Lovely Geraniums

@Annette Bartlett-Golden, Geraniums. Watercolor, 16 x 14 inches.

For me, nothing declares the beginning of warm summer weather here in North Carolina quite like a pot of cheerful red geraniums. For the past few years, I’ve planted geraniums in a couple large blue pots at the base of my front porch stairs.   While common geraniums or Pelargonium x hortorum can be used as bedding plants or even ground covers in some situations, I think they look great in containers with their combination of attractive leaves and large clusters of bright stunning blossoms. This year I chose a locally grown variety with deep fuchsia flowers. Other flower colors include rose, salmon, orange, lavender, purple, or white.

Here, geraniums are easy to care for annuals that require little maintenance. They are also deer resistant which is important if you have lots of deer around, as we do. Plant geraniums in moist, well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Water the plants when their soil is slightly dry. Morning sun with light afternoon shade is ideal for geraniums in hot climates such as the Southern Unites States and will keep them flowering longer.

I hope you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy geraniums this summer!