Geraniums are the foundation of the summer garden and offer continuous colour in beds or containers from late April until fall. These low-maintenance sun-lovers are actually members of the Pelargonium family (genuine geraniums are a separate group of perennial plants), and they come in an almost infinite variety of colours, shapes, and sizes. Here are some things to check for at your neighbourhood garden centre.
Zonal geraniums are probably already something you’re familiar with. The name “zonal” comes from the dark, zone-like patterns of bronze, purple, or dark green that are present on the surface of the leaves and that become darker as the foliage matures. Zonal geraniums are the most popular kind. The upright-standing zonal geraniums are available in a range of hues, including white, red, crimson, burgundy, peach, salmon, and bi-color. The hardy, sturdy plants known as zonal geraniums prefer a little bit of dryness. Your plants may suffer in hot, humid weather. You must remove the flower heads as they wilt in order to preserve them in prime condition.
Avoid buying zonal geraniums with yellow foliage or any that have lost their lower leaves, according to purchasing advice.
Variegated geraniums are prized for both their vividly coloured leaves and their vibrant flowers, and they look beautiful in containers both by themselves and when combined with other annual bloomers. Variegated forms of zonal geranium have an upright structure and can reach heights of two to three feet. Even when they are not in bloom, these plants are gorgeous. The majority have tricolour or bicolor leaves. The following are some traditional variegated options to look for:
Shopping advice: Look for short, stocky plants when buying variegated geraniums. Avoid plants that are tall and lanky or that have a lot of crinkly, dried-out leaves at the base of the plant. Don’t be concerned if you don’t see as many blooms on the plants in the store or in your yard because most variegated-leaf geraniums don’t bloom as lavishly as their cousins.
It might be challenging for a novice gardener to distinguish between a zonal and seed geranium. In spite of the fact that they resemble each other quite a bit, seed geraniums can usually be distinguished by their method of sale. Although seed geraniums are typically sold in bigger groups or flats and are less expensive than zonal geraniums, zonal geraniums are typically sold in individual pots. Heavy bloomers, seed geraniums are the best choice if you want to cover a whole bed or landscaping with plants. These low-maintenance annuals produce single flowers in a variety of hues and are often shorter and more compact than zonals.
Shopping advice: Look for stocky plants with brilliant green leaves when buying seed geraniums. Severely desiccated plants with shrivelled leaves and stems should be avoided.
For hanging baskets, window boxes, or tall, vertical pots where the plants’ attractive foliage can trail over the edge like a waterfall of blooms, ivy geraniums are unbeatable. The term “ivy geranium” refers to the plant’s trailing habit and ivy-like leaves. Ivy geraniums grow swiftly once they are established and can spread several feet in any direction. Ivy geraniums come in a variety of sizes; smaller, denser versions are sometimes referred to as balcony geraniums. Red, pink, white, salmon, burgundy, lavender, and bi-color are among the available hues. Remove the flowers when they wilt and feed your plants every few weeks with an all-purpose liquid fertiliser to keep them blooming consistently.
Ivy geranium shopping advice: Look for compact, thick plants with lots of bloom buds.
Don’t be intimidated by this geranium group’s intimidating moniker. The offspring of upright zonal geraniums crossed with several types of common ivy are simply known as interspecific hybrid geraniums. The outcome is a plant with the best qualities of both parents: continuous flowering, a dense mounded or somewhat trailing habit, and resistance to heat and drought. The interspecific geranium species Calliope and Caliente are both well-known.
Shopping advice: When looking for these gorgeous plants, seek for foliage that is lush and dark and that is crowned with showy flowers in hues like red, coral, pink, lavender, and orange.
To experience a scented geranium leaf’s strong fragrance, just lightly brush or rub it. There is a wide variety of smells and leaf forms available in scented geraniums. Lemon, lime, rose, orange, mint, and cedar are among the common fragrances of geraniums. Sadly, the claims that one type, “Cintronella,” may keep mosquitoes away are unfounded. Throughout the summer, scented geraniums produce tiny pink or white flowers.
Shopping advice: Before making a purchase of fragrant geraniums, read the plant label. Choose plants that will match your space because some species stay small and compact while others can reach heights and widths of 3 feet. Additionally, before buying, massage the leaves to make sure you like the aroma.
