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 colour 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.

Emily Brontë

English Shrub Rose 

Partnered with Geranium x magnificum 'Rosemoor' (Cranesbill)

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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 colours 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 potted shrub rose

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

a closer look at gertrude jekyll

First bred by David Austin over 30 years ago, this rose was named after the influential garden design and horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll.