Geranium is a small shrub or herbaceous plant that is usually characterized by a five-petaled flower. Geraniums are some of the beautiful plants, and no gardener can ever resist them. They can either be an indoor option or used for their classic style. They are mostly summer or spring plants.
Geraniums can be purchased from nurseries or garden centers, and they are usually placed in window boxes or containers. Geraniums can add color to your beds and even make an excellent ground cover.
How and When to Plant Geraniums
The ideal time to plant geraniums is during spring. Ensure that you don’t overcrowd them when planting, whether on containers or the ground. When planting on the ground, ensure you plant them 6-24 inches apart. You’ll likely start seeing bloom during fall.
Geraniums typically grow between 18 and 36 inches tall, and they can also spread to cover up to 36 inches. Some of the geranium colors are red, white, pink, blues and purples. Red is usually the most popular choice for many people for their gardens and containers.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Geraniums are versatile and can grow in different zones and conditions. They need only 6 to 8 hours of sun to do well. They also thrive in partial shade environments. They also prefer well-drained and moist soil and shouldn’t be overwatered at any point. Always ensure that the soil is fertile.
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Maintenance and Care for Geraniums
Some tips on caring for and maintaining geraniums include:
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Facts About Geraniums You Should Know
Some interesting facts about geraniums that you should know include:
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Tips for Designing with Geraniums
Some tips for designing with geraniums include:
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Types of Geraniums
The types of geraniums include the following.
Ivy Geraniums
The scientific name for the Ivy geraniums is Pelargonium Peltatum. They are named ivy geraniums because they have thick and glossy green leaves which resemble those of an ivy plant.
Unlike the upright and ball-shaped blooms produced by the common garden geraniums, the ivy geraniums are trailing plants. They are ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
Their head blooms are quite small, so it is advisable to plant them in groupings for maximum impact. The ivy geranium does well in moist soil. It should be planted in a shaded area in places that get temperatures of 80°F and above.
Regal Geraniums
Regal geraniums are also commonly known as Martha Washington Geraniums. Regal geraniums are indoor plants. This type of geranium prefers cold weather. Regal geraniums produce bi-colored blooms. They are most available during early spring.
Regal geraniums should be watered twice a week straight to the soil and not the plant itself. Fertilizer should be added once every two weeks to produce more flowers. Faded flowers should be removed to encourage the production of new flowers.
One interesting thing about the regal geraniums is that they will shut down bloom production when the temperatures are too hot. Still, they will continuously thrive when the temperatures are mild. Regal geraniums have the potential of lasting ages when they are properly taken care of and maintained.
Common Garden Geraniums
This is the most common and the most popular of the geraniums. The scientific name for geranium is zonal geranium(Pelargonium x hortorum). Huge ball-shaped blooms commonly characterize the common garden geranium. They are found in various colors, including red, white, pink, yellow, purple, and coral.
These kinds of geraniums normally thrive on containers and flowerbeds. They shouldn’t be overwatered and should be kept in partial shade or full-sun environments. Common garden geraniums do well in moist soil that is left to dry out in between waterings.
Scented-Leaf Geraniums
The scientific name for the scented-leaf geranium is Pelargonium Domesticum. They have the most abundantly fragrant foliage hence its name. The scented-leaf geranium produces small blooms when compared to other types. The leaves are usually serrated, lacy, and rounded.
Some popular scents include rose, mint, lemon, strawberry, clove, pineapple, nutmeg, and apple. The scented-leaf geranium does well when planted in containers. They prefer the sun but not too much sun. They should be fertilized sparingly and lightly when they are growing.
Scented-leaf geraniums can easily be grown from their cuttings. They are easy to take care of, grow, emit a lovely scent, and are colorful. Scented-leaf geraniums are a gardener's favorite.
The leaves can be used to flavor baked goods, teas, and jellies. The scented leaves can also be used in essential oils. Older scented-leaf geraniums are said to have a stronger scent than the younger ones.
Some of the best scented-leaf geraniums to grow include Ashby, Bitter lemon, Attar of Roses, Lady Plymouth, Shottesham Pet, and Odorata Hazelnut.
Seed Geranium
This is considered a twin of the zonal geranium(Common garden geraniums). Seed geraniums are usually sold in flats and packs and considerably cheaper than the zonal geranium. Seed geraniums are mostly used for filling planting beds.
Variegated Geraniums
These geraniums bloom by adding multicolored leaves to the plants. They grow upright up to 3 feet tall. Some of the colors they have include green, white, bronze, and cream.
Interspecific Hybrid Geranium
The interspecific geranium is a cross between the ivy geranium and zonal geranium. They give the best of both worlds in one plant where the big nonstop and big flowers are full and have a slight trailing growth pattern.
These geraniums fill containers and planting beds with strong colors. They also have a great heat tolerance.
Angel Geranium
They are a smaller version of the regal geranium. They are perfect for smaller containers and hanging baskets as they are cheerful and bushy.
When properly taken care of, geraniums make such a beautiful add-on to your home, and its environs plus they bring such a springy feel to your home.
