellent for shady areas and helps retain soil moisture, which can benefit the nearby climbing roses.
- Daylilies: While primarily considered perennials, daylilies can serve as a robust groundcover with their lush foliage. They bloom in a variety of colors and can create a vibrant border around climbing roses, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the garden.
How Can Companion Plants Improve Rose Growth and Health?
Companion planting can significantly enhance the growth and health of climbing roses by providing benefits such as pest control, enhanced nutrient availability, and improved pollination.
- Lavender: This aromatic herb is known to repel pests like aphids and whiteflies, which are common threats to roses. Additionally, its fragrant flowers attract pollinators that can help improve the overall health and yield of the roses.
- Marigold: Marigolds are excellent companions for climbing roses as they release compounds that deter nematodes and other harmful insects. Their bright blooms not only complement the visual appeal of roses but also attract beneficial insects that aid in pollination.
- Garlic: Planting garlic near climbing roses can help ward off aphids and other pests due to its strong odor. Furthermore, garlic is known to improve the soil’s fertility and can enhance the overall health of nearby plants.
- Catmint: Catmint, or Nepeta, is a resilient plant that can thrive alongside climbing roses. It attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while providing a lovely backdrop to the roses, all while being drought-resistant and low-maintenance.
- Pansies: Pansies serve as a colorful ground cover that can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around climbing roses. Their ability to attract pollinators and provide a splash of color makes them a delightful companion in rose gardens.
- Bee Balm: This flowering plant not only attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination for roses, but it also has a strong scent that can repel pests. Its vibrant blooms add an extra layer of beauty to the garden as well.
- Chives: Chives can discourage aphids and other pests while enriching the soil with nutrients. Their attractive purple flowers also provide a beautiful contrast to climbing roses and can be easily integrated into a garden layout.
What Should You Avoid Planting Near Climbing Roses?
When planting around climbing roses, it’s crucial to avoid certain plants that may compete for nutrients, space, or negatively impact their growth.
- Heavy-feeding plants: These include vegetables like tomatoes and corn that require significant nutrients from the soil, which can deplete the resources available for your climbing roses.
- Invasive plants: Species like mint or bamboo can spread aggressively and outcompete your climbing roses for sunlight and water, potentially stunting their growth or causing them to die back.
- Plants with similar pests: Species that attract the same pests as climbing roses, such as aphids, can create a concentration of pests that harm all plants involved, making pest management more challenging.
- Plants that prefer shade: Climbing roses thrive in full sun, so planting shade-loving plants like hostas nearby can lead to competition for light and ultimately hinder the growth of the roses.
- Thorny or spiky plants: Plants like blackberries or barberry can create a hostile environment around climbing roses, making maintenance difficult and potentially damaging the delicate stems of the roses.