Geramium Plant Profile, Care and Growing Notes
Geraniums are one of the most popular flowering garden plants available for sale. Many nurseries will carry a few varieties all year round, however if you are looking for some of the species, or perhaps something a little different, try an online nursery.
Scented geraniums are very popular and are grown for both the flowers and fragrance. Geranium care is not difficult with he main tasks being being pruning, deadheading and repotting all being very simple and light work.
With a huge variety available, geraniums come in species as well as varieties such as: , zonals, five fingered, miniatures, regals.
Geraniums are fairly easy to grow given a humus rich moist but well drained soil. They do well in pots planters and even hanging baskets. It is interesting to note that many popular ‘Geraniums’ are actually ‘Pelargoniums’. Forms and cultivars such as Geranium rozanne with its vivid blue flowers make great ground cover plants. Pelargonium Pages
Geranium or Pelargonium, What’s the Differance
All “Geraniums” and “Pelargoniums” are related All belong to the family Geraniaceae. In general, Geraniums have symmetrical flowers and are referred to as ‘Cranes Bills’, (Geranium pratense) ‘Geranium’ or ‘Hardy Geraniums’
Pelargoniums are a little more tender than geraniums, but more colorful. So those called Zonal geraniums, Scented geraniums, Regal geraniums and Ivy leafed geraniums are actually Pelargoniums – all have their merits.
Geranium Care and Pruning
Start with plant selection, plants that are tall and straggly are out, look for well formed strong plants. Geraniums prefer full sun and a humus rich well drained moist soil.
Geraniums do well if grown in pots or containers. They can be pruned back in winter when growth becomes slower and the plants look untidy. Many gardeners cut back by 1/3 to 1/2. Rust and leaf spot are the major diseases but are easily controlled.
As autumn comes around its time to prune most geraniums. Simply prune back to make a bushy shape for the next season. You can use the offcuts as cuttings.
Growing Geraniums from Cuttings
Geraniums can be grown from cuttings, however Pelagoniums are easier. Try using tip cuttings at around 10cm, take a section of stem about 10cm long, remove lower foliage and let the cutting cure for 12 -24 hours (helps prevent rot).
Use a light free draining potting mix (dip the lower part of the cutting in some some rooting hormone powder if you wish) place in a pot and build a little hot house or igloo with a plastic bag to help retain humidity. Remember to label with a pot tag.
Many species are regarded as Woodland Plants Interested in Woodland Plants
Geranium Species Include : Geranium clarkei ‘, dalmaticum, erianthum’ ‘Gravetye’, ibiricum, macrorrhizum , macrorrhizum , macrorrhizum , maculatum, magnificum, nodosum, oxonianum, phaeum, pratense, renardii, sanguineum , sessiliflorum
Also look for
- Geramium ‘Persian Carpet’
- Geranium ‘Tanya Randall’
- Geranium ‘Anne Thompson’ – A spreading groundcover type that grows well in part shade, large magenta flowers with dark centres.
- Geranium ‘Pink Spice’
- Geranium phaeum – A great plant for shade and attracting bees.
Geramium plants and cuttings are available for sale from the following nurseries
Large range of Rare, Unusual and Old Fashioned Perennials. Includes Artemisias, Achilleas, Geraniums, Geums, Salvias, Penstemon and Francoa.
www.yellowhouseheritageperennials.com.au
138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
"Large range of rare and unusual plants.."
www.gentiananursery.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
www.planterspatch.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
Ph: 07 54832551 Mob: Rod 0417727588 Karen 0448756313
14 Meadows Lane Chatsworth via Gympie QLD, 4570
Specialist Geramium/Pelargonium Nursery. Mail order or visit by appointment. Catalogue available. Send business size SAE www.ozgeraniums.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au