Geraniums are one of the most beloved staples in gardens around the world, cherished for their vibrant colors and easy care.
But beyond their standalone beauty, geraniums play well with others, making them perfect candidates for companion planting.
This method of planting various plants in proximity can lead to enhanced growth, natural pest control, and improved aesthetics.
In this article, we will explore 30 amazing plants that can be grown alongside geraniums to maximize these benefits.
Best Floral Companions for Geraniums
1. Lavender (Enhances Aesthetics and Attracts Pollinators)
Lavender and geraniums are a match made in heaven. The calming purple of lavender complements the bold hues of geraniums, while its strong scent attracts pollinators that benefit both plants.
Plant lavender nearby to create a contrasting display that not only looks good but smells heavenly. Ensure both plants are in well-draining soil and receive plenty of sunlight to thrive together.
2. Marigolds (Natural Pest Deterrents)
Marigolds are not just pretty faces; they are also powerful in deterring pests. The strong fragrance of marigolds repels nematodes and other insects that might otherwise harm geraniums.
Planting marigolds around your geraniums forms a natural protective barrier, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Moreover, the bright yellows and oranges of marigolds provide a striking color contrast, enhancing your garden’s visual appeal.
3. Petunias (Colorful and Vibrant Companions)
Petunias offer a cascade of color that can enhance the visual impact of geraniums. Available in a wide range of colors, petunias can fill in the gaps in your garden, creating a lush, full look.
These plants prefer similar growing conditions as geraniums, making them easy to care for side by side. Regular watering and feeding will keep them blooming vibrantly throughout the season.
4. Alyssum (Ground Cover and Sweet Scent)
Sweet alyssum, with its delicate blooms and honey-like aroma, makes an excellent ground cover around geraniums. It fills the lower space, creating a tiered effect in your garden.
Alyssum attracts beneficial insects and butterflies, adding life to your garden ensemble. Plant it in full sun to partial shade and in slightly moist soil to complement your geraniums perfectly.
5. Salvia (Drought-Tolerant and Attracts Pollinators)
Salvia brings a striking vertical element with its spikes of vibrant flowers, which contrast beautifully against the rounded form of geranium blooms.
It’s also drought-tolerant, reducing the watering needs of your garden. Salvia varieties attract pollinators, which helps to pollinate your geraniums, resulting in more robust growth and flowering.
Foliage Plants to Pair with Geraniums
6. Ferns (Create Textural Contrast)
Ferns can add a lush, green backdrop to the vibrant colors of geraniums, creating a rich textural contrast.
They thrive in the shade and moist soil, making them perfect for balancing out the sun-loving geraniums in a garden with varied light conditions. Choose ferns with bold, arching fronds to maximize the visual contrast.
7. Hostas (Shade-Loving Foliage)
Hostas are the quintessential foliage companion for shaded garden sections. Their broad, leafy presence complements the upright growth habit of geraniums, filling in lower spaces with a splash of green or variegated leaves.
Hostas thrive under similar conditions to ferns and offer a variety of sizes and colors to match any garden design.
8. Dusty Miller (Silvery Foliage to Highlight Geraniums)
Dusty Miller features silvery foliage that provides a stunning contrast to the rich colors of geraniums. Its muted tones highlight the vibrant reds, pinks, or whites of geranium flowers, adding depth to your garden palette.
Dusty Miller is drought-resistant and thrives in full sun, making it an easy-care choice for busy gardeners.
9. Coleus (Colorful Leaves for Bright Settings)
Coleus plants are known for their bright, wildly colored leaves, ranging from lime green to deep burgundy.
When planted next to geraniums, the combination is both striking and harmonious. Coleus can thrive in both sun and shade, making them versatile companions for geraniums in any part of the garden.
10. Ornamental Grasses (Adding Movement and Grace)
Ornamental grasses bring a different kind of beauty to the garden with their graceful, flowing forms.
When paired with geraniums, they create an appealing contrast of form and texture, adding movement and depth. Grasses such as fountain grass or blue oat grass are excellent choices for a dynamic garden display.
Herbs and Edibles as Companions
11. Basil (Aromatic and Useful)
Basil is not only a culinary staple but also a fantastic companion for geraniums. It helps repel harmful pests while attracting beneficial insects.
The strong scent of basil can deter mosquitoes and aphids, protecting your geraniums naturally. Plant basil in close proximity to share its protective benefits.
12. Chives (Enhance Flavor and Repel Pests)
Chives, with their mild onion scent, are effective in repelling Japanese beetles and other pests. Additionally, their slender, erect leaves provide a nice textural contrast to the broad, rounded leaves of geraniums.
Chives are also edible and can add a mild, spicy flavor to dishes, making them a dual-purpose companion.
13. Parsley (Attracts Beneficial Insects)
Parsley is another herb that serves multiple purposes in the garden. It attracts beneficial insects that can help keep pest populations in check.
Its vibrant green leaves also make a beautiful ground cover around geraniums, enhancing the garden’s overall aesthetics while providing culinary benefits.
14. Thyme (Ground Cover and Drought Resistant)
Thyme is a hardy, drought-resistant herb that can serve as an excellent ground cover around geraniums.
It fills in the spaces between plants, reducing weed growth and maintaining soil moisture. Thyme also attracts pollinators with its tiny flowers, which benefit the entire garden.
