Will Geraniums Last All Year?

Geraniums, also known as Pelargoniums, are a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts due to their vibrant and colorful flowers. These plants are native to South Africa and are known for their ability to tolerate hot and dry conditions. But, one question that often comes up is whether or not geraniums will last all year.

The answer is that it depends on the type of geranium you have and where you live. There are several different types of geraniums, including annual, perennial, and tender perennial varieties.

Annual geraniums, also known as zonal geraniums, are the most common type of geraniums that are grown in gardens. They are called annuals because they only live for one growing season and will die off once the winter frost arrives. In most climates, annual geraniums will not survive the winter and will need to be replanted each spring.

Perennial geraniums, also known as cranesbill geraniums, are a hardier variety of geraniums that are able to withstand colder temperatures and return year after year. These plants are native to Europe and are known for their ability to thrive in cooler climates. Perennial geraniums can be grown in zones 4-8 and will typically die back in the winter, but will regrow in the spring.

Tender perennial geraniums, also known as storkbill geraniums, are a type of geranium that is not as hardy as the other two varieties. They are native to South Africa and are known for their delicate flowers and delicate leaves. Tender perennial geraniums are not able to withstand frost and will need to be brought indoors or protected in some way in order to survive the winter.

If you live in a warm climate and have a tender perennial geranium, it is possible for these plants to last all year. However, if you live in a cooler climate, it is unlikely that your geraniums will survive the winter unless you bring them indoors or provide some type of protection.

In order to ensure that your geraniums last as long as possible, it is important to care for them properly. Geraniums prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant them in an area of your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. They also need to be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater them as this can lead to root rot.

In addition to providing the right growing conditions, it is also important to fertilize your geraniums regularly. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, can be applied every two to four weeks during the growing season to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.

If you are growing annual or tender perennial geraniums and want to keep them going all year, you can try overwintering them indoors. To do this, you will need to bring your plants inside before the first frost and place them in a sunny location, such as a south-facing window. Be sure to water them regularly and fertilize them as needed to keep them healthy.

In conclusion, whether or not your geraniums will last all year depends on the type of geranium you have and where you live. Annual and tender perennial geraniums may not survive the winter in colder climates, but perennial geraniums and tender perennial geraniums in warm climates have a good chance of lasting all year with proper care. By providing your geraniums with the right growing conditions, fertilizing them regularly, and protecting them from frost, you can help them thrive and enjoy their beautiful flowers for many seasons to come.