Annuals – Geraniums

• Geraniums

Botanical name: pelargonium zonale 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 3 ft in height and in width 

Bloom time:  spring and summer

Hardy zone: zones 9-11

Flower color: white, red, pink, purple

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: can grow a few feet in a single growing season 

Pruning instructions: trim to contain growth as needed 

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: borders and color editions to mixed beds 

Light needs: 5-6 hours of sunlight a day 

Special features: sweet aroma 

Watering instructions:  water when the top inch of soil has dried from the last watering 

Fertilizing instructions : use a high in phosphorus fertilizer once before new blooms new blooms begin to emerge and again when the plant has stopped flowering

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil:  loam, sand 

Companion plants: ferns, alyssum, phlox

Toxicity level: mildly toxic if ingested 

Invasive species: no