Purple plants are a particularly good choice for blending with roses within a mixed border. Ranging from soft hues to rich tones, there is a shade of purple to complement any color rose. Opt for small, delicate purple flowers such as Verbena or Geraniums or create texture with tall, pointed, purple flowers such as Agastache.

Scepter'd isle

English Shrub Rose 

Partnered with Nepeta x faassenii (Catmint).

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Complement your roses with a smattering of purple...

...choose any shade from lilac to plum.

Vanessa Bell

English Shrub Rose

Partnered with Verbena Bonariensis.

Princess Anne

English Shrub Rose

Partnered with Agastache 'Cotton Candy'

Emily Brontë

English Shrub Rose 

Partnered with Geranium x magnificum 'Rosemoor' (Cranesbill)

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The Poet's Wife

English Shrub Rose

Partnered with Salvia nemorosa 'Eastfriesland' (Perennial sage).

Roald Dahl

English Shrub Rose

Partnered with Geranoim clarkei 'Kashmir Blue' (Cranesbill) (front right) and Geranium x magnificum 'Rosemoor' (Cranesbill) (back left).

Purple plants to combine with roses...

Agastache 'Cotton Candy' (Hyssop)
Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'
Aster x frikartii 'Mönch' (Michaelmas daisy)
Astrantia 'Moulin Rouge' (Masterwort)
Delphinium 'Black Knight Group'
Dipsacus fullonum (Common teasel)
Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue' (Globe thistle)
Geranium x magnificum 'Rosemoor' (Cranesbill)

Geranium clarkei 'Kashmir Blue' (Cranesbill)
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' (English Lavender)
Nepeta x faassenii (Catmint)
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire' (Russian sage)
Salvia nemorosa 'Eastfriesland' (Perennial sage)
Lathyrus odoratus 'Karen Louise' (Sweet pea)
Verbena bonariensis (Argentinian vervain)

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Roses in mixed borders

Planting roses in a mixed border is one of the easiest ways of enjoying roses in your garden. Combine shrub roses, other shrubs, perennials and annuals to create a tapestry of different colors and textures.

planting distances

For a successful garden, getting planting distances right is important. Plant shrub roses too closely together and the border becomes overcrowded.

how to plant a 2-Quart potted shrub rose

By following these simple steps, you will ensure your 2-Quart potted shrub rose gets off the the best possible start.

Pruning an english shrub rose

The instructions in this article cover the pruning of English Shrub Roses, as well as other repeat flowering shrub roses.

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