With their vibrant colors and non-stop blooms, geraniums are total showstoppers all on their own. But these South African natives also play really well with others—as long as their roommates share the same lifestyle! When picking companions, you can’t just go by looks alone; you’ve got to make sure they’re actually compatible.
Mix and Match Colors and Shapes to Your Heart’s Content
Geranium varieties come in just about every color imaginable. Plus, you’ve got upright types and trailing ivy geraniums, which grow in completely different ways. You can use this to your advantage when designing your containers! Upright flowers look amazing paired with trailing geraniums, while crisp white geraniums can handle being paired with bold, punchy colors. Feel free to get creative with your combinations, but just make sure they pass the “roommate test” below first.
Make Sure They Want the Same Sun and Snacks
When we talk about geraniums here, we’re talking about *Pelargoniums* (the classic balcony stars), not the hardy perennial cranesbill. These guys love a sunny, warm spot and absolutely hate “wet feet.” A covered, south-facing balcony is basically their paradise. If you plant them next to something that craves shade, one of them is going to be unhappy. Their fertilizing and watering needs should also be pretty similar so you aren’t over- or under-caring for one of the pair.
Don’t Forget About Personal Space
Geraniums in balcony boxes have to make do with limited real estate. Before you start digging, think about how many plants can actually fit. Don’t be fooled by those cute little starter plants at the garden center! Most summer annuals explode in size once the weather warms up. As a rule of thumb, a standard three-foot balcony box shouldn’t hold more than four plants if you want them to have room to breathe.
Timing is Everything
To give your arrangement the best start, it’s best to plant everything at once. Adding plants later on can damage the established roots of your geraniums. Since geraniums are sensitive to frost, they shouldn’t go outside until the threat of a late freeze has passed (usually after Mother’s Day in many areas). You can plant earlier only if the temperatures are consistently mild or if you have space to keep the pots indoors for a bit. Choose neighbors that are ready to hit the soil at the same time.
Pro Tip:
When planting in the spring, think ahead to winter! Geraniums need to be overwintered indoors at about 40-50°F. Ideally, their neighbors should have similar needs, or at least be sturdy enough that they won’t mind if you dig the geraniums out come autumn.
Great Roommates for Your Geraniums
The world of flowering annuals is huge, so consider this list a jumping-off point for your inspiration. There are plenty of other beauties that love rooting next to a geranium!
- Bidens (Goldilocks)
- Sanvitalia (Mexican Creeping Zinnia)
- Petunias
- Lobelia
- Moss Rose (Portulaca)
- Heliotrope (Cherry Pie Plant)
- Verbena
- Lantana
- Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
- Euphorbia (Diamond Frost)
