Do zonal geraniums come back every year?
The confusion with the names can be traced back to disagreements between botanists over classification and is of little importance to most gardeners, except for the distinction that perennial cransbill geraniums will come back each year and zonal geraniums, those now classified as Pelargonium, are topical perennials . They are from the same family but have different genus. Geraniums are herbaceous perennials, and pelargoniums are annual plants for many. Once they have finished with their display of colour these are replaced by other flowering plants. There is a native pelargonium in Australia.It is one of the parents of the widely cultivated plant Pelargonium × hortorum, often called geranium, horseshoe geranium, zonal geranium or zonal pelargonium.
What is the difference between zonal geraniums and regular geraniums?
Zonal geraniums are propagated by cuttings while seed geraniums are through seeds. Zonal geraniums are genetically advanced plants, propagated with the goal of producing sturdy, stronger zoned leaves and shatter-resistant flowers. Zonal geraniums are faster to grow and flower faster than the seed geraniums. Plants labeled zonal geraniums can have flower heads up to 6 inches across and, unlike seed geraniums, often have double flowers. But, they usually don’t have as many flowers as the seed varieties. The zonal plants grow more upright and can be up to 18 inches tall.Older varieties and more mature geraniums grow vigorously upward, and can look too stick-like with little top growth. If you aren’t fussed about a show of flowers from your leggy plant this summer, give it a good chop in late spring. If you want flowers over the summer then wait until the main flower display is over.Overwintering geraniums as potted/house plants Carefully dig plants, place them in an appropriately sized pot with drainage holes, prune them back by one-third to one-half, and thoroughly water them. Treat potted geraniums like other houseplants and place them in a bright, sunny window or provide supplemental lighting.Zonal geraniums are basically tropical perennials. Although they are often grown as annuals, they may over-winter in zones as cool as Zone 7, if they have some protection and the winter is mild.
Do zonal geraniums like sun or shade?
Here’s how to keep your Zonal Geraniums thriving: Light Requirements: These geraniums thrive in full sun to partial shade. While they love plenty of sunlight, they can also tolerate some shade, making them versatile for various garden spots. Geranium are fully hardy and can be planted directly outside in the spring, they don’t require any frost protection over winter. Plant them straight into a clear, cultivated space in borders in spring or into patio containers.The recommendation for constant feed fertilizing of geraniums is generally 200 to 250 ppm of nitrogen. Experience suggests nutrient problems are minimized when a constant fertilizer program is used. Fertilizer types: 15-15-15 (Geranium Special), 15-16-17 Peat-lite, and 20-10-20 Peat-lite.Outdoors-potted:In outdoor pots, ensure zonal geranium has drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root issues. Outdoors-in the ground:When planted in the ground, zonal geranium enjoys space to spread out its roots, enhancing its vibrant display.Zonal Geranium prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants. Zonal Geranium requires abundant, bright and direct light.GERANIUMS IN GROUPINGS I think they tend to look “straggly” when planted directly in the ground, but they’re “elevated” to a higher status when planted in a beautiful container. An advantage to growing geraniums in pots is that they can easily be moved around.
What is the lifespan of a zonal geranium?
Annual Geraniums, also known as Zonal Geraniums, are not as hardy and typically have a shorter lifespan. They are grown as annuals, which means they will complete their life cycle in one year. These plants will die with the first frost and will not come back the following spring. Try pruning. Prior to bringing plants indoors (usually late fall), you should cut back about a third of your spindly geraniums. Make sure you remove any unhealthy or dead stems as well. Pruning leggy geraniums also prevents them from becoming overgrown and unsightly.Shape the Plant by Pruning After a perennial geranium has spent the season in bloom and begins to die back, you’ll want to prune it. This keeps the plant dormant for the winter and also helps it store energy for spring. Depending on your zone, this might need to happen anywhere from August to late October.Prune to avoid a leggy plant Geraniums can grow leggy over time, so it’s good to prune them as needed to keep them looking full and healthy. Pinch back the stems to promote bushy growth, and remove any dead or damaged branches.Geraniums don’t need to be deadheaded, but there are many benefits to doing so. Your plants will continue growing and producing more flowers even if you don’t prune them. But the ugly dead flowers will linger over the foliage and take away from the beauty of your summer blooming plants.
What is the secret to growing geraniums?
Geraniums prefer full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. Try to plant in a spot that gets around six hours of sun throughout the day. Geraniums look great in borders mixed with other bedding plants as well as in baskets, containers or pots. Hardy geraniums also need adequate sun exposure, moist, well-draining soil, and a light shearing. These perennials flower best in full sun, at least 4-6 hours a day. Your plant may not bloom at all in soggy, waterlogged soil.Geraniums begin to bloom in late spring and continue to provide colorful blossoms until the first frost. The production of a geranium plant can be increased by amending the soil with an application of magnesium sulfate, such as the kind found in Epsom salt.To overwinter geraniums, lift plants that are in garden soil or large pots and pot them into a smaller pot. This should be done before the first frost. Remove any damaged leaves and faded flowers. Cut plants back by about a third and position in a frost-free but bright place.Best Companion Plants For Geranium in Containers Grow geraniums with trailing, or spilling plants, such as bacopa, calibrachoa, petunias, alyssum, and lobelia for a full, vibrant look in planters. Geraniums can be planted as a focal point for hanging baskets, with trailing annuals spilling over the edge.