What Not to Plant with Geraniums: Avoid These Poor Companions

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

An Overview of Geraniums

Let’s first look at some background on geraniums before diving into what not to combine them with,

• Popular types are hardy geraniums (true geraniums) and annual geraniums (zonal or bedding geraniums).

• Hardy geraniums are herbaceous perennials in zones 3-8 with mounding growth habits

• Annual 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.

• Geraniums thrive in average, well-draining soil and full sun to part shade.

• Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers.

What Not to Plant Under Trees and Shrubs

One key thing to avoid when planting geraniums is situating them in too much shade, especially for annual varieties.

While hardy geranium species tolerate partial shade well, annual geraniums need at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily to flower profusely. Planting them under or near trees and shrubs leads to leggy, weak plants with diminished blooms.

If you must place them in shade, choose a species specifically bred for shade tolerance. Otherwise, look for spots with plenty of sun exposure when planting annual geraniums.

What Not to Plant in Wet or Dry Soil

Another consideration for geranium companions is matching their preference for moderately moist, well-draining soil.

Avoid planting geraniums in sites with very sandy, quick-draining soil. While geraniums don’t want soggy feet, consistent moisture is important. Supplementing with mulch can help retain moisture in fast-draining locations.

Conversely, prevent issues with fungal disease by not planting geraniums in chronically wet, poorly-draining clay or compacted soils. Improve drainage prior to installing them.

Seek out sites with loamy soil and average moisture for best growth and avoid extremes at either end of the spectrum.

What Not to Plant Too Closely

Give geraniums sufficient space when interplanting them with other flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

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 their neighbors.

Avoid planting larger plants like shrubs and trees too close either. Overhanging branches not only compete for sunlight but also for water and nutrients.

Leave around 12 inches between geraniums and their neighbors to prevent cramped quarters. For shrubs and trees, allow at least a couple feet distance if possible.

What Not to Plant with Clashing Needs

Some plants have needs at odds with those of geraniums, making them poor companions. Here are a few examples of what not to plant together:

• Succulents – Require very fast drainage compared to geraniums.

• Drought-tolerant plants – Don’t appreciate consistent moisture geraniums need.

• Bog plants – Can’t tolerate the well-draining soil geraniums require.

• Salvia – Likes drier conditions than geraniums.

• Hellebores – Prefer richer, neutral to alkaline soil unlike geraniums.

While it’s possible to provide micro-environments to accommodate diverse needs, give geraniums ideal growing conditions for best results.

Best Companion Plants for Geraniums

Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, let’s look at some excellent options for planting with geraniums.

Flowers

• Marigolds
• Petunias
• Begonias
• Impatiens
• Lobelia
• Sweet alyssum

Veggies

• Corn
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Lettuce
• Spinach

Herbs and Edibles

• Oregano
• Dill
• Chives
• Thyme
• Basil
• Lavender

These plants share preferences for soil moisture, drainage, sun exposure and have compatible growth habits, making them ideal companions.

Designing Lovely Geranium Garden Beds

Follow these tips when planning out your geranium beds:

• Choose a sunny area with loamy, moist but well-draining soil. Improve problematic sites before planting.

• Give geraniums and companions sufficient elbow room to prevent crowding.

• Combine geraniums with plants having similar needs for best performance.

• Use taller plants as backdrop border plants to showcase geraniums in front.

• Underplant geraniums with low spreaders like alyssum for lush layers.

• Incorporate edible flowers and herbs for mixed ornamental-edible beds.

Container Combinations with Geraniums

You can also create stunning potted arrangements with geraniums.

• Use geraniums as thrillers in centers or backs of containers.

• Partner with spillers like petunias and calibrachoa dangling over edges.

• Include foliage plants like coleus for variation in form and texture.

• Select companions suitable for well-drained container soil.

• Stick with compatible sun-lovers for flowering container recipes.

Let Geraniums Shine

Now that you know what plants not to combine with geraniums, you can avoid 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!