Geraniums are classic flowering annuals and perennials loved for their vibrant colors and ease of care. They pair well with many plants but there are a few you’ll want to avoid interplanting with geraniums. Read on to learn what not to plant with geraniums and why.
Overview of Geranium Types
There are two main types of geraniums:
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Hardy geraniums (true geraniums) – Herbaceous perennials in zones 3-8 with mounding growth habits.
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Annual geraniums (zonal or bedding geraniums) – Only perennialize in zones 9-11 and are upright and bushy
Both feature flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, blue, white, and bicolors. Foliage can be light to dark green, sometimes with variegation.
Key facts:
- Thrive in average, well-draining soil and full sun to part shade.
- Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers.
- Annual geraniums need 4-6 hours of direct sun daily to flower well.
- Prefer slightly acidic, compost-rich soil.
- Grow 1-2 feet tall and wide.
What Not to Plant in Too Much Shade
Avoid situating annual geraniums in too much shade, especially under trees and shrubs. While hardy geraniums tolerate partial shade well, annuals need sufficient sunlight to flower profusely. Planting in shade leads to leggy, weak plants with diminished blooms.
If you must place annual geraniums in shade, choose a variety bred for shade tolerance. Otherwise, ensure plenty of sun exposure when planting.
What Not to Plant in Poorly Draining Soil
Another consideration is matching geraniums’ preference for moderately moist, well-draining soil.
Avoid planting in very sandy, quick-draining soil. While geraniums don’t want soggy feet, consistent moisture is important. Supplementing with mulch helps retain moisture.
Conversely, prevent fungal disease by not planting in chronically wet, poorly-draining clay or compacted soils. Improve drainage prior to installing them.
Seek out loamy sites with average moisture for best growth. Avoid extremes on either end of the spectrum.
What Not to Plant Too Closely
Give geraniums sufficient space when interplanting with other plants.
Don’t place greedy, fast-spreading plants right next to geraniums or they may get overtaken. Plants like mint are notorious for aggressively expanding and crowding out neighbors.
Avoid planting larger plants like shrubs and trees too close. Overhanging branches compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Leave around 12 inches between geraniums and neighbors to prevent cramped quarters Allow a couple feet distance from shrubs and trees if possible
What Not to Plant with Clashing Needs
Some plants have needs at odds with geraniums, making them poor companions:
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Succulents – Require very fast drainage compared to geraniums.
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Drought-tolerant plants – Don’t appreciate consistent moisture geraniums need.
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Bog plants – Can’t tolerate the well-draining soil geraniums require.
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Salvia – Likes drier conditions than geraniums.
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Hellebores – Prefer richer, neutral to alkaline soil unlike geraniums.
While possible to accommodate diverse needs with micro-environments, give geraniums ideal conditions for best results.
Best Companion Plants for Geraniums
Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, here are some excellent options for planting with geraniums:
Flowers: Marigolds, petunias, begonias, impatiens, lobelia, sweet alyssum
Veggies: Corn, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, spinach
Herbs: Oregano, dill, chives, thyme, basil
These plants share preferences for soil, drainage, sun, and have compatible growth habits, making them ideal companions.
Design Tips for Planting Geraniums
Follow these tips when planning geranium beds:
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Choose a sunny spot with loamy, moist but well-draining soil. Improve problematic sites before planting.
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Give geraniums and companions sufficient elbow room to prevent crowding.
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Combine with plants having similar needs for best performance.
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Use taller plants as backdrop border plants to showcase geraniums in front.
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Underplant geraniums with low spreaders like alyssum for lush layers.
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Incorporate edible flowers and herbs for mixed ornamental-edible beds.
Container Combinations with Geraniums
You can also create stunning potted arrangements with geraniums:
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Use as thrillers in centers or backs of containers.
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Partner with spillers like petunias and calibrachoa dangling over edges.
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Include foliage plants like coleus for variation in form and texture.
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Select companions suitable for well-drained container soil.
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Stick with compatible sun-lovers for flowering container recipes.
Let Geraniums Shine
Now you know what plants to avoid combining with geraniums. You can prevent common pitfalls and design gardens guaranteed to make these popular flowers shine.
Give them ample sunlight, moderate moisture, and room to grow. Then match them with compatible companion plants needing similar care for stunning results!
Best GERANIUM Care Tips – What We’ve Learned To Keep Geraniums Looking Their Best
FAQ
What plants pair well with geraniums?
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Salvia:Shares similar care requirements and visual appeal, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garden.
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Verbena:Verbena’s clusters of small flowers complement the larger blooms of geraniums, and both prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
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Lavender:Both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and geraniums add variety in color and form to the garden.
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Basil:Basil’s aromatic leaves repel flies and mosquitoes, and the lush green foliage complements the colorful geraniums.
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Ferns:Ferns enjoy similar moisture levels and shade conditions, making them a natural fit alongside geraniums.
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Petunias:Their vibrant blooms in shades of white, red, pink, orange, and purple create a visual feast when paired with petunias.
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Alyssum:Alyssum’s delicate flowers come in white, purple, and yellow, making them versatile companions in any garden.
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Catmint:Catmint is another excellent option that prefers well-drained soil and full sun and is drought-resistant, which aligns well with the care requirements of geraniums.
What are the cons of geraniums?
Geraniums can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, including: Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a powdery white or gray coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is most common in warm, humid conditions, and it can cause the leaves to become distorted and the plant to lose vigor.
Do geraniums like sun or shade?
- Most geraniums (including zonal, ivy, and scented types) prefer full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) .
- In hot climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent sunburn .
- Some varieties, like hardy geraniums (also known as cranesbill), can tolerate partial shade or even full shade depending on the specific species .
- Ivy geraniums are known to thrive in light shade .
- If you notice your geraniums are not blooming well or their leaves are pale, they may need more sunlight .
- If you notice your geraniums are wilting or developing brown spots, they may be getting too much sun .
Do geraniums like to be crowded in pots?
Although you can certainly grow geraniums in flower beds, these plants are happiest in containers where their roots can be slightly crowded. Use a good quality potting mix enriched with a slow release fertilizer. Avoid garden soil; it compacts too quickly and could smother the roots.