Rocky Mountain Red Geranium? The 165 New Answer

2017 AAS Ornamental Vegetative Winner

With an outstanding deep red velvety flower color and great branching, Calliope® was unmatched in AAS trials compared to other varieties on the market. Calliope® Medium Dark Red Geranium is an interspecific hybrid with zonal flowers and foliage. This AAS winner has a hilly, semi-spreading habit with strong stems supporting flower heads studded with deep red flowers. These plants are great for containers, combination planting, hanging baskets, as well as in a soil landscape. Gardeners will enjoy exceptional landscape performance in normal conditions as well as in more demanding conditions of high heat and drought.

Only available in plant form.

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This exceptional strain, Geranium F1 ‘Best Red’, outperformed all others in our trials. The even, well-branched plants are topped with large, shapely scarlet flowers that hold their shape without breaking with fading. These vigorous pelargonium plants are guaranteed to deliver top performances in beds, borders and containers. Height: 45cm (18″). Width: 35cm (14″).

Ready to Garden Plants – Our ready to garden plants are selected direct from the nursery for garden performance. We will send them to you ‘green’ before flowering (but please note some strains may show some flowers) which means the plants establish themselves quickly and all their energy goes into forming better roots, allowing them to flourish during the flowering period produce more flowers throughout the season.

Although technically perennial, pelargoniums are only semi-hardy and are therefore usually treated as annuals in the UK. With care, however, they can be overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse.

gardening

The geranium is an iconic, fragrant garden flower. American growers first fell in love with the geranium flower over 200 years ago, and it’s not hard to see why. Geraniums fill hanging baskets, containers, and flower beds with fancy foliage that is as attractive as the clusters of dainty blooms that surround them. Planting geraniums can be extremely easy and rewarding. All you need are a few simple geranium care tips.

What are geraniums?

This popular garden plant hides a secret – it’s not a true geranium. Garden geraniums, also known as annual geraniums, actually belong to the genus Pelargonium. The garden geranium, originally from South Africa, came to North America from France in 1786. Thomas Jefferson’s first geranium cuttings were soon propagated to generations of gardeners as they were passed on to friends and family.

In most areas of the United States, geraniums can be grown as an annual. In extremely warm areas, like the southern coastal areas of California, they can even be grown as perennials. Many dedicated gardeners overwinter their geranium plants indoors in order to replant them in the spring. Some even grow geraniums indoors as houseplants all year round. The geranium is a truly versatile plant.

Popular types of geraniums

Few plants offer as many possibilities as geraniums. With over 300 species, they come in a wide range of flower colors and types, foliage, and even scents. Their size ranges from a compact 6 inches to several foot buds. The four most popular geranium varieties are:

Zone geraniums – the classic geraniums you know. With single or double flowers in white, pink, red, burgundy, yellow, orange, and purple, zonal geraniums are easy to grow, heat tolerant, and drought tolerant. The Classic, Tango, and Rocky Mountain cultivars all come in a variety of colors.

– the classic geraniums you recognize. With single or double flowers in white, pink, red, burgundy, yellow, orange, and purple, zonal geraniums are easy to grow, heat tolerant, and drought tolerant. The Classic, Tango, and Rocky Mountain cultivars all come in a variety of colors. Royal Geraniums – Also known as Marsha Washington geraniums. They have large, multicolored flowers and are considered a delicate variety, but thrive with the right care. They thrive best in cooler areas and do not bloom in hot summer temperatures. Unique strains include Ace High, Brown’s Butterfly, Blue Orchid, and Coral Sea.

– also known as Marsha Washington geraniums. They have large, multicolored flowers and are considered a delicate variety, but thrive with the right care. They thrive best in cooler areas and do not bloom in hot summer temperatures. Unique strains include Ace High, Brown’s Butterfly, Blue Orchid, and Coral Sea. Ivy Geraniums – Form lush mounds of cascading flowers. The leaves are glossy and resemble ivy. The single, semi-double and double flowers bloom from early spring to the first fall frost. Try Summer Showers, Contessa, and White Mesh strains for luscious blooms.

– Create lush mounds of cascading flowers. The leaves are glossy and resemble ivy. The single, semi-double and double flowers bloom from early spring to the first fall frost. Try Summer Showers, Contessa, and White Mesh strains for luscious blooms. Scented Geraniums – have fragrant leaves with a velvety texture. Although they don’t bloom as profusely as other varieties, they are popular with many gardeners. Although there are countless variations, popular scents include rose, apricot, apple, and mint. The cultivar name often refers to the scent of the geranium, e.g. B. Chocolate mint, ginger, lemon balm and lime.

