Here's What to Plant with Geraniums for Pretty Summer Containers

2025-07-15
Here's What to Plant with Geraniums for Pretty Summer Containers

Here's what to plant with geraniums, great go-to flowers for containers. Dress up your container gardens with these delightful plant combos that include many different types of geraniums, along with other colorful summer blooms. Try one or several of our ideas for what to plant with geraniums in containers. You'll have the most beautiful garden ever!

01 of 12

The All-White Look

White offers a fresh, clean look that blends with everything. And because it reflects light, white flowers are a fantastic choice when deciding what to plant with geraniums in containers you primarily view in the evening.

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Allure White') — 1

B: Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) — 1

C: Vinca major — 1

D: Bacopa (Sutera 'Abunda Giant White') — 3

02 of 12

Use Fresh Spring Colors

Soft pink offers a cool, refreshing feel and is perfect for a lush geranium head. It's an ideal planting partner for purple and chartreuse.

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Moonlight Pink') — 2

B: Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri') — 1

C: Calibrachoa 'Cabaret Purple' — 2

D: Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans 'Golden Delicious') — 3

03 of 12

Create Drama with Foliage

Plants with pretty leaves can give you as much color as flowers, especially if you use bold, contrasting shades. When choosing what to plant with geraniums in containers, these plants are a good option for allowing the geraniums' flowers to be the star of the show.

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Indian Dunes') — 1

B: Coleus (Keystone Kopper Solenostemon) — 1

C: Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea 'Illusion Midnight Lace') — 1

04 of 12

Add Height

Geraniums are relatively low-growing, so when choosing what to plant with geraniums in containers, mix them with taller species to add a vertical touch, especially in upright containers.

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Pink Happy Thought') — 2

B: Cosmos 'Sensation White' — 1

C: Sage (Salvia guaranitica 'Black and Blue') — 1

D: New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens 'Salmon Frost') — 1

E: Easy Wave Pink Petunia 1

F: Golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea') — 1

05 of 12

Contrast Textures

The big, rounded heads of geranium flowers are ideal for contrasting spiky plants, such as celosia, and are accented beautifully by fine-texture foliage, such as asparagus fern.

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Pinto Pink') — 1

B: Pentas 'Graffiti Pink' — 1

C: Celosia 'Smart Look Red' — 1

D: Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri') — 1

E: Ivy (Hedera colchica) — 1

F: Verbena 'Lanai Royal Purple with Eye' — 1

06 of 12

Keep it Fresh

A mix of all-white flowers is the perfect way to add a cooling effect to your outdoor space. Light-color flowers are especially dramatic when planted in dark containers.

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Americana White') — 1

B: Angelonia 'Carita Cascade White' — 1

C: Ivy (Hedera canariensis 'Variegata') — 1

D: English ivy (Hedera helix) — 1

E: Euphoric White Euphorbia — 1

07 of 12

Dress Up the Everyday

Geraniums, spikes, and vinca is a tried-and-true combination that has worked for thousands of gardeners. Add on to the theme with extra textures for a bigger impact!

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Tango Hot Pink') — 1

B: Verbena 'Lanai Blue' — 1

C: Bacopa (Sutera 'Calypso Jumbo White') — 2

D: Ivy (Hedera canariensis) — 1

E: Vinca major — 1

F: Spike (Dracaena indivisa) — 1

08 of 12

Plant in Contemporary Colors

Pink and orange is a hot color combo that creates lots of interest in the garden. Put it to work in yours with easy-growing geranium and heat-tolerant cuphea, a stunning pairing partner for geranium.

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Savannah Hot Pink Sizzle') — 2

B: Euphorbia 'Stardust White Sparkle' — 1

C: Impatiens 'Accent Rose' — 1

D: Cuphea 'Caribbean Sunset' — 3

09 of 12

Have Fun with Foliage

Go bold and create an all-season companion planting look when considering what to plant with geraniums in containers by mixing variegated types with other easy-growing plants with colorful leaves.

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Crystal Palace Gem') — 1

B: Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) — 1

C: Dichondra 'Silver Falls' — 2

D: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Mrs. Pollock') — 1

E: Honey Bush (Melianthus major) — 1

F: Duranta 'Gold Edge' — 1

G: Variegated basil (Ocimum 'Pesto Perpetuo') — 1

10 of 12

Use Geraniums as Accent Plants

Because their big heads of colorful flowers are so dramatic, we usually think of geraniums as the star of a container garden. But they also make great supporting cast members when you have bigger, bolder varieties such as canna and sweet potato vine.

A: Geranium (Pelargonium 'Savannah Hot Pink Sizzle') — 2

B: Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea 'Sidekick Black') — 1

C: Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea 'Sidekick Lime') — 1

D: New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens 'Sonic Sweet Cherry') — 1

E: Cordyline 'Red Star' — 1

F: Bacopa (Sutera 'Calypso Jumbo White') — 2

G: Canna 'Pretoria' — 1

11 of 12

Play Off Your Container

Match the bloom color of your geranium to your container to tie the combination together. It's a great way to get a professionally designed look!

