Standing geraniums ( Pelargonium zonale ) are probably the most common type. They grow upright and bloom in standing flower balls. 

Hanging geraniums ( Pelargonium peltatum ) grow gracefully over the edge of planters. In balcony boxes on the railings they have plenty of space to present their floral splendor. 

Fragrant geraniums grow bushy, the flowers are less noticeable and the flowering period is shorter than other species. The focus is on the foliage, which, depending on the variety, can smell like roses, apples, lemons or mint.

Ideal planting partners for geraniums

If you want to combine geraniums with other plants on the balcony, you should definitely make sure that the requirements for care, substrate and location are met accordingly. If a plant prefers a shady spot, it will have difficulty sharing the container with geraniums. The following factors are important for healthy growing geraniums:

• sunny to semi-shady location, because they are very hungry for light
• protected from persistent weather such as rain and wind
• Regular watering, whereby the substratedoes not become too wet
• Well ventilated, loose and high-quality substrate with drainage to prevent waterlogging
• Geraniums are heavy feeders and like a large amount of nutrients, so long-term fertilizer should be given - this promotes flowering

There are a number of plants that harmonize perfectly with the care needs of pelargoniums. The fact that geraniums are not suitable as a food source for the insect world can be compensated for by choosing the right plant partners. If they provide a lot of nectar and pollen, you don't have to miss out on the splendor of geraniums on the balcony or on your personal contribution to biodiversity.

Blue daisy (Brachycome multifida)

A single blue daisy offers a small sea of countless sky-blue flowers. Planted in the front row, it creates a wonderful contrast. Like geraniums, they like a constantly moist substrate without waterlogging or dryness and a place in the sun. daisy is considered a bee pasture and offers pollinators important food in the form of nectar and pollen.

Gold-Zweizahn (Bidens ferulifolia)

One of the most grateful bloomers in the bed and on the balcony is the Bidens. Whether in a box, pot or bowl, Goldmarie It has an abundance of flowers, in yellow, orange and red, as well as pink and white. It is easy to care for and thrives in the sun. Just like the pelargoniums, it loves a loose substrate and regular, subtle watering. The flower also appreciates additional nutrients in the form of fertilizer. The Bidens can be combined particularly well with the hanging varieties. The Goldmarie also provides food for bees and other insects.

Husarenknöpfchen (prostrate health)

Covered with star-shaped basket flowers, the hussar's button is a real eye-catcher. The bright yellow blossom is reminiscent of miniature sunflowers, which Hussar buttons also the nickname "dwarf sunflower". Accordingly, it is not surprising that a place in direct sunlight is ideal. The low plant height of the bee-friendly perennial offers a beautiful picture as an underplanting in a container with the geranium. The substrate must also always be moist for the hussar buttons.

Kapmargerite (Osteospermum)

Full sun with plenty of warmth - no problem for Cape daisies, in fact it is beneficial for particularly lush blooms. A flower diameter of up to eight centimetres looks very elegant in combination with geraniums. The substrate should also be suitable for the Cape basket should always be kept moist. The upright, bushy growth form looks great when mixed with other balcony plants.

Männertreu (Lobelia erinus)

Also known as Blue Lobelia and Carpet Lobelia Men's loyalty is ideal for filling gaps in containers with lush flowers. Covering the ground and growing flat, it is best placed in sunny to partially shaded spots. It also shares the same requirements as geraniums for constantly moist soil and a generous supply of nutrients.

Petunie (Petunia)

Petunias are extremely popular as flowering plants. The characteristic, bell-shaped flowers are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. petunia loves the warm sun and should be kept in a location protected from strong weather. Overhanging varieties look great planted with pelargoniums on the balcony. Like geraniums, petunias do not provide food for insects.

Vanilleblume (Heliotropium arborescens)

What could go better with the geranium flower balls than other flower balls? The vanilla flower shows itself with such vanilla-scented, small-flowered and lush inflorescences. They thrive excellently in sun or partial shade. The watering and fertilization requirements are almost identical to those of geraniums. Planted together with scented geraniums, it creates a real firework display for the senses. Bees are almost magnetically attracted to the wonderful scent.

Verbene (Verbena)

Verbena, also known as ironweed thanks to its robustness, is colourful and extremely flowering. If a loose substrate with drainage is used to ensure that waterlogging cannot occur, it can cope excellently with consistently moist soil. As with all other flowering plants, the following applies here too: the more flowers there are, the more the pruning of wilted parts of the plant encourages re-flowering. The plant thrives in bright sun and heat. Verbena In addition to bees, these flowers are also popular with bumblebees and butterflies.

Zauberglöckchen (Calibrachoa)

Similar to the petunia, the flower of the magic bell consists of bell-shaped calyxes. However, these are much smaller and appear in greater numbers. The calyxes are also often used by bees and butterflies as a source of nectar. It feels comfortable at temperatures of around 14°C and above, and copes well with summer heat and sun if watered regularly in the morning and evening hours. Calibrachoa is easy to care for and creates a special eye-catcher with its brightly colored, countless flowers. The hanging, flower-bearing shoots look particularly good in balcony boxes or hanging baskets.

This list is only a fraction of the wide range of plants that you can consider when planting colorful or single-colored containers with geraniums. In addition to flowering plants, they are also suitable Structural plants without flowers, to give the balcony box that certain something. 

The imagination knows no limits. Just make sure that the requirements of your favorites are at least similar. In no time you will be spending your summer evening surrounded by bright flowers. It's good to know if you've done everything right when choosing the plants and can care for the container as a whole without hesitation.