Growing Roses and Grape Vines Together

Roses and grape vines are often grown together in home gardens for several reasons. First of all, both plants look fabulous, they can be very decorative and are easily grown even by inexperienced gardener.

Second, any issue with the diseases will be visible on the roses, first. That is why roses are often grown on the edges of vineyards...

Updated: March 11, 2025.

In home gardens, roses are grown almost exclusively for their decorative flowers and leaves. Grape vines can be very decorative plants, too, but they are commonly grown for the shade and grapes.

Requirements of the roses and grape vines are very similar, and although they do compete for the water, nutrients and sun, if you like them, feel free to grow them together.

Soil Types for Roses and Grape Vines

There are many types of soil, but generally, they are clay and silt soils, loamy soils, and sandy soils. All these soils have their pros and cons.

The best soil for growing roses and grape vines is sandy loam soil, rich in organic matter, with a pH of around 6.2 - 6.5. Both roses and grape vines tolerate pH between 5.5 and 7.0, but this also depends on the rose/grape vine variety and, of course, rootstock plants. In short, keep the pH around 6.2 - 6.5, and your plants will be happy.

Sandy loam soil also drains well, preventing excess water from gathering around the roots, which could lead to root rot and other root issues.  Such soil also holds nutrients well.

When preparing the soil for roses and grape vines, check pH and nutrient level using home garden test kits - they are cheap and rather reliable.

If you want to increase pH, use lime, and if you want to decrease pH, use sulfur. Amounts depend on current and desired pH and soil volume (not just area).

When growing plants next to the new concrete walls, keep in mind that such walls leach lime over time and increase pH slowly. Old concrete walls (30+ years) also leach lime, but it is negligible.

Adding aged or dehydrated manure, compost, humus, and even mineral fertilizers, helps the soil to be fertile, well aerated with good drainage and keeps the soil slightly acidic.

During summer, adding mulch prevents water loss, but also, decomposing mulch feeds the plants.

During the vegetation period, both roses and grape vines require plenty of moisture and nutrients, but grape vines grow happily even in not-so-ideal conditions. Nonetheless, in good conditions, roses bloom often and grape vines grow vigorously, bearing plenty of grapes. Just don't add too much nitrogen - too much nitrogen can make plants grow fast and big, but those plants are actually weak and prone to diseases and pests.

Depending on the local climate and temperature, roses require at least 1 inch (~2.5 cm) of water per week. High oscillations in soil moisture and nutrient levels should be avoided; thus, water plants more often with lower amounts of water. Similarly, fertilizers are added every month, spread over the area, and gently dug into the soil.

Note: Personally, I never water grape vines, but I water the roses growing next to them regularly. Similar is with keeping the soil fertile - twice a year, I add aged or dehydrated manure and some compost/humus and I try to add some balanced NPK fertilizer in small amounts on a monthly basis - regular digging in the fertilizers, keep the soil in excellent condition. IMHO, of course.

Growing Positions for Roses and Grape Vines

Both roses and grape vines need at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun every day, preferably much more.

Growing grape vines on trellis and/or fences provides sunny positions for roses next to the grape vines. When growing grape vines for shade (and for grapes, of course), roses can be grown in partial shade, especially during hot summer days, when some shade is actually beneficial to roses.

Both plants prefer southern positions, protected from strong wind.

Some rose and grape vine varieties are very hardy and can tolerate very low temperatures - check with your local garden center which varieties are recommended in your area.

Bare Soil, Mulch or Grass

Many gardeners wonder if they should leave the topsoil bare, add mulch, or grow grass.

Personally, for elevated surfaces, I prefer bare soil or mulch, and for all other areas, I prefer grass.

