Discovering Hardy Geranium Companion Plants for Your Garden
If you're looking for beautiful and low-maintenance plants to add to your garden, then hardy geraniums and their companion plants should be at the top of your list. Hardy geraniums are easy-to-grow perennials that have lovely blooms and foliage, making them an excellent addition to any garden. However, they also look great when paired with other plants that complement their growth habits and colors.
What are Hardy Geranium Companion Plants?
Hardy geranium companion plants refer to the plants that grow well with hardy geraniums in the same garden bed. These plants are chosen based on factors such as color, height, texture, and growing requirements. By pairing these plants together, you can create a beautiful and cohesive garden bed that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
15 Hardy Geranium Companion Plants to Consider
1. Hostas
Hostas are shade-loving plants that pair well with hardy geraniums because of their contrasting leaf shapes and textures. They come in a variety of sizes, from small to large, making them versatile companions for geraniums.
How to plant hostas with geraniums:
Plant hostas around the base of hardy geraniums in shady areas. Use compost or well-draining soil to keep the roots moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture.
2. Alliums
Alliums are tall, spiky flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. They come in a range of colors, from bright purple to soft pink, and their unusual shape makes them an eye-catching companion for hardy geraniums.
How to plant alliums with geraniums:
Plant allium bulbs in the fall around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a location that gets full sun or partial shade. Water well after planting and add mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture.
3. Salvia
Salvia is a low-maintenance plant that has beautiful blue-purple flowers. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of their similar growth habits and bloom times.
How to plant salvia with geraniums:
Plant salvia in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a sunny location and water regularly during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
4. Sedum
Sedum is a succulent plant that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent ground cover for hardy geraniums.
How to plant sedum with geraniums:
Plant sedum around the base of hardy geraniums in well-draining soil. Choose a location that gets full sun or partial shade. Water sparingly and add mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture.
5. Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a popular perennial that has striking, daisy-like flowers. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its similar height and bloom time.
How to plant echinacea with geraniums:
Plant echinacea in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a sunny location and water regularly during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
6. Heuchera
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, has colorful leaves that come in shades of green, purple, and pink. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its contrasting foliage.
How to plant heuchera with geraniums:
Plant heuchera in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a location that gets partial shade or filtered sunlight. Water regularly and add mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture.
7. Nepeta
Nepeta, also known as catmint, is a low-maintenance plant that has fragrant, lavender-blue flowers. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its similar height and bloom time.
How to plant nepeta with geraniums:
Plant nepeta in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a sunny location and water sparingly. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
8. Iris
Iris is a tall, elegant plant that has showy, sword-shaped leaves and beautiful, delicate blooms. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its contrasting color and shape.
How to plant iris with geraniums:
Plant iris bulbs in the fall around the base of hardy geraniums in full sun or partial shade. Water well after planting and add mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture.
9. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its similar height and bloom time.
How to plant coreopsis with geraniums:
Plant coreopsis in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a sunny location and water regularly during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
10. Dianthus
Dianthus, also known as pinks, has fragrant flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its contrasting color and texture.
How to plant dianthus with geraniums:
Plant dianthus in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a sunny location and water sparingly. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
11. Hellebores
Hellebores, also known as Christmas roses, have delicate, cup-shaped flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. They pair well with hardy geraniums because of their contrasting color and bloom time.
How to plant hellebores with geraniums:
Plant hellebores in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a shady location and water regularly during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
12. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb that has beautiful purple flowers. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its complementary color and scent.
How to plant lavender with geraniums:
Plant lavender in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a sunny location and water sparingly. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
13. Yarrow
Yarrow is a low-maintenance plant that has delicate, fern-like leaves and clusters of small flowers. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its contrasting texture and height.
How to plant yarrow with geraniums:
Plant yarrow in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a sunny location and water sparingly. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
14. Veronica
Veronica, also known as speedwell, is a low-growing plant that has spikes of blue or pink flowers. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its similar growth habit and bloom time.
How to plant veronica with geraniums:
Plant veronica in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a sunny location and water regularly during dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
15. Baptisia
Baptisia, also known as false indigo, is a tall plant that has spikes of blue or white flowers. It pairs well with hardy geraniums because of its contrasting height and color.
How to plant baptisia with geraniums:
Plant baptisia in well-draining soil around the base of hardy geraniums. Choose a sunny location and water sparingly. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
FAQs
Q1. Can I grow hardy geraniums in pots?
Yes, hardy geraniums can be grown in pots, but make sure the pot is at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use well-draining soil and water regularly.
Q2. How often should I water my hardy geraniums?
Water your hardy geraniums once a week during the growing season, and less frequently in the winter.
Q3. How do I deadhead hardy geraniums?
To deadhead hardy geraniums, simply pinch off the spent blooms at the base of the stem. This will encourage new growth and more blooms.
Q4. Do hardy geraniums attract bees and butterflies?
Yes, hardy geraniums are attractive to bees and butterflies because of their bright colors and sweet nectar.
Q5. Can I divide hardy geraniums?
Yes, you can divide hardy geraniums in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil.
Post a Comment for "Discovering Hardy Geranium Companion Plants for Your Garden"