Common Geranium, Garden Geranium, Zonal Geranium

Scientific Name: Pelargonium Χ hortorum L.H. Bailey
Family: Geraniaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 8,9,12-24
USDA: 9-10 or annual or indoors

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix

Heat Tolerance: Better considered as a cool season annual in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Light shade in summer in Phoenix

Origin: South Africa

Growth Habits: Shrubby perennials generally grown as tender annuals, up to 3 feet tall (45 cm)

Flowers: White, light orange, pink, red or purple flowers

Watering Needs: Regular water in Phoenix, needs well drained soil

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings

The Common Geranium is the most widely grown pelargonium. The geranium has clusters of 2-inches wide (5 cm) flowers. Many varieties of flower color from white to red and multicolored are available.

Culture:
The geraniums have trouble surviving the summer heat. They need shade in summer, and care should be taken to keep their roots cool by using mulch and making sure that if they are in a pot, the pot stays in the shade. Fall is a good time to plant geraniums in Phoenix, so that they grow slowly until the main blooming time in spring. In colder climates, plant them after the last frost date.
Sow at 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). Plant 8-10 week transplants 1 foot apart (30 cm). Remove the spent flowers to promote new buds.