• Bare soil - water loss is the greatest, but any weed or debris is clearly visible and can be removed right away. Also, digging in the fertilizers or compost/humus can be done within seconds. Note that regular tilling/hoeing decrease the water loss.
• Mulch - mulch prevent water loss, especially during hot summer days. Also, mulch prevents (up to a point) weeds, and as mulch decomposes, it feeds the plants. However, if you want to add some, for example, NPK fertilizer, you have to remove the mulch, spread and dig in the NPK fertilizer, and then again cover the soil with mulch.
• Grass - growing grass around roses and grape vines (or other plants) makes the garden very decorative, but grass requires water and nutrients, too. But, grass can be mowed with lawn mowers quickly and easily, just be careful when mowing right next to the roses and grape vines. When growing grass in the shade of the grape vines, keep in mind that the amount of direct sunlight is lower, so choose the grass mix accordingly. Also, regular watering of the grass, can lead to elevated moisture around the leaves and increased danger of some diseases.

Personally, some of my grape vines are 10 feet (~3m) above the grass, with plenty of air circulating between the grape vines and the grass - I have never noticed any additional problems with diseases on such high grape vine's leaves and grapes.

Pests and Diseases

For a long time, roses were used as an alarm to prevent problems with grape vines.

These days, commercial grape vine growers plant roses purely for decorative purposes - just like small gardeners.

The most common diseases are various types of mildews. There are two main kinds of mildews:

• Powdery mildew (Oidium) - Oidium likes a warm and shady environment and does not require damp conditions.
• Downy mildew - Unlike Oidium, Downy mildew likes damp conditions.

They both develop on various parts of the plants, preventing photosynthesis, destroying fruits, etc.

Both roses and grape vines should be treated with the mixture of sulfur and copper compounds - just spray the mixture evenly all over the plants, leaving no surface unsprayed.

Note: when using such chemicals, be sure to read and understand the instructions fully.

Pests' infestations should be treated using organic mixtures - they are less toxic (if at all) to plants and to humans and pets and they do their job well.

In order to prevent pests and diseases, keep your roses and grape vines healthy and strong and if possible, grow few more plants next to them, like hyssop (Hyssopus), basil (Ocimum basilicum), oregano (Origanum vulgare), chives (Allium schoenoprasum) etc.

These plants keep insects away by producing repelling scents and can be very beneficial in the whole garden, not only next to roses and grape vines. They are also very decorative plants, too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about growing roses and grape vines together:

Can roses and grape vines be grown together?

Roses and grape vines can grow together successfully when given proper spacing and support. Both plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them compatible in the same garden. Regular pruning helps prevent overcrowding and allows adequate air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

What are the benefits of planting roses near grape vines?

Planting roses near grape vines offers several benefits, including early pest detection, as roses often show signs of disease or insect damage before grape vines. Their presence can also attract beneficial pollinators and create a visually appealing garden. Additionally, both plants have similar growing requirements, making care and maintenance more efficient.

What soil conditions are best for growing roses and grape vines together?

Well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 provides the best conditions for growing roses and grape vines together. A loamy texture with good organic matter supports healthy root development and nutrient absorption. Regular mulching helps retain moisture while preventing weeds and soil erosion.

How much sunlight do roses and grape vines need to thrive?

Roses and grape vines need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Full sun exposure promotes strong growth, enhances flowering, and improves fruit production. Good air circulation around the plants helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Do roses and grape vines require similar watering schedules?

Roses and grape vines have similar watering needs, requiring deep but infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth. Both plants prefer soil that stays moist but not waterlogged, with grape vines being slightly more drought-tolerant. Watering in the morning helps prevent fungal diseases by allowing the foliage to dry during the day.

What are the best companion plants for roses and grape vines?

Here are some of the best companion plants for roses and grape vines:

• Lavender – Repels pests and attracts pollinators while thriving in similar soil conditions.
• Marigolds – Deter nematodes and other harmful insects with their strong scent.
• Garlic and Chives – Help prevent fungal diseases and keep aphids away.
• Basil – Improves growth while repelling mosquitoes and other pests.
• Thyme – Acts as a ground cover, suppressing weeds and conserving moisture.
• Nasturtiums – Attract aphids away from roses and grape vines, acting as a natural trap crop.
• Daisies – Draw in beneficial insects that help control pests.
• Yarrow – Enhances soil health while bringing in pollinators.
• Catnip – Deters flea beetles and aphids while adding diversity to the garden.
• Clover – Fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving nutrient availability for both roses and grape vines.

These plants help create a balanced ecosystem while supporting the health and productivity of roses and grape vines.