Container gardening has emerged as a popular and rewarding way to bring the beauty of nature into small spaces, balconies, patios, and even indoors. Among the many plants suitable for container gardening, geraniums stand out as vibrant and versatile choices. In this article, we will explore the art of creating a gorgeous container garden by learning what to plant with geraniums.
Geraniums, with their bright and colorful blooms, can serve as the focal point of a container garden. Their long - lasting flowers come in a variety of shades, including red, pink, white, and purple. But to truly make a container garden pop, it's essential to pair geraniums with other complementary plants.
Companion Plants for Geraniums
Petunias
Petunias are an excellent choice to plant alongside geraniums. They come in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bold neons. The trumpet - shaped flowers of petunias add a different texture to the container. Their trailing habit can spill over the edges of the container, creating a cascading effect. For example, a combination of red geraniums and purple petunias can create a visually striking contrast. Petunias also thrive in similar growing conditions as geraniums, preferring full sun and well - drained soil.
Marigolds
Marigolds are not only beautiful but also have practical benefits. Their bright orange and yellow flowers add a warm and cheerful touch to the container. Marigolds are known for their ability to repel pests, which can help protect the geraniums. They are also relatively low - maintenance plants. When planted with geraniums, they create a harmonious color palette. For instance, pairing white geraniums with orange marigolds can give a fresh and inviting look to the container garden.
Salvia
Salvia is a great companion for geraniums. It has tall, spiky flower clusters that add vertical interest to the container. Salvia comes in various colors, such as blue, purple, and red. The upright growth habit of salvia contrasts nicely with the more rounded shape of geraniums. A combination of purple salvia and pink geraniums can create an elegant and sophisticated container display. Salvia also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can enhance the overall health of the garden.
Verbena
Verbena is a trailing plant that can be used to fill in the gaps in a container with geraniums. Its small, clustered flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and white. Verbena has a delicate appearance that softens the look of the container. When planted with geraniums, it can create a more natural and flowing look. For example, a container with red geraniums and white verbena can give a classic and timeless aesthetic.
Designing Your Container Garden
When designing a container garden with geraniums and their companion plants, it's important to consider the height, color, and texture of each plant. You can create a tiered effect by placing taller plants like salvia in the center and shorter plants like petunias and verbena around the edges. This gives the container a more three - dimensional look.
Color coordination is also crucial. You can choose a monochromatic color scheme, such as using different shades of pink geraniums with pink petunias and pink verbena. Or you can go for a complementary color scheme, like pairing purple geraniums with yellow marigolds. The key is to create a visually appealing combination that suits your personal taste.
Texture is another aspect to consider. Mixing plants with different leaf shapes and flower forms can add depth and interest to the container. For example, the smooth leaves of geraniums can be paired with the feathery leaves of some salvia varieties.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are essential for the success of your geranium - based container garden. All the plants mentioned above generally prefer full sun, so make sure to place the container in a location that receives at least 6 - 8 hours of sunlight per day. Watering is also important. Container plants tend to dry out more quickly than those in the ground, so check the soil regularly and water when it feels dry to the touch. However, be careful not to over - water, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing is necessary to keep the plants healthy and blooming. You can use a balanced, slow - release fertilizer according to the package instructions. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can encourage the plants to produce more blooms. This is especially important for geraniums, as it helps maintain their appearance and promotes continuous flowering.
In conclusion, creating a container garden with geraniums and their companion plants is a wonderful way to add color and beauty to any space. By carefully selecting the right plants, designing an appealing layout, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a gorgeous container garden that will be the envy of your neighbors.
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