Because Martha Washington geraniums’ jewel-like blossoms are so eye-catching, you may frequently find the plants in florist stores in addition to your neighbourhood garden centre. These elegant plants, sometimes known as regal geraniums, produce a canopy of flowers that are bi-colored pink, lavender, white, and burgundy. The Martha Washington kinds of geranium prefer colder, wetter climes rather than bright, sunny weather. It might be challenging to get the plants to bloom again once the initial batch of blossoms fade. Although they make wonderful gifts, their performance in the garden may not last long.
Shopping advice: When buying Martha Washington geraniums, consider plants that are just beginning to bloom and look for vibrant green leaves. Steer clear of plants with blossoms that are already fading.
Height/Spread:
Depending on the type, they range from 5 to 8 inches in height for dwarf cultivars to 2 to 4 feet tall and wide for ivy varieties.
Exposure:
Most plants thrive in full sun. While zonals can handle moderate shade, regal types do prefer some partial shade. Some afternoon protection should be offered in excessively hot areas.
Bloom time:
Geraniums are prized for having a lengthy blooming period that can extend into the fall and begins in the spring. Plants may also bloom in the winter or the early spring if temperatures are kept above 45 to 50 degrees.
Color:
Flowers appear in a variety of colours, including reddish-black, mauve, orange, pink, purple, and white. The leaves of geraniums can be any colour, including green, gold, chartreuse, bronze, red, and many other hues.
Are geraniums toxic?
The ASPCA claims that geraniums are poisonous to both dogs and cats. Vomiting, anorexia, sadness, and dermatitis are clinical indicators of intake or exposure. Plants should be kept out of reach of your pet at all times. view more common plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats.
Are geraniums annuals or perennials?
With the exception of the warmest regions of North America, garden geraniums are regarded as annuals. Having said that, you can make them become perennials by giving the plants protection during the winter. Garden perennials are dug out and moved into a cool, protected setting for the winter in a procedure known as “over-wintering.” Geraniums in pots can simply be brought inside for the winter. The plants must be exposed to cool temperatures of around 55 degrees F while being shielded from chilly nights and frosts in order for them to blossom properly in the spring.
Can you grow geraniums from seed?
While some varieties of geraniums can be grown from seeds, stem cuttings have long been the prefered method of propagation. In vermiculite or sterile soil, most geraniums can be easily grown from stem cuttings. New seed-grown cultivars enable the indoor establishment of new plants. From seed, Multibloom, Cameo, and Maverick all produce nicely. Geraniums from seed need to be started as soon as possible. Midway through January, sow geranium seeds indoors in a warm, sunny location.
Growing geraniums indoors vs outdoors
Both indoor and outdoor geranium care are extremely similar. Both demand moderate fertilising, careful watering, and lots of sunlight. Geraniums need a little extra care when being grown outside in terms of soil drainage and moisture content. Containers used indoors have drainage holes that assist control moisture.
Geraniums may be readily grown in pots and moved inside and outside of your home, which is helpful if you live somewhere with severe winters. Bring your potted plants indoors when the seasons change and the temperatures start to fall to safeguard your lovely plants.
As previously mentioned, geraniums grow well inside and make for lovely year-round houseplants. Garden maintenance and caring for geraniums in pots are extremely similar. They do, however, need chilly springtime conditions to start setting buds. Your plants should bloom more readily if you move them to a cool area of the house.
What plants grow well with geraniums?
Beneficial companion plants include geraniums. They are a traditional ally for roses since they deter numerous insects and pests. You can also grow them with other plants like corn, grapes, and cabbage that are frequently targeted by pests.
Are geraniums good for hanging baskets?
Geranium hanging baskets are a great option because they are filled to the brim with vibrant blooms. Hang baskets in areas with lots of sunlight and protection from the wind. A southern-facing window is perfect if you’re hanging geraniums inside.
How do you put geraniums away for winter?
Geraniums are very resilient, and by taking a few easy precautions, you can ensure that they endure the winter and provide you with enjoyment all year long. Bring your plants inside if they are already in pots.
Make sure to bring them inside before the first frost if you’ve planted them in your garden or flowerbeds. Dig them up gently, then plant them in 8-inch pots with a light potting soil. During this stage, you can divide your plants in half to reproduce them. Plant new roots to increase your delight by twofold. Place them close to a bright window when you bring them indoors.
