Best Companions for Geraniums in Pots: What Grows Well Together

Geraniums are a vibrant and easy-to-care-for plant that can brighten up any space, especially when grown in pots. But what about their companions? Choosing the right plants to grow with geraniums can enhance their appearance, improve their health, and even deter pests. Let's explore some of the best plants to grow with geraniums in pots.

Geraniums, scientifically known as Pelargonium, are part of the geraniaceae family. They are known for their showy flowers and trailing growth habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes. When choosing companion plants, consider factors like light requirements, water needs, and growth habits. Let's dive into some excellent companions for your geraniums.

Flowering Plants

Flowering plants can add a burst of color and complement the vibrant hues of geraniums. They also attract beneficial insects that can help control pests and improve pollination.

One great companion is the Petunia. Petunias come in a variety of colors and grow well in the same conditions as geraniums. They are known for their fragrant flowers and can help attract bees and butterflies to your pot.

Marigolds

Marigolds are another excellent choice for growing with geraniums. They are easy to care for and can help deter pests like aphids and whiteflies. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

Consider planting French marigolds (Tagetes patula) or African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) with your geraniums. Both varieties grow well in full sun and well-draining soil, making them ideal companions for geraniums.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are another great option for growing with geraniums. They are known for their edible leaves and flowers, which can add a peppery flavor to salads. Nasturtiums also help deter pests like aphids and attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and bees.

Nasturtiums grow well in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, making them a versatile companion for geraniums.

Herbs

Herbs can add a touch of fragrance and texture to your pot and often have the added benefit of being useful in the kitchen. Many herbs also help deter pests and improve the health of your geraniums.

One excellent companion is Basil. Basil grows well in the same conditions as geraniums and can help deter pests like flies and mosquitoes. It also adds a lovely fragrance to your pot and can be used in cooking.

Mint

Mint (Mentha spp.) is another great herb to grow with geraniums. It's known for its refreshing scent and can help deter pests like ants and rodents. Mint also improves the health of your geraniums by repelling diseases like powdery mildew.

Note that mint can be invasive, so it's best to grow it in its own pot or in a separate section of your garden. You can also grow it in a pot with a bottom that has holes, which will allow the roots to grow out and seek water and nutrients.

Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a hardy herb that grows well in full sun to partial shade. They help deter pests like aphids and can improve the health of your geraniums by repelling diseases.

Chives also add a touch of texture and color to your pot and can be used in cooking. They grow well in the same conditions as geraniums and can help fill in any gaps in your pot.

In conclusion, growing the right companions with your geraniums can enhance their appearance, improve their health, and even deter pests. From flowering plants like petunias and marigolds to herbs like basil and mint, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, get creative and start experimenting with different combinations to create a beautiful and thriving pot garden.