Rough draft 3/25/2022
Intro
My first recollection of seeing geraniums for the first time was when I was a young child. Our family was pulling up to my Grandma and Grandpa Ward’s house and all along the front perimeter of their white house were bright red geraniums planted in her flower beds. It was so beautiful. I remember asking my mother what are those flowers? She replied, They’re geraniums and grandma plants red ones there every spring. The name of this flowering plant is commonly known as geraniums or cranesbills.
This plant grows wonderfully in garden or flower beds and also in hanging baskets or containers. Geraniums are said to symbolize positive things, like happiness, friendship and good health. Flowering and scented geraniums are a common housewarming gift shared because of the meaning behind the positive symbolic attributes .
Growth
The secret for growing geraniums is quite simple. Begin with loose, well-draining soil. Combined with consistent watering and low levels of fertilization will keep the flowers thriving. Geraniums grow well in containers of all shapes and sizes, as long as they have drainage holes. The key to successfully growing geraniums in pots is to place them in sunny locations and out of damaging winds. If your geranium plants are grown outdoors in pots, moving the pots indoors in autumn will ensure that they will grow back the following year.
Geraniums come in the colors of pink, red, purple, lilac, and white. The choices are traditional colors.. Geraniums are considered perennials however they are sensitive to cold and will not survive harsh winter temperatures. In many zones the spring is the best time to find geraniums at your local hardwood store or nursery. Be mindful of your furry friends because geraniums are toxic to cats and dogs
Conclusion
Red geraniums are very showy, as they produce large flower blooms in clusters with the backdrop of strong dark green foliage. They are very robust and weather tolerant and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. This flower can reach between 10 and 24 inches in height and can spread out as much as 16 inches. Have the plants open to as plenty of sun everyday as possible with a minimal amount of shade. By doing so the flowers will reach their full bloom potential.
Resource links
https://gilmour.com/geranium-care
https://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/how-to-grow-geranium-cranesbill