Jeanne Sammons geranium quilt
Do you love geraniums? They are ‘Mom’s favorites,’ easy to grow and the stuff of flower carts, window boxes and vacations in sunny European climates. They are certainly an All-American standby for hanging baskets, our Flea Market and junky containers or as bedding plants. Find out ALL about all the different kinds and how to grow them….our style!
Jeanne Sammons says, “Yesterday while out on a flower shopping spree, I snapped some pictures at a wonderful quilt shop called ‘Merry’s Stitchins’ …. just look at this geranium plant! Terracotta pot and all … sweet! (How does one end up in a quilt shop while flower shopping? Well, don’t ask!)”
“You shared some great tips ideas last week for geraniums… thank you! Enjoy this classic Summer flower!” ~~ Jeanne
Daphne Ross from Just Enough Antiques says, “I LOVE this quilt! Red geraniums are my signature flower for Spring and Summer!
Becky Norris’s classic Red Geraniums and ‘purpley-blue’ Million Bells
Geraniums need regular planter mix and love water so make sure they’re handy to the hose. They can be grown in our favorite junktique containers or in the ground. The only care they need is to have the old flowers pinched off. The more you pinch, the more they bloom,…ALL Summer!
In Fall when the flowers fade for the last time, trim the foliage down to five inches and store in the shed or in mild climates with winter temps down to 20º, pull under the eaves of the house.
To multiply your geraniums, take cuttings of a good healthy stem with a few leaves, push gently into a container with potting mix and water well. They will grow! You can share with friends this way, too.
Sandy Mitchell says, “My geraniums have just been planted for a few days. I hope this combo turns out like I see it in my mind.”
Jeanie Merritt’s old farm tool box for a tractor…. red geraniums and lobelia…
Since garden geraniums we see often are actually Pelargoniums, what about the other true geranium? This ‘true’ Geranium sanguineum is a terrific low growing bloomer that can cover the ground in purple, pink or white flowers in Spring.
Called the Hardy Geranium or Cranesbill, it is truly hardy, dying back in cold winter areas and popping back up each Spring in a cloud of colorful foliage.
Look for reliable ‘Johnson’s Blue,’ the coveted ‘Rozanne’ or the pink ‘Biokovo.’
Ivy Geraniums have a different viney leaf pattern. Great for hanging baskets
Scented geraniums are grown mostly for their fragrant leaves. Look for rose, lemon, orange and mint varieties. Use the leaves to flavor sugar in a jar, flavor a pound cake or make potpourri.
Martha Washington geraniums, belie the name and are anything but staid and puritan. Exotic and frilly and gorgeous, these blooms are perfect for vases,…you’d never know that they are as common and easy to grow as plain geraniums!
Fancy-leafed geraniums are bred for their multi-colored fancy leaves. The bonus is, …they still have big beautiful flowers! Try ‘Tricolor,’ ‘Turkish Delight,’ ‘Vancouver Centennial’ and ‘Annsbrook Hope.’
Jeanne says, “If you wish to see more of Merry’s Stitchins, here’s here webpage.
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The leaves on my geraniums are turning a dark color. They get afternoon sun. Is it maybe too much sun?