Geraniums, primarily Pelargonium species, are cherished flowering plants from South Africa, celebrated for their vibrant blooms in shades of red, white, pink, and purple. Often confused with true Geranium cranesbills, Pelargoniums feature rounded, sometimes scented leaves and clusters of flowers on long stalks. These versatile plants add charm to gardens, containers, and indoor spaces.
Growing 6-24 inches tall, geraniums thrive in full sun with well-drained soil, blooming from spring to frost in zones 9-12. Their drought and heat tolerance makes them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes or xeriscaping. Trailing varieties cascade beautifully in hanging baskets, while upright types shine in beds or pots.
Geraniums attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, boosting garden biodiversity. Deer- and rabbit-resistant, they’re perfect for wildlife-prone areas. Compact varieties, like zonal geraniums, excel indoors with bright light, bringing year-round color to homes or patios.
Care includes weekly watering, letting soil dry between sessions, and monthly fertilization with a 10-10-10 mix to enhance blooms. Deadheading spent flowers promotes continuous flowering, and spring pruning keeps plants tidy. In colder zones, they’re grown as annuals or overwintered indoors.
Pests like aphids or whiteflies and issues like root rot can occur, but neem oil and proper drainage help. Overwatering is a common mistake, so monitor soil moisture. Their resilience suits beginners, though consistent care maximizes their stunning display.
Red Geranium Varieties
Calliope Dark Red (Pelargonium Interspecific)
Calliope Dark Red, an interspecific hybrid combining zonal and ivy geranium traits, grows 12-14 inches tall with a 20-24-inch spread, showcasing large, velvety dark red flower clusters against glossy green foliage. Its mounding, slightly trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, or as a vibrant bedding plant.
Thriving in full sun (6-8 hours daily) with well-draining soil, it blooms from late spring to frost in zones 9-11, tolerating heat and drought. Water weekly, allowing soil to dry between sessions, and fertilize every 2 weeks with a 10-10-10 mix. Deadheading ensures continuous blooms, and its pest resistance suits novice gardeners. Its rich color attracts butterflies, enhancing pollinator gardens, though it requires consistent care to maintain peak flowering.
Americana Dark Red (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Americana Dark Red, a robust zonal geranium, reaches 15-18 inches tall and wide, boasting vivid red, semi-double flower heads up to 5 inches across atop dark green, scalloped leaves with faint zoning. Perfect for borders, containers, or as a mass planting, it blooms prolifically from spring to fall in zones 10-11 or as an annual elsewhere.
Requiring full sun and well-drained soil, it’s heat-tolerant and needs watering when the top inch of soil dries, with monthly fertilization (10-10-10). Deer- and rabbit-resistant, it’s low-maintenance but prone to root rot if overwatered. Its bold blooms make it a landscaping staple, pairing well with white or blue annuals for patriotic displays.
Maverick Red (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Maverick Red, a compact zonal geranium, grows 14-16 inches tall and wide, featuring bright red, single-flower clusters against lush, medium-green foliage. Its uniform, upright growth suits pots, window boxes, or garden beds, blooming from late spring to frost in zones 10-11. Thriving in full sun with well-draining soil, it tolerates heat and requires weekly watering and biweekly fertilization (5-10-5).
Deadheading promotes new blooms, and its resistance to pests like aphids makes it beginner-friendly. Ideal for small spaces, it attracts hummingbirds and adds vibrant pops of color, though it needs protection from heavy rain to prevent flower damage.
Patriot Bright Red (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Patriot Bright Red, a vigorous zonal geranium, grows 18-24 inches tall with a 12-18-inch spread, displaying large, brilliant red flower heads over dark green, zoned foliage. Its upright, bushy form excels in containers, borders, or as a thriller in mixed planters, blooming from spring to fall in zones 10-11.
Requiring full sun and well-drained soil, it’s drought-tolerant and needs watering when soil dries, with monthly fertilization (10-10-10). Resistant to deer and pests, it’s low-maintenance but requires deadheading for continuous blooms. Its intense color makes it a focal point in landscapes, perfect for bold, sunny displays.
Pinto Premium Deep Red (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Pinto Premium Deep Red, a zonal geranium, reaches 12-14 inches tall and wide, with deep red, semi-double flowers contrasting against vibrant green foliage with subtle zoning. Its compact, well-branched growth is ideal for containers, window boxes, or mass plantings, blooming from late spring to frost in zones 10-11.
Thriving in full sun with well-draining soil, it tolerates heat and needs weekly watering, with fertilization every 2-4 weeks (8-8-8). Pest-resistant and self-cleaning, it requires minimal deadheading, suiting busy gardeners. Its rich hue pairs beautifully with white or yellow flowers, creating dynamic garden designs.
