How to Grow Geranium

Pelargoniums or Geraniums as they are commonly known and still referred to, are great perennial plants for the easy care gardener. They require little attention once established and thrive in hot, dry conditions. There are a variety of colours and leaf forms available, all suitable for pots, hanging baskets or garden beds.

Full sun

Water sparingly. Can tolerate some periods of drought when established

Well drained, slightly alkaline soils

Suited to all but the coldest climates

How to grow geraniums in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun. Enrich the well drained soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Water deeply, one to two times a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 6

Feed every week with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow geraniums in a pot

Step 1

hoose a pot at least 600mm wide. Position in full sun and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 2

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Once planted, keep the plant well watered but don't let the water sit in a saucer at the base of the pot.

Step 6

Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

Geraniums don't like wet feet. Avoid having them in overly damp soils or conditions. Best results are achieved if you allow the soil to dry out in between watering.
Avoid overhead watering. This will reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
In cool temperate areas, they can handle light frosts. Lightly prune after each flush of flowers to encourage more blooms.
Harder prunes (one to two thirds of the plant) can be carried out in autumn when flowering has finished.
Geraniums can be easily propagated from cuttings.
Ivy Leaf Pelargoniums is known to keep cats away from gardens due to the strong oil content in the leaves.
There are many different species of Geraniums/Pelargoniums. Some of these include:
Standard GeraniumThe most common variety on the market. It has large green furry leaves with lovely flushes of flowers from spring to late summer, but in some areas they can flower all year round.

Ivy Leaf PelargoniumTrailing growing pelargonium, with highly scented, ivy shaped leaves with small flowers. Great for pots and to be used as a ground cover in hot dry areas.

Scented Geraniums Scented Geraniums are grown mainly for their leaves more than for their flowers. They differ from the standard forms of Geraniums as their leaves are slightly furled at the edge, giving them a ruffled effect. Crush the leaves to release the oils and create a lovely scented area in the garden. There are many different scents and varieties available, including Rose (P. graveolens), Apple (P. ordoratissimum), Peppermint (P. tomentosum) and even Lemon (P. citronellum). Some are even edible, but check the labels prior to consumption.

Zonal Pelargonium (P. hororum)
Not only does this variety have lovely flowers, it has unique leaf form. These differ from the other varieties in their zones or outlines in the leaves. These zones can be simple (just two colour forms) or complex (three or more colour forms) and make a stand out feature plant for the garden or pots.