Botanical Name:
Geranium
Life Cycle:
perennials or annuals
Planting Time:
spring or summer
Height:
6" up to 3' to 4'
Exposure:
full sun or partial shade
Soil:
rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
depends on variety
Bloom Time:
all season
Flower:
variety of colors including white, red, pink, salmon, purple, magenta and violet; single or double blossoms
Foliage:
green or concentric markings on leaves depending on variety
Propagation:
seeds (5 months to flower) or cuttings
Suggested Use:
pots, beds, borders, window boxes and hanging baskets
Growing Hints:
The best way to start geraniums is by purchasing plants, because seeds take around 5 months to flower. After acquiring one plant, take 4-inch cuttings and keep them as house plants over winter until transplanting them in the spring after danger of frost has passed. In non-tropical zones, mature plants can be potted and kept indoors over winter. Place them in a cool room (50º to 55º F) with bright light and barely moist soil. Cut stems back by 1/2 to 2/3 in the spring to encourage bushy new growth.
Interesting Facts:
Geraniums are native to South Africa. Instead of offering up dazzling flowers, some geranium varieties produce a scent: rose, apple, orange, and peppermint, just to name a few. Look for these varieties next to the herbs at nurseries.
