The Ultimate Guide To Hardy Geranium Companion Plants

The Ultimate Guide to Hardy Geranium Companion Plants

Hardy geraniums are a popular choice for gardeners because they are easy to care for, drought-tolerant, and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They can be grown in sun or shade, and they make excellent groundcovers, border plants, or container plants.

One of the best things about hardy geraniums is that they can be paired with a wide variety of companion plants. This can help to create a more visually appealing garden, as well as attract beneficial insects and deter pests.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best companion plants for hardy geraniums. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right companion plants for your specific garden.

Choosing Companion Plants for Hardy Geraniums

When choosing companion plants for hardy geraniums, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size and growth habit of the geraniums. Some geraniums are tall and upright, while others are low-growing and spreading. You will want to choose companion plants that have similar growth habits so that they do not compete for space.

Second, consider the sun exposure of your garden. Most hardy geraniums can tolerate full sun, but some prefer partial shade. If you are planting geraniums in full sun, you will want to choose companion plants that can also tolerate hot, dry conditions.

Finally, consider the color of your geraniums. Hardy geraniums come in a wide variety of colors, so you can choose companion plants that will complement or contrast with their colors. For example, if you have white geraniums, you could plant them with blue or purple flowers to create a striking contrast.

Some of the Best Companion Plants for Hardy Geraniums

Here are some of the best companion plants for hardy geraniums:

• Astilbe: Astilbe is a beautiful flowering plant that comes in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple. It is a good choice for shady areas, and it will help to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to your garden.
• Butterfly weed: Butterfly weed is a native wildflower that is a magnet for butterflies. It is a low-growing plant that blooms in shades of orange and yellow. Butterfly weed is a good choice for sunny areas, and it is drought-tolerant.
• Coneflower: Coneflower is another native wildflower that is a favorite of butterflies. It is a tall, upright plant that blooms in shades of purple, pink, and yellow. Coneflower is a good choice for sunny areas, and it is drought-tolerant.
• Daylily: Daylily is a popular flowering plant that comes in a wide variety of colors. It is a good choice for sunny areas, and it is drought-tolerant. Daylilies are also deer-resistant, so they are a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
• Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant herb that is a good choice for sunny areas. It is drought-tolerant and attracts bees and butterflies. Lavender can be used in cooking, and it can also be dried and used in potpourris.
• Salvia: Salvia is a genus of flowering plants that includes many popular garden varieties. Salvias come in a variety of colors, and they are a good choice for sunny areas. They are also drought-tolerant and attract bees and butterflies.

Conclusion

Hardy geraniums are a versatile and easy-to-grow plant that can be paired with a wide variety of companion plants. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a more visually appealing garden, as well as attract beneficial insects and deter pests.

With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden with hardy geraniums and their companion plants.

FAQ of hardy geranium companion plants

What are some good companion plants for hardy geraniums?

Hardy geraniums are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. However, there are some plants that can help to improve their growth and flowering. Some good companion plants for hardy geraniums include:

• Astilbe: Astilbe is a shade-loving plant that can help to add height and interest to a shady border. It also helps to suppress weeds and improve the soil drainage.
• Coneflower: Coneflower is a sun-loving plant that can help to attract pollinators to the garden. It also helps to deter pests such as deer and rabbits.
• Daylily: Daylily is a versatile plant that can be grown in sun or shade. It is also drought-tolerant and easy to care for.
• Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant plant that can help to repel pests. It also helps to attract pollinators and butterflies.
• Yarrow: Yarrow is a hardy plant that can help to suppress weeds. It also helps to attract pollinators and butterflies.

What are the benefits of companion planting with hardy geraniums?

There are several benefits to companion planting with hardy geraniums. These include:

• Improved growth and flowering: Companion plants can help to improve the growth and flowering of hardy geraniums by providing them with nutrients, water, and support.
• Disease and pest control: Companion plants can help to deter pests and diseases from hardy geraniums. For example, lavender can help to repel pests such as deer and rabbits, while astilbe can help to suppress weeds.
• Attract pollinators: Companion plants can help to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. These pollinators are essential for the pollination of flowers and fruits.
• Enhance the landscape: Companion plants can help to enhance the landscape by adding height, color, and texture to the garden.

How do I choose the right companion plants for hardy geraniums?

When choosing companion plants for hardy geraniums, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Sun exposure: Hardy geraniums can be grown in sun or shade, so it is important to choose companion plants that have similar sun requirements.
• Water needs: Hardy geraniums are drought-tolerant, so it is important to choose companion plants that have similar water needs.
• Soil type: Hardy geraniums prefer well-drained soil, so it is important to choose companion plants that also prefer well-drained soil.
• Pollinator attraction: If you want to attract pollinators to your garden, choose companion plants that are known to attract pollinators.
• Visual appeal: Companion plants should complement the appearance of hardy geraniums. For example, if you have white hardy geraniums, you might want to choose companion plants with bright colors.

How do I plant hardy geraniums with companion plants?

When planting hardy geraniums with companion plants, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Choose a location that receives the appropriate amount of sun and has well-drained soil.
2. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Plant the hardy geraniums and companion plants at the same depth as they were growing in their pots.
4. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.
5. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Image of hardy geranium companion plants

• Geranium and catmint

Catmint is a fragrant herb that repels pests, so it's a great companion plant for geraniums. It also blooms in a similar color range, so it can create a beautiful and harmonious display.

• Geranium and columbine

Columbine is a delicate wildflower that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. It blooms in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that complements your geraniums.

• Geranium and yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial that blooms in late summer. It's a great companion plant for geraniums because it attracts beneficial insects and helps to deter pests.

• Geranium and lavender

Lavender is a classic companion plant for geraniums. It blooms in a similar color range and has a lovely fragrance.

• Geranium and pansies

Pansies are a cheerful and colorful addition to any garden. They bloom in early spring and add a pop of color to the garden when it's just starting to wake up.

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