A geranium is a flowering plant that is native to South Africa.
There are over 200 species of geranium, and they come in a variety of colors including white, pink, purple, red, and orange.
Geraniums are popular plants because they are easy to grow and care for, and they bloom prolifically.
Most geraniums are grown as annuals, which means that they only live for one growing season. However, there are a few varieties that are classed as perennials, which means they will come back year after year. Perennial geraniums are hardy plants that can withstand colder temperatures than their annual cousins.
Which variety of geraniums are hardy?
There are many different varieties of geraniums, and some are hardier than others.
The most common hardy geranium is the cranesbill geranium, which is also known as the wild geranium.
This variety is very easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Other hardy geraniums include the ivy-leaved geranium and the Rhododendron geranium.
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Where can I grow hardy geraniums?
Hardy geraniums can be grown in any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained.
They prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Hardy geraniums are also drought tolerant and will do well in dry conditions.
Here are a few tips on how to grow geraniums:
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Geraniums need at least six hours of sunlight each day.
- Prepare the soil before planting by adding some organic matter or compost. This will help the geraniums roots to grow and thrive.
- When planting geraniums, make sure to space them out so that they have room to grow.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Geraniums like to have moist soil but don’t like to be waterlogged.
If you live in an area with cold winters, you can still grow tender geraniums by bringing them indoors and keeping them as houseplants.
Geraniums are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do need some basic care in order to thrive.
With proper care, geraniums will bloom from spring until fall.
Do hardy geraniums come back every year?
Most hardy geraniums are reliable perennial plants that will come back year after year.
However, there are a few varieties that are not quite as hardy and may need to be replanted each spring.
What are the benefits of growing geraniums?
Geraniums are popular plants because they are easy to grow and care for, and they bloom prolifically.
In addition to their beauty, geraniums also have a number of other benefits.
For example, geraniums can:
- Repel pests: Geraniums emit a strong scent that deters many common garden pests, such as aphids, slugs, and earwigs.
- Attract pollinators: The bright flowers of geraniums attract bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the garden as a whole.
- Improve air quality: Geraniums are effective at filtering out harmful toxins from the air, making them ideal for indoor growing.
What does a hardy geranium look like?
Hardy geraniums come in a variety of colors and shapes.
The most common hardy geranium is the cranesbill geranium, which has large, five-petaled flowers that are typically pink, purple, or blue.
Ivy-leaved geraniums have small, round leaves that resemble those of an ivy plant, and Rhododendron geraniums have large blooms that resemble the flowers of a Rhododendron bush.
Do hardy geraniums bloom all summer?
Yes, hardy geraniums typically bloom from early summer until fall.
What are the different colors of geranium flowers?
Geranium flowers come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.
Do geraniums need full sun?
Geraniums prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Where can I buy hardy geranium plants?
Hardy geranium plants are widely available for purchase online and at garden centers.
When purchasing geranium plants, look for healthy specimens with no signs of disease or pests.
Avoid plants that are wilted or have yellowed leaves.
Can you plant hardy geraniums in pots?
Yes, hardy geraniums can be planted in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes to allow for proper drainage.
Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, and water regularly so that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
What is the best time of year to plant geraniums?
The best time of year to plant geraniums is in the spring, after the last frost date.
Do geraniums need fertilizer?
Geraniums do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from an annual application of compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer.
Apply fertilizer in early spring, before the plants begin to bloom.
Are hardy geraniums invasive?
No, hardy geraniums are not considered to be invasive plants.
How do you divide hardy geraniums?
Hardy geraniums can be divided in the spring or fall.
To divide a plant, carefully dig it up and then use a knife or garden spade to cut the rootball into two or more pieces.
Replant each piece in a new location, and water well.
Do geraniums self-seed?
Yes, geraniums can self-seed if they are not deadheaded regularly.
Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from the plant.
This prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages further blooming.
Final Words
Geraniums can be tender or hardy depending on the variety.
If you are looking for geranium plants to grow all year round then be sure to choose a hardy variety such as cranesbill geraniums or ivy-leaved geraniums.
These plants are easy to care for, will bloom all summer long and will return year after year if cared for properly.