Are you craving color? Give your container gardens a seasonal update! Bring life back to your patios and porches with Geraniums. Geraniums are a favorite to many gardeners. They are easy to grow, colorful, and ideal to plant this time of year.
ALL ABOUT GERANIUMS
Our modern-day Geraniums were first introduced in the 18th century by Dutch traders. They resembled the wild and hardy Geraniums commonly found in Europe and botanists mistakenly grouped them into the same genus. It was later discovered that this new variety differed greatly from wild Geraniums in the shape of their petals, the number of stamens, and other important features. This variety was later reclassified under the name Pelargonium which means “Stork’s Bill”. This name referenced the long and pointed shape of their seed pod. However, the original name stuck, and we still call these annual Pelargoniums “Geraniums”.
Geraniums are herbaceous annuals with bold balls of lightly scented flowers. They are fast-growing with an upright spreading habit. Geranium blooms grow from a bed of gorgeous flowing leaves in shades of green. Geraniums perform best in full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate cooler temperatures and only need to be watered once the soil has dried. At your local Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have a premium selection of Geraniums arriving now! They are available in a variety of sizes and colors:
RED
ORANGE
PINK
WHITE
HOW TO PLANT GERANIUMS IN CONTAINERS
Geraniums are easy to plant and easy to grow. When you are planning your creation, consider the location and amount of sunlight your container will receive. Choose plants that have similar sun and water requirements. Plant for vibrant color or use fresh herbs. The design and selection of plants are up to you! Let us help you get started. Check out this video for tips on how to update your container gardens with Geraniums.
PLANT FOR COLOR
STEP ONE: ADD POTTING SOIL
First, fill your container with Calloway’s Premium Container Potting Soil, leaving room for your plants. Our new Premium Container Potting Soil helps your plants get the best start for healthier, continued growth with water saving ingredients to maintain the proper moisture.
STEP TWO: ADD THE “THRILLER”
Next, add your “Thriller”. The “Thriller” plant will be a large, dramatic, and taller option. It is the bold and upright focal point in your container. It can either be a flowering or foliage plant, or even an ornamental grass. Depending on where your container will be displayed, you can either place your “Thriller” in the center, if your container will be viewed from all sides, or in the back.
Geraniums are the perfect “Thriller” because of their upright blooms and bold colors.
STEP THREE: ADD THE “FILLER”
Add your “Fillers”. The “Filler” selections should be medium-sized plants to make the container look full. Place your “Fillers” around the “Thriller” or in front of the “Thriller” plant.
Try Snapdragons for your “Filler” plants. They are classic flowers and full of color. Snapdragons produce tiny clusters of delicate blooms, and they are a great choice for attracting pollinators to your landscape.
STEP FOUR: ADD THE “SPILLER”
Lastly, add the “Spiller”. These are trailing varieties that hang over the edge of the container. They should be planted close to the edge of the container, in front of, or surrounding the “Filler” plants.
Try Alyssum for your “Spiller” selection. These lovely clusters contain fragrant flowers with compact growth and a trailing habit which makes it a great “Spiller”.
PLANT WITH HERBS
STEP ONE: ADD POTTING SOIL
To get started, fill your container with Calloway’s Organic Container Potting Soil, leaving room for your plants. Calloway’s Organic Potting Soil is made from the highest quality organic ingredients and is ideal for all potted plants, container gardens, herb and vegetable gardens, indoor plants, and hanging baskets.
STEP TWO: ADD THE “THRILLER”
Next, add your “Thriller”. Create a natural look and color scheme with white Geraniums for the “Thriller” plant.
STEP THREE: ADD THE “FILLER”
Add your “Fillers”. Place your “Filler” plants around the “Thriller” or in front of it.
Try gorgeous fresh herbs like Lavender or Sage. The textures and shades of light green will compliment the color scheme of your container garden. Plus, the strong aromas will be a delightful treat.
STEP FOUR: ADD THE “SPILLER”
Finally, complete your creation with the “Spiller” plant. The “Spillers” are trailing plants that hang over the edge of the container. Choose a low growing herb like English Thyme. Thyme is fragrant and a perennial staple to any herb garden.
PLANT CARE TIPS:
After you are finished planting, remember to water in your plants thoroughly until water comes out of the drain hole. Add more potting soil, if needed.
Feed your plants to keep them happy and healthy. Try Calloway’s Premium Flower Food on your color creation, or for your herb-themed garden, use Calloway’s Natural Lawn & Garden Food. Use as directed for your gardening success.
SHOP FOR PLANTS WITH EASE
At Calloway’s and Cornelius Nursery, we have everything you need to update your container gardens! Shop our local community plant stores or shop online for Curbside Pickup or Delivery!
Stop by today and explore our entire selection of premium Geraniums, fresh herbs, pottery, and more! Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are to help!