Bountiful Gardens

Annual Geranium (Pelargonium)

If Bacopa is the "unsung hero," the Geranium is the undisputed royalty of the summer garden. Known for their big, bold clusters of blooms and distinctive, spicy-scented foliage, geraniums have been a staple in window boxes and garden beds for generations. They are tough, sun-loving, and offer a "vintage" charm that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love It

Geraniums are incredibly resilient. They are much more drought-tolerant than many other annuals, making them perfect for a beginner who might occasionally forget to water. While they do require a little more "grooming" than Bacopa, the reward is a massive explosion of color that can be seen from across the street.

Design Role: The "Filler" or "Thriller"

Depending on how you use them, geraniums can wear two hats:

• As a Thriller: In smaller pots, a single, upright Zonal Geranium acts as the star of the show, providing height and a central focal point.

• As a Filler: In large containers or whiskey barrels, they fill the middle space with dense foliage and constant color.

• The Exception: Ivy Geraniums are actually excellent Spillers, as their stems trail beautifully over the edges of hanging baskets.

Placement Suggestion: They thrive in containers and window boxes because they prefer the excellent drainage that pots provide, but they also make stunning, uniform rows at the front of a flower bed.

Pollinator Note 🦋

Geraniums are a favorite pit-stop for Butterflies and Bees. Because they bloom so reliably and have such bright "landing pads," they are excellent for attracting visual-seeking pollinators to your patio or balcony.

Pro-Tip: To keep your geranium looking its best, you must "deadhead" it. When a flower cluster starts to fade or turn brown, follow the individual flower stem down to where it meets the main branch and snap it off. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seeds and forces it to create new blooms!