Caliente Fire (Pelargonium Interspecific)
Caliente Fire, an interspecific hybrid, grows 12-18 inches tall with a 12-24-inch spread, showcasing fiery red-orange flower clusters that lean toward true red, set against dark green, slightly lobed leaves. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, raised beds, or as a ground cover in zones 9-11.
Requiring full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, it’s heat- and drought-tolerant, needing weekly watering and biweekly fertilization (5-10-5). Its vibrant blooms attract pollinators, and its pest resistance ensures easy care. Regular deadheading maximizes flowering, making it a bold choice for tropical or Mediterranean-style gardens.
Cascade Sofie Red (Pelargonium peltatum)
Cascade Sofie Red, an ivy-leaved geranium, grows 12-14 inches tall with a 20-24-inch spread, featuring bright red, single flowers atop glossy, ivy-like leaves. Its cascading stems create a stunning spill in hanging baskets, window boxes, or over retaining walls, blooming from spring to fall in zones 9-11.
Thriving in full sun to part shade with well-draining soil, it’s drought-tolerant and requires watering when soil dries, with monthly fertilization (10-10-10). Pest- and deer-resistant, it’s low-maintenance but benefits from deadheading. Its graceful trailing habit and vibrant blooms make it a favorite for vertical gardening or patio displays.
Great Balls of Fire Red (Pelargonium peltatum)
Great Balls of Fire Red, an ivy-leaved geranium, reaches 12-18 inches tall and wide, with clusters of double, scarlet-red flowers against glossy, dark green, ivy-shaped leaves. Its trailing growth excels in hanging baskets, containers, or as a ground cover, blooming from late spring to frost in zones 9-11.
Requiring full sun and well-drained soil, it tolerates heat and humidity, needing weekly watering and biweekly fertilization (5-10-5). Resistant to pests and deer, it’s low-maintenance but requires careful watering to avoid root rot. Its bold blooms attract butterflies, adding vibrancy to summer gardens or indoor spaces with ample light.
Fantasia Red (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Fantasia Red, a zonal geranium, grows 12-14 inches tall and wide, bearing semi-double, vivid red flowers over dark green foliage with subtle zoning. Its compact, upright form suits pots, borders, or mixed planters, blooming from spring to fall in zones 10-11 or as an annual in cooler climates.
Thriving in full sun with well-draining soil, it’s heat-tolerant and needs weekly watering, with monthly fertilization (10-10-10). Pest-resistant and low-maintenance, it benefits from deadheading to sustain blooms. Its classic red hue complements white or blue flowers, making it ideal for vibrant, cohesive garden designs.
Candy Red (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Candy Red, a zonal geranium, reaches 12-18 inches tall and wide, with bright red flowers featuring subtle pink undertones, set against lush, medium-green foliage. Its bushy, upright growth is perfect for containers, garden beds, or as a thriller in mixed arrangements, blooming from late spring to frost in zones 10-11.
Requiring full sun and well-drained soil, it’s drought-tolerant and needs watering when soil dries, with fertilization every 4-6 weeks (8-8-8). Resistant to pests and deer, it’s beginner-friendly but requires deadheading for optimal flowering. Its warm red tones create inviting, cheerful displays in any garden setting.
Growing and Caring for Red Geraniums
Red geraniums thrive in full sun (6-8 hours daily) but tolerate part shade in hot climates, requiring well-draining soil enriched with compost or peat moss to prevent root rot. Water weekly, ensuring soil dries between sessions, and fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 fertilizer to promote robust blooms.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous flowering, except for self-cleaning varieties like Pinto Premium Deep Red. Hardy in zones 9-11, they’re grown as annuals in colder regions or overwintered indoors at 45-50°F, pruned back by one-third before frost. Propagate via stem cuttings or seeds, starting indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost for early blooms.
Common Uses and Benefits
Red geraniums are landscaping powerhouses, shining in hanging baskets, window boxes, borders, and mixed containers. Trailing varieties like Cascade Sofie Red create dramatic spills in elevated planters, while upright zonals like Patriot Bright Red anchor beds or serve as thrillers in patio pots. They attract pollinators—bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—boosting garden ecosystems.
Deer- and rabbit-resistant, they’re ideal for areas with wildlife. Their heat and drought tolerance suits xeriscaping, and compact types thrive indoors with bright light. Red geraniums’ bold color evokes energy, making them perfect for vibrant, eye-catching displays or festive arrangements.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
Red geraniums are resilient but face pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies, treatable with neem oil or insecticidal soap, ensuring good air circulation. Root rot and fungal diseases like botrytis arise from overwatering; use well-draining soil and water only when dry. Yellowing leaves may indicate nutrient deficiency or improper watering—adjust fertilization or check drainage.
In extreme heat, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch, especially for varieties like Caliente Fire. Regular deadheading is essential for most, though self-cleaning types reduce this task. In zones below 9, overwinter indoors or take cuttings to preserve plants.