Are geraniums perennial?
It’s presumably a plant that rises one foot from a clay container and has large globes of lipstick-red flowers and green leaves with scalloped edges. A geranium, that is.
But so is this: a low-growing, sprawling plant blooming in a flower garden with tiny, five-petaled flowers that are either white, pink, blue, or purple.
The potted plant’s common name is geranium but its legal name is pelargonium. Although it blooms all summer, it typically does not endure the winter. It’s a yearly.
The plant in the garden is known as cranesbill and has the formal name of geranium. It has a brief blooming period in late spring or summer but can withstand extremely harsh winters. It is an evergreen.
These flowers are only related by name, and they differ greatly in terms of growth, beauty, and function. Although they are both members of the geranium plant family, they are not extremely similar to one another. The name “geranium,” which changed over time, serves as the link that unites them.
Annual geraniums need full sun from April through fall, as well as well-drained soil.
They appear best to me when grown by themselves or with a simple dusty miller border for contrast. Don’t transfer geraniums up to larger containers very frequently because they thrive in pots where the roots occupy the majority of the space.
Despite the fact that this plant is an annual, people frequently save their plants by putting the pots in a frost-free sun porch.
Native to a variety of climates, perennial geranium plants can be found in the Pyrenees highlands of Europe, Eastern and Midwestern North America, and Western Asia.
They should be placed permanently in the flower garden in full sun or very light shade, not in pots. They seem to benefit from protection from the summer’s intense afternoon heat, in my experience as a Piedmont gardener. Before you plant, give this some thought.
Provide moist, well-drained soil for these geraniums. Most cultivars reach a height of 18 to 24 inches. They are among the least fussy perennials because they don’t attract any pests or illnesses. They don’t need a lot of fertiliser.
As opposed to the annual geranium, expect a shorter flowering season. However, the foliage, which is typically notched, is lovely.
When planted close to tulips or daffodils, the foliage can spread out attractively and fill in some of the gaps as the foliage on the bulbs finally turns brown and vanishes.
How long do geraniums in pots last?
My geraniums are no longer blooming. I fed them, but it was ineffective. What’s the issue?
You might be feeding them too much. Pelargoniums, a genus of geraniums native to the Mediterranean, flourish in full sunlight and relatively infertile soil. Overfeeding can be the issue if you have a lot of foliage growth and the plants appear healthy. For a while, stop giving them food. But if your plants are becoming older and their stems are getting lanky, it might be time to propagate. Although they can live much longer, geraniums typically only bloom for two years on average before becoming woody and losing their blooming ability. Thankfully, geranium propagation is simple. Simply cut stem tips with at least two pairs of healthy leaves from a four-inch stem. Cut the stem at the lowest point, dunk it in hormone rooting powder, and then plant it in a mixture of half sand and half peat moss. In around three weeks, repot in ordinary soil after providing adequate watering and covering with plastic to assist preserve moisture. Sticking the cutting in water and letting it grow roots before potting is a simpler method.
What does the geranium represent?
The geranium flower represents friendship, happiness, and good health. With the exception of the Victorian image of idiocy or foolishness, they are connected to pleasant feelings. This ancient symbolism has essentially been forgotten because people now view this cheerful flower as a sign of joyous thoughts and feelings.
Common Geranium Flower Colors and their Meaning & Symbolism
The colour of a geranium bloom can also have an impact on its significance. There is a vast variety to pick from when trying to send a message, with blooms ranging from white and pastel pinks to vivid colours of orange and red and even exquisite shades of blue and purple.
In addition to the conventional meanings of flower colours, some coloured geraniums have unique meanings of their own.
- Red geraniums: These plants are regarded as protecting. A red geranium near the front door is said to alert you to outsiders’ approaches in Wiccan lore.
- White geraniums: It was believed that white geraniums had snake-repelling properties. They served as a fertility symbol as well.
- Pink geraniums: These flowers were treasured as a component of love spells.
Otherwise, while selecting geraniums as a present, think about the significance of the flower’s hue.
- Yellow: Flowers in this colour convey a message of happiness and lightheartedness. They are a sign of friendship and happiness.