When to plant geraniums in South Africa?
spring
Indigenous geraniums are best planted out in early spring and the plants flower mainly from late spring to late autumn. Initially, they need heavy drenching but once established are quite water wise. They are strongly attractive to honey bees and butterflies which in turn attract insect eating birds.
Are geraniums indigenous to South Africa?
Commonly referred to as a geranium, Pelargoniums are indigenous to South Africa and are hardy sun-loving perennials, virtually trouble-free to grow.
Do geraniums like sun or shade?
The two most common reasons for geraniums not blooming prolifically are too little light or too much fertilizer. Geraniums are a sun loving plant that need 4-6 hours of full sun a day, or perhaps longer in somewhat filtered light. South and west exposures are usually best.
Do geraniums survive the winter?
While they put on a long display and are perennial plants, geraniums are frost tender, meaning that they will not survive harsh winters – so knowing how to overwinter geraniums is a must if you are keen on growing them.
Where do geraniums originate?
Geraniums are native to South Africa, and in the 17th century, they made their way to Europe, where they remain popular plantings.
Is Pelargonium a geranium?
The annual ‘geranium’ (pelargonium) is often referred to as a geranium. However, they couldn’t be more different. Where did the confusion come from? When pelargoniums were brought over from South Africa they were thought to be the same as the geranium.
What are the best Geraniums in South Africa?
Geranium Incanum is perhaps the most commonly cultivated true Geranium in South Africa and is an outstanding and reliable garden or container plant in mild climates.
How do you take care of geraniums outside?
Geranium care outdoors and geranium care indoors are very similar. Both require plenty of sunlight, careful watering and light levels of fertilization. Growing geraniums outdoors requires a bit more attention to soil drainage and moisture levels.
What is a crane’s bill Geranium?
True Geraniums or Crane’s Bills – from the Greek word geranos, a crane, owing to its fruit which consists of a beak-like column which springs open when ripe, projecting the seeds away from the mother plant – are members of the genus Geranium and belong to the family Geraniaceae.
What are the different scented geraniums?
Although there are endless variations, popular scents include roses, apricots, apple and mint. The cultivar name often hints to the geranium’s scent, such as Chocolate Mint, Ginger, Lemon Balm and Lime. If you’re looking to plant an authentic hardy geranium from the Geraniaceae family, you have plenty of options.