There’s something special about a pot of pink geraniums. Their vibrant and cheerful blooms can brighten any space, from a sunny windowsill to a sprawling garden border. If you want to bring this classic, happy color into your own garden, you’re in the right place. This guide gives you all the practical tips you need to grow healthy, flowering plants.
Growing these flowers is simpler than you might think. With a few key steps, you’ll enjoy their color for months.
Pink Geraniums
Let’s start by getting to know the plant itself. The term “geranium” often covers two related groups: true geraniums (hardy cranesbills) and pelargoniums. Most of the pink blooming plants you see in containers and summer beds are actually pelargoniums. They are tender perennials loved for their big, rounded flower heads and long blooming season. For this article, we’ll use the common name geranium to refer to these popular pelargoniums.
Choosing Your Perfect Pink Variety
Not all pink geraniums are the same. The shade can range from the palest blush to a deep, hot magenta. Picking the right one sets the tone for your garden.
Here are some excellent varieties to look for:
* ‘Americana Bright Pink’: This one has massive flower heads in a clear, vibrant pink. It’s a strong performer in heat.
* ‘Calliope Dark Pink’: A hybrid between ivy and zonal geraniums, it trails beautifully and has rich pink flowers.
* ‘Maiden’s Blush’: A lovely soft pink, almost white at the centers. It has a more delicate, romantic look.
* ‘Ringo 2000 Light Pink’: A very early and consistent bloomer with soft pink petals.
* ‘Pink Happy Thought’: A zonal type with golden-yellow variegated leaves and soft pink flowers. The foliage is as pretty as the blooms!
When you’re at the nursery, check for plants with green, healthy leaves and lots of buds, not just open flowers. This means they have more blooming power ahead.
The Right Spot: Sun and Location
Light is the most important ingredient for those vibrant and cheerful blooms. Geraniums are sun worshippers.
* Ideal Light: They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. More sun means more flowers.
* In Hot Climates: If you live in a region with very intense afternoon sun, a bit of light afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
* Not Enough Light: In too much shade, plants will become leggy, with long stems and few flowers. The leaf color may also fade.
Also think about placement. They thrive in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, and directly in garden beds. Just ensure the spot has good air circulation to help prevent disease.
Planting for Success
Getting your geraniums off to a good start is crucial. You can plant them after all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
If planting in containers:
1. Choose a pot with drainage holes. This is non-negotiable.
2. Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Don’t use heavy garden soil.
3. Gently loosen the root ball before placing it in the pot.
4. Fill around the plant with soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top for watering.
5. Water it thoroughly after planting.
If planting in garden beds:
1. Work some compost into the native soil to improve drainage and nutrients.
2. Space plants about 8 to 12 inches apart so they have room to grow.
3. Plant them at the same depth they were in their nursery pot.
4. Water them in well to settle the soil.
Watering Wisdom: The Golden Rule
Overwatering is the fastest way to harm a geranium. They prefer to dry out a bit between drinks.
* Check the Soil: Before watering, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
* Water Deeply: When you water, do so thoroughly until water runs out the bottom of the pot. This encourages deep roots.
* Avoid Wet Leaves: Try to water the soil, not the plant’s foliage. Wet leaves can lead to fungal issues.
* Morning Watering: It’s best to water in the morning so any splashed leaves can dry during the day.
In hot summer weather, you might need to water every day or two. In cooler weather, it could be once a week. Always let the soil be your guide, not the calendar.
Feeding for Fantastic Flowers
To keep those blooms coming, your plants need food. A balanced fertilizer works well, but one with a little more phosphorus (the middle number on the fertilizer package) can encourage more flowering.
* During Growth Season: Feed your geraniums every 4 to 6 weeks during spring and summer.
* A Good Option: A water-soluble fertilizer like 20-20-20 or a 15-30-15 bloom booster is effective.
* Less is More: It’s better to under-fertilize than overdo it. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, can give you lots of leaves and few flowers.
