Geraniums, primarily Pelargonium species, are beloved flowering plants native to South Africa, thriving in gardens and homes worldwide for their vibrant blooms and versatility. Often confused with true geraniums (cranesbills), Pelargoniums offer colors from white to red, with single or clustered flowers atop long stems. Their rounded, sometimes lobed leaves, often emit a spicy or fruity scent, adding sensory appeal.
These perennials, hardy in zones 9-12, grow 6-24 inches tall, suiting beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. They bloom from spring to frost, thriving in full sun with well-drained soil, though some tolerate part shade. Their drought and heat tolerance makes them ideal for low-maintenance gardens or xeriscaping.
Geraniums are pollinator magnets, drawing bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing biodiversity. They’re deer- and rabbit-resistant, perfect for areas with wildlife. Compact varieties excel indoors, brightening windowsills with ample light, while trailing types cascade beautifully in baskets, adding elegance to patios.
Care involves weekly watering, allowing soil to dry between sessions, and monthly fertilization with a 10-10-10 mix to boost blooms. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous flowering, and pruning in spring maintains shape. In colder zones, they’re grown as annuals or overwintered indoors to protect from frost.
Pests like aphids or whiteflies and diseases like root rot can affect geraniums, but neem oil and proper drainage mitigate issues. Overwatering is a common pitfall, so monitor soil moisture. Their resilience suits novice gardeners, though regular care maximizes vibrancy.
White Geranium Varieties
Nano White (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Nano White, a dwarf zonal geranium, is a compact beauty growing 5-12 inches tall with an 8-10-inch spread, ideal for small spaces or indoor settings. Its dark green, scalloped leaves frame clusters of petite, fragrant white flowers on sturdy stems, blooming from spring to fall. Tolerant of heat, pests, and diseases, it thrives in full sun (6-8 hours daily) with well-draining soil, making it versatile for containers, window boxes, or garden borders.
Regular deadheading is required to maintain its tidy appearance, but its resilience suits busy gardeners. Plant in zones 9-12 as a perennial or as an annual elsewhere, fertilizing weekly with a 10-10-10 mix. Its small size and continuous blooms make it a favorite for patio displays.
Calliope White (Pelargonium Interspecific)
Calliope White, an interspecific hybrid blending zonal and ivy geranium traits, grows to 14 inches tall with a 20-inch spread, showcasing large, pure white flower clusters against dark green, medium-sized leaves. Its robust, bushy form excels in hanging baskets, where it cascades gracefully, or as a bedding plant in sunny borders.
Heat- and drought-tolerant, it blooms relentlessly from late spring to frost in zones 9-11, requiring full sun and well-drained soil. Weekly fertilization (5-10-5) and frequent deadheading ensure vibrant blooms. Resistant to wind and rain, it attracts butterflies, enhancing pollinator gardens. Its only drawback is the need for consistent care to maximize flowering, but its bold display makes it a standout choice.
Americana White (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Americana White, a vigorous zonal geranium, reaches 2 feet tall and wide, boasting brilliant white flower clusters atop vibrant, scalloped leaves. This evergreen perennial in zones 10-11 blooms year-round, making it a staple for walkways, planters, or hanging baskets. Its 4-5-inch flower heads are bushy and eye-catching, thriving in full sun with well-draining soil.
Drought-, wind-, and heat-tolerant, it outperforms many geraniums in harsh conditions, requiring minimal maintenance beyond weekly watering and occasional deadheading. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Its ability to remain colorful in diverse climates makes it a top pick for landscapers, though it needs protection from overwatering to prevent root rot.
Cascade White (Pelargonium peltatum)
Cascade White, an ivy-leaved geranium, features long, relaxed stems and glossy, ivy-like deep green leaves, growing 14 inches tall with a 20-24-inch spread. Its large, solitary white flowers, accented with crimson highlights, bloom profusely from spring to fall, creating a cascading effect in hanging baskets or raised beds.
Thriving in full sun to part shade, it’s drought- and heat-resilient, ideal for zones 9-11 or as an annual in cooler climates. Water weekly, allowing soil to dry between sessions, and fertilize monthly with a 5-10-5 mix. Low-maintenance with no notable flaws, it’s perfect for adding elegance to patios or balconies, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
Great Balls of Fire White (Pelargonium peltatum)
Great Balls of Fire White, another ivy-leaved geranium, grows to 18 inches tall and wide, with clusters of fragrant, double white blooms set against large, ivy-like leaves that stay green year-round. Blooming from late spring to early October, it excels in containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover in zones 9-11.
It tolerates heat, humidity, and urban pollution but requires full sun and well-drained soil to avoid sterility from overwatering. Fertilize weekly with a water-soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer for optimal flowering. Deer- and rabbit-resistant, it’s a low-maintenance choice for vibrant summer displays, though it needs careful watering to thrive.
