Plant Companions: Roses and Lavender

Credit: Terry Guscott

Lavender is a natural insect repellent, protecting young rose shoots from aphids, thrips and earwigs.

The strong scent is a deterrent and the silver foliage confuses and diverts flying predatory insects. The antiseptic qualities of lavender are said to help to reduce powdery mildew, mould or black spot. Strong-smelling herbs repel deer, so surround your rose beds with a border of fragrant lavender and reduce the risk of buds getting nipped by grazing deer. Plant lavender 60 cm (2 ft.) from roses. This will help shade the roots and repel insects, while still allowing adequate air flow and room for growth. Best Lavender: ‘Kew Red’, ‘Grosso’, ‘Dwarf Munstead’, ‘Hidcote’. All are fragrant bloomers!