If you want to plant an authentic hardy geranium from the Geraniaceae family, you have many options. Most are perennials in zones 3 through 8, and most feature strong rhizomes that spread easily. Some of the most popular hardy geraniums make excellent ground covers. Consider planting varieties of the genus Geranium macrorrhizum or the hybrids Geranium cantabrigiense and Geranium oxonianum. Hundreds of strains are available between these three hybrids.

Tips on planting, growing and caring for geraniums

You don’t have to be a master gardener to know how to grow geraniums. Geraniums care little about fancy fertilizers or special soils, and they only need a little basic care to thrive.

soil for geraniums

The perfect soil for geraniums is loose soil with lots of organic matter. If your soil is rather heavy, add peat, compost, or perlite. Slurry and vermiculite are not recommended.

The perfect soil for geraniums is loose soil with lots of organic matter. If your soil is rather heavy, add peat, compost, or perlite. Slurry and vermiculite are not recommended. Where to plant geraniums

You can plant geraniums in almost any garden zone. Knowing this you might still be wondering, do geraniums need full sun? Geraniums need plenty of sunlight to bloom, but some shade is recommended in areas with hot summers. When it comes to how much sunlight geraniums need, the answer depends on the particular geranium and your garden area. The ideal site has morning sun, afternoon shade and well-drained soil. Choose a large enough area for your geranium beds. Appropriate spacing between plants reduces the risk of disease.

You can plant geraniums in almost any garden zone. Knowing this you might still be wondering, do geraniums need full sun? Geraniums need plenty of sunlight to bloom, but some shade is recommended in areas with hot summers. When it comes to how much sunlight geraniums need, the answer depends on the particular geranium and your garden area. The ideal site has morning sun, afternoon shade and well-drained soil. Choose a large enough area for your geranium beds. Appropriate spacing between plants reduces the risk of disease. When to plant geraniums

Don’t rush the planting season – geraniums are not hardy. But if you wait too long you risk missing out on the cool nighttime temperatures that encourage budding. Knowing how to grow geraniums outdoors starts with planting at the right time. Wait until the threat of the last frost has passed and your soil reaches 60 degrees F.

Don’t rush the planting season – geraniums are not hardy. But if you wait too long you risk missing out on the cool nighttime temperatures that encourage budding. Knowing how to grow geraniums outdoors starts with planting at the right time. Wait until the threat of the last frost has passed and your soil reaches 60 degrees F. fertilizer for geraniums

Geraniums need light fertilization. If you overfeed them, the foliage will thrive at the expense of the flowers. Although you may see it at your garden center, you don’t need to purchase any special geranium fertilizer. For a gentle fertilization, mix 2 tablespoons of a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer in 1 gallon of water. Apply this solution every three weeks throughout the growing season.

Geraniums need light fertilization. If you overfeed them, the foliage will thrive at the expense of the flowers. Although you may see it at your garden center, you don’t need to purchase any special geranium fertilizer. For a gentle fertilization, mix 2 tablespoons of a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer in 1 gallon of water. Apply this solution every three weeks throughout the growing season. Growing geraniums in pots

Wondering how to plant geraniums in pots? It’s actually that easy to plant them in the ground. They need loose, well-drained soil, consistent watering, and low fertilization. Geraniums do well in containers of all shapes and sizes, as long as they have drainage holes. The key to successfully growing geraniums in pots is placing them in sunny locations and away from damaging winds. The added benefit of growing geraniums in pots is that you can easily put the pots inside during the winter. Geraniums thrive as a houseplant in a sunny window, even in the coldest months. Gradually move them back outside in spring after the last frost.

Wondering how to plant geraniums in pots? It’s actually that easy to plant them in the ground. They need loose, well-drained soil, consistent watering, and low fertilization. Geraniums do well in containers of all shapes and sizes, as long as they have drainage holes. The key to successfully growing geraniums in pots is placing them in sunny locations and away from damaging winds. Water geraniums

Since you need to water geraniums thoroughly and deeply, take the time to leave each plant a watering furrow to act as a water reservoir. This allows the water to pool and then gently filter through the bottom. To avoid root rot, allow the soil to dry out between watering. Watering at ground level with a soak hose keeps water off the leaves and protects against disease. The soil in pots tends to get warm, so container geraniums need regular watering. The drainage holes help prevent root rot so you don’t have to wait for the soil to dry out between waterings. How much water do geraniums need? It will simply require watching your plants. For proper geranium plant care, avoid wilting your geraniums. Cycles of wilting and reviving result in poor bud production and leaf fall.