Summer Shower (Pelargonium x peltatum)
Summer Shower, an ivy-leaved geranium, grows to 15 inches tall with a matching spread, featuring bright white florets with delicate pink whiskers atop glossy, dark green ivy-like leaves. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, where it cascades beautifully, or as a bedding plant in sunny gardens. Thriving in hot, humid climates and part shade, it blooms from late spring to frost in zones 9-11.
Water weekly, ensuring soil dries between sessions, and fertilize monthly with a 5-10-5 mix. Low-maintenance and pest-resistant, it attracts pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity. Its vibrant foliage and continuous blooms make it a versatile, eye-catching option.
Fantasia White (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Fantasia White, a zonal geranium, grows 14 inches tall and wide, bearing heads of pure white, semi-double flowers over dark green foliage. Its compact, upright form suits containers, garden beds, or window boxes, blooming from spring to fall in zones 10-11 or as an annual elsewhere.
Requiring full sun and well-draining soil, it’s heat-tolerant and low-maintenance, needing weekly watering and monthly fertilization (10-10-10). Deadheading encourages continuous blooms, and its pest resistance makes it ideal for novice gardeners. Fantasia White’s clean, classic look pairs well with colorful annuals, making it a versatile choice for mixed plantings.
Candy White Parfait (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Candy White Parfait, a zonal geranium, reaches 24 inches tall and wide, with white flowers adorned with attractive pink blotches, creating a striking bicolor effect. Its dark green foliage provides a lush backdrop, ideal for landscape beds, borders, or large containers in zones 10-11. Blooming from late spring to frost, it thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, requiring weekly watering and fertilization every 4-6 weeks (8-8-8).
Heat- and drought-tolerant, it attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing pollinator gardens. Regular deadheading maintains its vigor, making it a bold, low-maintenance choice for vibrant summer displays.
Ice Queen (Pelargonium x hortorum)
Ice Queen, also known as Mint Julep, is a zonal geranium grown for its striking foliage, with leaves broadly banded in bright white, growing 16 inches tall and wide. Its small white flowers complement the variegated foliage, blooming from spring to fall in zones 10-11. Thriving in full sun to part shade, it’s perfect for containers or borders, requiring well-drained soil and weekly watering.
Fertilize monthly with a 10-10-10 mix, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Pest- and deer-resistant, it’s a top performer in trial gardens, adding texture and contrast to mixed plantings.
Alba (Geranium sanguineum ‘Album’)
Alba, a true hardy geranium (cranesbill), features snowy white flowers and grows 4-5 feet tall, making it a standout in rock gardens or borders in zones 9-11. Its bright green, starburst-shaped leaves complement the large, frost-intolerant blooms, which appear from late spring to early summer. Thriving in full sun to part shade, it prefers well-drained, slightly moist soil and monthly fertilization (5-10-5).
Deer- and rabbit-resistant, it self-seeds readily, creating naturalized displays. Low-maintenance with no deadheading required, Alba is ideal for gardeners seeking a perennial white geranium with minimal care.
Growing and Caring for White Geraniums
White geraniums thrive in full sun (6-8 hours daily) but tolerate part shade, especially in hot climates. Plant in well-draining soil amended with perlite, peat moss, or compost to prevent root rot, a common issue with overwatering. Water weekly, allowing soil to dry between sessions, and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 fertilizer to boost blooms.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous flowering, except for self-cleaning varieties like Cascade White. Most are hardy in zones 9-12, but in colder regions, grow as annuals or overwinter indoors at 5-10°C, pruning back by 15 cm before frost. Propagate via stem cuttings or seeds, starting indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
Common Uses and Benefits
White geraniums shine in diverse settings, from hanging baskets and window boxes to garden beds and borders. Their cascading varieties, like Cascade White and Summer Shower, create stunning spills in elevated planters, while upright types like Americana White line walkways or fill mixed containers as thrillers or fillers. They attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing garden ecosystems.
Deer- and rabbit-resistant, they’re ideal for landscapes with foraging wildlife. Their drought and heat tolerance make them low-maintenance, perfect for novice gardeners or xeriscaping. Indoors, compact varieties like Nano White brighten homes, provided they receive ample light.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
Despite their resilience, white geraniums face challenges like pests (aphids, whiteflies) and diseases (root rot, fungal issues). Monitor for pests and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap, ensuring good air circulation. Prevent root rot by avoiding overwatering and using well-draining soil. Yellowing leaves may signal over- or underwatering; adjust based on soil moisture.
In hot climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent scorching. Regular fertilization and deadheading are crucial for varieties like Calliope White, which demand consistent care for peak performance. In zones below 9, overwinter indoors or propagate cuttings to preserve plants.