* Stop in Fall: As growth slows in autumn, stop fertilizing to let the plant prepare for its rest period.
Deadheading: Your Secret Weapon
This simple task makes a huge difference. Deadheading is just removing spent flower heads.
1. Look for a flower cluster that has turned brown or lost its petals.
2. Follow the flower stalk down to where it meets the main stem.
3. Use your fingers or clean pruners to snap or cut it off at that joint.
Doing this tells the plant to produce more flowers instead of putting energy into making seeds. Try to deadhead once a week during the peak season.
Overwintering Your Plants
Geraniums are tender, so if you live where winters get frosty, you’ll need to protect them. You have a couple options.
Option 1: Bring the Whole Plant Inside
* Before the first frost, pot up garden plants if needed.
* Cut the plant back by about one-third.
* Place it in a bright, cool spot (like a sunny window in a garage).
* Water it very sparingly, just enough to keep the stems from shriveling.
Option 2: Take Cuttings
This is a great way to make new plants for free.
1. In late summer, cut a 3-4 inch piece of healthy stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves and any flowers.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (this helps).
4. Plant it in a small pot with moist potting mix.
5. Keep it in bright, indirect light until it roots and grows.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even the best gardeners face issues. Here’s how to fix common ones.
* Yellowing Leaves: This is often caused by overwatering. Check your watering habits and ensure the pot drains well.
* No Flowers: The culprit is usually not enough sun. Move the plant to a brighter location. Too much nitrogen fertilizer can also be the cause.
* Leggy Growth: This means the plant is stretching for light. Give it more sun and pinch back the long stems to encourage bushiness.
* Edema: This looks like small, corky bumps on leaves. It’s from inconsistent watering. Try to keep your watering schedule more regular.
* Green or White Flies: If you see small flies, you might have aphids or whiteflies. A strong spray of water or an insecticidal soap usually takes care of them.
Remember, healthy plants are better at resisting pests. Good care is the best prevention.
Design Ideas with Pink Geraniums
Their versatile color makes them easy to use in garden design. Pink geraniums work with many styles.
* Classic Combo: Pair them with plants that have white flowers or silvery foliage, like dusty miller or white alyssum. The contrast is crisp and clean.
* Monochrome Pot: Use several different shades of pink geraniums in one large container for a sophisticated, tonal look.
* Cottage Garden Mix: Let them mingle with blue salvias, purple verbena, and trailing sweet potato vine. Pink and blue is a timeless pairing.
* Modern Touch: Plant a single, bold pink geranium in a sleek, neutral-colored pot for a striking focal point on a patio.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes the best combinations are happy accidents you discover in your own garden.
FAQ About Pink Geraniums
How often do pink geraniums bloom?
With proper care, they can bloom continuously from late spring until the first fall frost. Deadheading regularly is key to encouraging this non-stop show.
Are pink geraniums perennials or annuals?
They are tender perennials. This means they are perennial in warm climates but are often grown as annuals in places with freezing winters. You can overwinter them indoors.
Can I grow pink geraniums from seed?
Yes, but it’s a slower process. Most gardeners find it easier to start with nursery plants or take cuttings from existing plants. The seeds can take a while to germinate and grow into flowering size.
Why are the leaves on my geranium turning red?
Red leaves, especially at the edges, are often a sign of cool temperatures or mild stress. It’s not usually harmful. Sometimes it can also indicate a need for fertilizer if the plant is in a pot.
Do deer eat geraniums?
Fortunately, deer typically avoid geraniums. The fragrant foliage is not their favorite. This makes them a great choice for gardens in areas with deer pressure.
Growing pink geraniums is a rewarding hobby that pays you back with constant color. By giving them sun, careful watering, and a little food, you’ll be rewarded with those vibrant and cheerful blooms all season long. Start with one pot this year, and you might just find yourself filling every sunny corner with there happy flowers next summer.