Since you need to water geraniums thoroughly and deeply, take the time to leave each plant a watering furrow to act as a water reservoir. This allows the water to pool and then gently filter through the bottom. To avoid root rot, allow the soil to dry out between watering. Watering at ground level with a soak hose keeps water off the leaves and protects against disease. The soil in pots tends to get warm, so container geraniums need regular watering. The drainage holes help prevent root rot so you don’t have to wait for the soil to dry out between waterings. Cut geraniums

Annual geraniums planted outdoors do not need pruning, but regular pruning can help prevent disease and increase production. Simply pinch off the entire flower stalk after the flowers have withered and remove dry leaves from the plants. The geranium houseplant tends to grow leggy and skinny. Prune regularly by pinching the growing points to encourage branching.

Annual geraniums planted outdoors do not need pruning, but regular pruning can help prevent disease and increase production. Simply pinch off the entire flower stalk after the flowers have withered and remove dry leaves from the plants. The geranium houseplant tends to grow leggy and skinny. Prune regularly by pinching the growing points to encourage branching. Common Pests and Diseases for Geraniums

Most insects and other pests avoid geraniums. However, botrytis and other fungal infestations can occur in cooler, wet weather. Commercial fungicides offer some protection. Overwatering can cause problems like edema and root rot.

Frequently asked questions about geraniums

Are geraniums annuals or perennials?

Garden geraniums are considered annual plants in all but the warmest areas of North America. However, you can force them to be perennials by providing the plants with a winter shelter. This process, known as “hibernation,” involves digging up garden perennials and moving them to a cool but sheltered environment for the winter. Potted geraniums can easily be brought indoors in winter. The key to blooming properly in spring is exposing the plants to cool temperatures of around 55 degrees F while protecting them from cold nights and frost.

Can you grow geraniums from seed?

While it is possible to grow some types of geraniums from seed, cuttings have been the popular way of propagating geraniums for hundreds of years. Most geraniums grow easily from cuttings in vermiculite or sterile soil. New varieties grown from seed allow new plants to start indoors. Multibloom, Cameo, and Maverick all thrive well from seed. Growing geraniums from seed requires a head start. Sow geranium seeds indoors in mid-January in a warm, sunny spot.

Growing geraniums indoors vs. outdoors

Outdoor geranium care and indoor geranium care are very similar. Both require plenty of sunlight, careful watering, and a light fertilization. Growing geraniums outdoors requires a little more attention to soil drainage and moisture levels. The drainage holes in inner containers help regulate moisture.

You can easily grow geraniums in pots and move them between the inside and outside of your home, which is especially useful if you live in an area with harsh winters. As autumn turns to winter and temperatures start to drop, simply bring your pots inside to protect your pretty plants.

As previously mentioned, geraniums thrive indoors and can make beautiful houseplants all year round. Potted geranium care is very similar to garden care. However, they need cool temperatures in spring to start budding. Placing your plants in a cool spot indoors should help them bloom.

What Plants Grow Well With Geraniums?

Geraniums are useful companion plants. Because they repel many insects and pests, they are a traditional companion for roses. You can also plant them with other crops that often become pest targets, like corn, grapes, and cabbage.

Are geraniums good for hanging baskets?

With full mounds of colorful flowers, geranium hanging baskets are an excellent choice. Hang baskets where they will be sheltered from the wind and get plenty of sunlight. If you’re hanging geraniums indoors, a south-facing window is ideal.

How to store geraniums away for the winter?

Geraniums are not fickle at all – with a few simple touches you can help them survive the winter so you can enjoy them all year round. If your plants are already in pots, simply bring them indoors.

If you planted them in your garden or beds, be sure to bring them in before the first frost. Carefully dig them up and plant them in 8-inch pots with a light potting mix. You can use this time to propagate your plants by cutting them in half. Plant the new roots to double the enjoyment. Bring them indoors and place them near a sunny window.