Geranium

Best Geranium Plants In NZ!

Adding colourful perennials such as Geraniums to your garden or indoor space delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have rose geraniums, geranium maderense, ivy geranium, cranesbill geranium, and more! The Plant Company has the largest variety of geranium plants and the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Geraniums, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Geranium Questions

1. When should I buy geraniums?

The best time to buy geraniums is in the spring, when they are actively growing and producing flowers. However, geraniums can be purchased and planted at any time of year, as long as the temperature is not too cold.

When buying geraniums, look for plants that are healthy and have a good root system. The leaves should be green and free of pests and diseases. The flowers should be bright and colourful.

2. Do geraniums come back every year?

Geraniums can come back every year as they are perennials. However, geraniums are not frost-hardy, so they may not come back every year in colder climates, and therefore will need to be replaced.

3. What is the lifespan of a geranium?

The lifespan of a geranium is typically 2-3 years. However, with proper care, geraniums can live for much longer. In fact, some geraniums have been known to live for over 10 years!

4. Do geraniums do better in pots or in the ground?

Geraniums can thrive in both pots and in the ground. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to each option.

Geraniums in pots

• Pros:
  • Geraniums in pots are easy to move around, so you can place them in the sunniest spot in your yard or on your patio.
  • They are easier to protect from frost and other harsh weather conditions.
  • They can be used to add colour and interest to patios, balconies, and decks.
• Cons:
  • Geraniums in pots require more frequent watering than geraniums in the ground.
  • They may need to be fertilised more often than geraniums in the ground.

Geraniums in the ground

• Pros:
  • Geraniums in the ground are less likely to dry out than geraniums in pots.
  • They will generally need less feeding than geraniums in pots.
  • Geraniums in the ground can spread out and create a more natural look in your garden.
• Cons:
  • Geraniums in the ground are more difficult to move around.
  • They are more susceptible to frost and other harsh weather conditions.
  • They may not be suitable for all gardens, such as those with heavy clay soil or poor drainage.

Ultimately, the best place to plant geraniums depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a versatile and easy-to-care-for option, geraniums in pots are a good choice. If you are looking for a more permanent and natural-looking option, geraniums in the ground are a good choice.

5. Why are coffee grounds good for Geraniums?

Coffee grounds are a good source of nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. They also contain other nutrients, such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, that can benefit geraniums. When coffee grounds are added to the soil, they break down over time and release these nutrients. This can help to improve the fertility of the soil and provide geraniums with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

6. Do geraniums prefer sun or shade?

Most annual geraniums, like zonal and zonal hybrid geraniums, are sun-lovers and thrive in at least 6-7 hours of direct sunlight each day. In such environments, they'll flower most profusely and stay compact. However, there are exceptions:

• Ivy geraniums prefer partial shade or light shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Too much sun can scorch their delicate foliage.
• Perennial geraniums do well in full sun, though some prefer partial shade or even full shade such as 'Rozanne', 'Geranium maculatum', and 'Geranium phaeum'.

7. Do geraniums need a lot of water?

Geraniums don't need a lot of water! In fact, they're quite drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make with geraniums, so it's important to let the soil dry before giving them another drink.

8. Where are Geraniums native to?

There's a bit of confusion regarding "geraniums" due to two closely related genera:

• Geranium: The true geraniums have around 422 species primarily native to temperate regions globally, with the highest diversity found in the eastern Mediterranean. They prefer well-drained soils and come in various forms, from annuals to perennials, often with stunningly beautiful flowers.
• Pelargonium: Commonly called "geraniums" too, but botanically distinct, these around 280 species hail primarily from subtropical southern Africa and Australia. They're typically known for their vibrant flower clusters and are popular as bedding plants, often thriving in full sun.

So, depending on which type of "geranium" you're referring to, their native origins differ:

• True geraniums (Geranium genus): Temperate regions worldwide, especially the eastern Mediterranean
• Pelargoniums (commonly called geraniums): Subtropical southern Africa and Australia

To avoid confusion, specifying "true geranium" or "pelargonium" helps pinpoint their exact native regions.