Geraniums are wonderful plants that are both beautiful and easy to care for. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, lavender, blue and purple! Geraniums make a great addition to any garden because they can be planted in pots or beds as well as in containers indoors. They are also perennial so they will come back year after year.
What Are Geraniums?
This popular garden plant is hiding a secret – it isn’t a true geranium. Garden geraniums, also known as annual geraniums, are actually from the genus Pelargonium. Originating in South Africa, the garden geranium made its way to North America from France in 1786. Thomas Jefferson’s first geranium cuttings soon multiplied to generations of gardeners as they were passed to friends and family.
Most areas of the United States can grow geraniums as an annual. They can even be grown as perennials in extremely warm areas, such as the southern coastal areas of California. Many dedicated gardeners over-winter their geranium plants indoors for replanting in the spring. Some even grow geraniums indoors as houseplants all year long. The geranium is a truly versatile plant.
Popular Types of Geraniums
- Zonal geraniums – the classic geraniums you recognize. With single or double blooms in white, pink, red, burgundy, yellow, orange and purple, Zonal geraniums are easy growers, heat tolerant and drought resistant. The Classic, Tango and Rocky Mountain cultivars all come in a wide variety of colors.
- Regal geraniums – also known as Marsha Washington geraniums. They feature large multicolored blooms and are considered a delicate variety, yet they thrive with the proper care. They perform best in cooler areas and will not flower in hot summer temperatures. Unique cultivars include Ace High, Brown’s Butterfly, Blue Orchid and Coral Sea.
- Ivy geraniums – create abundant mounds of cascading flowers. The leaves are shiny and resemble ivy. The single, semi-double and double flowers bloom from early spring to the first frost of fall. Try Summer Showers, Contessa and White Mesh cultivars for abundant blooms.
- Scented geraniums – have scented leaves with a velvety texture. While they don’t bloom as profusely as other varieties, they are a favorite of many gardeners. Although there are endless variations, popular scents include roses, apricots, apple and mint. The cultivar name often hints to the geranium’s scent, such as Chocolate Mint, Ginger, Lemon Balm and Lime.
How to Grow Geraniums
Geraniums thrive under different conditions depending on where or how you grow them. Indoors, they need lots of light and temps that are around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 Celsius). Outdoors, they do well in shade but need plenty of water.
Plants in this genus need to be grown in soil that drains well. When growing Geraniums outdoors, they require well-draining, moist soil similar to that of indoor potting soil with equal proportions of soil, peat, and perlite.
One of the keys to a healthy and successful garden is remembering that plants need space. Generally, they should be planted 8-12 inches apart (20-30 cm.), with a depth that matches the original planting pots. It’s also helpful to mulch your plants to help them retain moisture.
Care of Geraniums
When it comes to geranium care, the basics are easy. You should water them deeply when the soil feels dry and at least once a week outdoors or indoors. Fertilizer is also necessary for the healthiest plants so use a water-soluble fertilizer about four times each year or a 5-10-5 fertilizer with organic matter six times yearly.
Indoor plants may require repotting if they become overgrown, usually noted by wilted leaves. Regular deadheading of old flowers will also encourage new blooms to grow. When watering outdoor plants, it’s best to avoid overhead irrigation as this can lead to pests or disease issues.
Geraniums grow roots easily from cuttings and can be propagated in the fall. They can also be brought inside.
Conclusion
Geraniums are a beautiful addition to any garden and with the right care, they can thrive for years. By following our tips on how to grow and care for geraniums, you can enjoy these lovely flowers for many seasons to come. Do you have any tips of your own for growing geraniums? Share them with us in the comments below!
