Any visitor to Sissinghurst Garden in Kent, the legendary home of Vita Sackville-West, will quickly realise that the idea that roses can only be grown in sterile single species beds is simply untrue. There are many beautiful but easy-going herbaceous perennials and low shrubs that lend themselves well to planting alongside roses to soften and add interest.

We also love these images from David Austin Roses, showing just how beautiful a mixed rose border can look! Pictures of David Austin gardens from www.davidaustin.co.uk 

David Austin Roses – a beautiful mixed rose border

David Austin Roses – another beautiful mixed rose border

These are some of our favourite plants that can be used to enhance your roses:

Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ – This plant has really lovely feathery silver foliage. A really ornamental addition to the garden which will perfectly complement your roses.

Dianthus ‘Slap n’ Tickle’ – Garden pinks associate well with roses and their scented flowers enhance that of roses. We particularly like this bright and pretty Dianthus.

Sedum ‘Munstead Red’ – Low maintenance and ideal for providing some colour later in the season. ‘Munstead Red’ is also loved by bees!

Geranium ‘Russell Prichard’ – this ground-cover perennial has bright magenta flowers that will keep flowering all summer. A pretty plant to accompany your roses at their base.

Geranium ‘Max Frei’ – this lovely little plant perfect for growing under roses.

Lavender Hidcote – the quintessential compact English Lavender. The fragrance of lavender combines beautifully with the scent of roses to capture the essence of summer.

Osteospermum compactum – the perfect partner for a dry sunny rose bed. This Osteospermum will flower for months.

Salvia ‘East Friesland’ – a beautiful but tough perennial, which combines well with roses and brings some amazing colour to the garden.

Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’ – Attractive mats of soft silver foliage. Otherwise known as Lambs Ears – these are an old favourite.

Alchemilla mollis – this enchanting plant has beautiful emerald foliage and yellow-green flowers which capture the morning dew, giving a subtle backdrop to roses.