A. Canna 'Assaut' — 2

B. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Designer Cherry') — 1

C. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Graffiti White') — 2

D. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Graffiti Pink') — 2

E. Easy Wave Shell Pink Petunia — 1

12 of 12

Keep it Simple

Sometimes simple, straightforward companion plantings have the biggest impact. Here blue and red offer a stunning presentation.

A. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Red Elite') — 1

B. Evolvulus 'Blue Daze' — 5

Related Article

5 Must-Know Tips for Designing Moon Gardens That Shine at Night

5 Must-Know Tips for Designing Moon Gardens That Shine at Night

Moon gardens bring a touch of magic to home landscapes. Get expert advice on safety considerations, plants, lighting, and decor for designing your own outdoor space to enjoy after dark.
How to Plant and Grow Heliotrope

How to Plant and Grow Heliotrope

Heliotrope is a sun-loving flower that blooms in summer and fills the garden with fragrance.
How to Propagate ZZ Plants to Grow Your Houseplant Collection

How to Propagate ZZ Plants to Grow Your Houseplant Collection

Follow these simple tips and learn how to propagate ZZ plants from stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and root division.
Which Trees Produce Spiky Round Balls? Here’s How to Identify Them

Which Trees Produce Spiky Round Balls? Here’s How to Identify Them

Only a few types of trees have spherical, prickly seed pods, and each of these spiky trees has distinctive features. Here's how to tell them apart.
This Easy Children's Vegetable Garden Plan Appeals to All Ages

This Easy Children's Vegetable Garden Plan Appeals to All Ages

These children's garden design ideas introduce children to the fun of garden play. Filled with colorful plants, children will love growing their own food and flowers.
This No-Fuss Shade Garden Plan Is Your Fix for Bare Spots Under Trees

This No-Fuss Shade Garden Plan Is Your Fix for Bare Spots Under Trees

Featuring a mix of easy-care plants, this no-fuss shade garden plan is the perfect way to add color to a shaded spot in your yard.
26 Tiny Plants Perfect for Miniature Landscaping

26 Tiny Plants Perfect for Miniature Landscaping

Create a miniature plant garden by finding out how to pot your tiny plants based on light and zone. See our list of small plants perfect for your containers.
11 Fragrant Patio Plants to Fill Your Outdoor Space with Sweet Scents

11 Fragrant Patio Plants to Fill Your Outdoor Space with Sweet Scents

Count on these patio plants to add sweet fragrance to outdoor spaces with their flowers or even foliage.
6 Pollinator Container Garden Tips for Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds

6 Pollinator Container Garden Tips for Attracting Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Create a pollinator container garden that's sure to attract tons of butterflies, hummingbirds, and more with these simple tips.
How to Propagate Basil in Soil or Water to Expand Your Herb Garden for Free

How to Propagate Basil in Soil or Water to Expand Your Herb Garden for Free

Learn how to propagate basil cuttings into new plants by rooting them in soil or water with this step-by-step guide.
How to Harvest Lettuce: 6 Tips for Picking Leaves at Their Peak

How to Harvest Lettuce: 6 Tips for Picking Leaves at Their Peak

Learn how to harvest lettuce properly with these simple techniques so you can enjoy garden-fresh greens at their peak.
How to Regrow Celery from Scraps to Get Bonus Stalks

How to Regrow Celery from Scraps to Get Bonus Stalks

Learn how to regrow celery from scraps to save money and reduce food waste with this guide.
8 Common Composting Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

8 Common Composting Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Although composting isn't rocket science, there is a little science involved. Avoid the following missteps in the process for your "black gold."
Try Hydroseeding to Quickly Fill in Your Patchy Lawn

Try Hydroseeding to Quickly Fill in Your Patchy Lawn

Home hydroseeding can transform your lawn's brown patches into lush green grass.Here our tips on how to do it.
14 Easy Landscaping Ideas to Create Lots of Visual Variety

14 Easy Landscaping Ideas to Create Lots of Visual Variety

New to landscaping? Try our easy landscaping ideas to get maximum impact in your garden. We'll help you plan for color, texture, contrast, and more.
5 Best Raised Bed Garden Layouts—and How to Choose the Right One for Your Space

5 Best Raised Bed Garden Layouts—and How to Choose the Right One for Your Space

Designers share their favorite raised bed garden layouts for all kinds of spaces and gardeners.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Northeast

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Northeast

Take the guesswork out of yard work. This lawn-care calendar lets you know when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and seed your yard in the Northeast.
Baking Soda for Plants? Here’s Why That’s Not a Good Idea

Baking Soda for Plants? Here’s Why That’s Not a Good Idea

Baking soda for plants causes more harm than good. Find out why and discover safer alternatives to help your garden thrive.
Super Plants for Kentucky Landscapes

Super Plants for Kentucky Landscapes

Beautiful landscapes start with outstanding plants, and these award-winners are perfectly suited to Kentucky gardens.
The 10 Best Low-Maintenance Perennials for Southern Gardens

The 10 Best Low-Maintenance Perennials for Southern Gardens

The best perennials for southern gardens are low-maintenance and a cinch to grow.