Geraniums, the City of Santa Maria's Official Flower

When I was a kid there were always plenty of red geraniums around, it seems every garden on our block had an abundant planting of them. I readily admit I have not really had the highest regard for geraniums and I suppose that it was because they were so common in my youth.

As I grew older, I started to see other colors of geraniums and thought I should take a second look at these prolific bloomers.

What is commonly called Geranium is a genus of about 200 species of plants from the family Geraniaceae and genus Pelargonium. About 20 of the genus have then been cultivated to thousands of what are called cultivars. Confusingly Geraniaceae Geranium does not contain what is commonly know as Geranium but they got their name when they were formerly classified in that species. So, what are commonly grown today in our coastal gardens are Geraniaceae Pelargonium of which there are thousands of cultivars (not all growing in Santa Maria).

Pelargoniums are native to South Africa and began their migration throughout the world in the 1600's as cargo ships stopped at the Cape of Good Hope and loaded supplies to continue their journeys. Today, this very popular genus of blooming plants has acclimated and thrives throughout much of the world.

We are very accustomed in Santa Maria Gardens to Pelargonium x zonale which is the glossy leafed variety shown above but there are other varieties which are equally beauty and some important for their fragrance. P. graveolens is a variety of fragrant leafed plants which has the scent of citrus or oranges and which is cultivated for it's importance in perfume production.

Pelargoniums may be planted from seed or stem cutting (in the fall) and grown in containers or planted in the garden. In either planting they should receive 6-8 hours of sun per day. Water thoroughly in the mornings and feed regularly with a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Pelargoniums like a slightly acid soil (6.5ph). While these are ideal condition this very forgiving genus of plants will grow in nearly any soil type and condition but will not tolerate being waterlogged.

To keep flower production at a maximum make certain to feed regularly and "dead head" the dying blossoms. Cut plant back in the late fall.

Pelargoniums will root very easily from stem cuttings. Take cuttings in September from healthy plants. Use a clean, sharp knife and make a cutting 3 to 4 inches in length from the growing tips. Trim off the lower leaves from the cutting, and place into a coarse, sandy medium in a small pots or mud flats, and water well. Place them in indirect light. Do not allow the cuttings to dry out. After roots are formed, move the new plants into full sun and water only enough to keep them from shriveling. Fertilize with a weak solution of liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Transplant into the garden in early spring.

Pelargoniums are not sold as cut flowers however p. zonale varieties do cut very well.

I am so glad that I am willing to reconsider flowers that I was not particularly fond of. Pelargoniums are tireless workers in the garden and provide abundant blooms in our back yard. The bright colors attract hummingbirds and bees, both of which I want in our garden. Give Pelargoniums a try, they are easy to grow, very affordable and will lavish your yard with blooms.