15. Mint (Vigorous Growth and Pest Repellent)
Mint is a vigorous grower known for its ability to repel pests, including ants and mosquitoes. When planted near geraniums, it can help keep the surrounding area pest-free.
However, due to its invasive nature, it’s best planted in containers to prevent it from overtaking other plants. Mint’s refreshing scent and culinary uses make it a valuable addition to any garden.
Climbing Plants to Enhance Vertical Spaces
16. Clematis (Vertical Color)
Clematis is a versatile climbing plant that can adorn garden walls or trellises, providing a vertical splash of color.
When paired with geraniums, the combination of clematis climbing upwards and geraniums spreading outwards can create a multi-dimensional floral display.
Clematis thrives in similar conditions as geraniums, requiring good sun exposure and a well-draining soil. Prune regularly to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering.
17. Morning Glory (Vibrant Climber)
With its quick growth and vividly colored flowers, morning glory is perfect for creating a living curtain in the garden. Plant these near geraniums to enjoy a vertical burst of color.
Morning glory seeds can be sown directly into the ground in spring, after the last frost, and will climb naturally with little assistance, except for occasional guidance towards supports.
Succulents and Low-Water Companions
18. Sedum (Drought-Tolerant Ground Cover)
Sedum, or stonecrop, is an excellent companion for geraniums in rock gardens or drier conditions. Its succulent leaves come in various colors and textures, providing interest at ground level.
Sedum requires minimal water and thrives in full sun, making it an easy-care option for busy gardeners.
19. Echeveria (Attractive Rosette Forming Succulents)
Echeveria adds a sculptural element to the garden with its rosette-shaped succulents. These plants prefer dry conditions and full sun, much like geraniums, making them suitable companions.
Their distinct shapes provide a contrast to the more traditional flower forms of geraniums, enhancing the garden’s overall aesthetic.
20. Sempervivum (Hardy and Tolerant)
Commonly known as “hen and chicks,” Sempervivum tectorum is a hardy succulent that can grow in similar conditions as geraniums, tolerating poor soil and drought. This plant spreads readily, filling in gaps and creating a seamless flow between other plants.
Unique Companions for Special Gardens
21. Nasturtiums (Edible Flowers and Pest Control)
Nasturtiums offer both beauty and functionality, producing vibrant flowers that are both edible and beneficial for pest control.
These plants can deter a variety of pests and are particularly effective against aphids. Plant nasturtiums around your geraniums for a splash of color and natural pest protection.
22. Calendula (Medicinal and Colorful)
Calendula not only brightens the garden with its cheerful blooms but also has medicinal properties. Its flowers can be used to soothe skin irritations when applied as a salve.
Plant calendula near geraniums to benefit from its healing abilities while enjoying a continuous display of color.
23. Snapdragon (Adds Height and Drama)
Adding snapdragons to your geranium display can introduce height and a touch of drama with their tall, colorful spikes. They complement the lower growing geraniums, creating a tiered effect in the garden.
Snapdragons prefer full sun but will appreciate a bit of afternoon shade in hotter climates, much like geraniums.
Seasonal Companions
24. Pansies (Cool Season Color)
Pansies are ideal for keeping the garden lively in the cooler months when geraniums may not be flowering as profusely.
Their ability to thrive in cooler weather makes them excellent companions for extending the gardening season. Plant pansies in the fall to enjoy their colorful faces throughout the winter and spring.
25. Ornamental Cabbage (Winter Texture and Color)
For winter interest, ornamental cabbage provides a robust texture and unique color variations that stand out in a dormant garden.
These plants can handle the cold and will keep your garden looking vibrant, even in the chilliest months.
They pair well with the evergreen nature of many geranium varieties, offering visual interest when other plants may be less prominent.
Companions for Pest Management
26. Garlic (Underground Pest Control)
Garlic acts as a strong deterrent against soil-borne pests and can help protect geranium roots from nematodes and other harmful organisms. Plant garlic cloves around the perimeter of your geranium beds in the fall for the best results.
27. Catnip (Repels Mosquitoes and More)
Known for its ability to repel mosquitoes, catnip is another excellent companion for geraniums. It also attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and bees, which help pollinate the garden. Keep catnip controlled by planting it in containers, as it can spread aggressively if left unchecked.
Shade-Loving Companions
28. Astilbe (Feathery Flowers for Shade)
Astilbe thrives in shady spots where geraniums may not bloom as prolifically. Its feathery plumes add a soft texture and come in a variety of colors to complement any garden palette. Astilbe needs moist, fertile soil to flourish, making it a great companion in damper parts of the garden.
29. Impatiens (Vibrant Colors for Low Light)
Impatiens are another excellent choice for shady areas. They bloom profusely, even without much sunlight, and their wide range of colors can brighten dim spots. Plant impatiens around geraniums that are situated in partial shade to keep the color show going.
Companion planting with geraniums not only maximizes garden space and enhances visual appeal but also promotes a healthier garden ecosystem.
By choosing the right companions, you can create a vibrant, flourishing garden that is as functional as it is beautiful.
Experiment with different plant combinations to discover what works best for your space and climate, and enjoy the lush, dynamic garden that unfolds.