skip to main content

Why Didn't Geraniums Work?

17 years ago

I planted geraniums along a walkway in the front of the south facing house. They were fine through one blooming cycle, but have deteriorated to a bunch of leaves. I've been deadheading as the blooms die. Why have these not flourished? I thought they would be a good colorful border plant for the heat of summer. Even my vincas in the same area are looking poor. Any ideas?

Also, when rain or water hit the flower heads it seemed to cause the geraniums to wilt.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

eldo1960
17 years ago
Are you in Arizona, or Maine? Geraniums can tolerate only a fair amount of heat/direct sun.
timjc
Original Author
17 years ago
I'm in northern Virginia and we have temps in the 90's and high humidity in the summer.
Related Discussions
why oh why didn't I WS tomatoes??
Q
Comments (13)
OK, you've all inspired me. Now I have to go get some seed! :) I did buy 6 plants this morning of mixed varieties but there's room for several more. I'm of the opinion that you can never have too many 'maters! Every year I cover the paths in my food garden with a layer of cardboard and mulch to keep the weeds out. I spent the morning taking the top 3 inches of last year's almost broken-down mulch and the gorgeous soil below it, and filling a couple of my beds to the brim --- including the tomato bed. Maybe some volunteers will be able to sprout through all that. Thanks for the inspiration! I really enjoy having varieties other than the same ol', same ol', and seed allows me to do that where store-bought plants don't. Deb
...See More
Why I didn't think of this sooner I don't know...
Q
Comments (5)
I cut hansa rose back this year.. it was blooming at the top of seven feet canes, fine for me, but no so great for my wife. She loves the smell of this rose, plus behind it I planted John Davis, the were both the same hieght and it looked odd. Normally do not cut rogusas back, but honestly, it looks soooooooooooooo much better now. the foilage has filled in and you cant tell I hacked it in half, its around 4.5 feet now and the increased light has prompted John Davis to grow up even further. Silverkelt
...See More
Yeasty Yeast Yeast... why didn't you rise??
Q
Comments (8)
My guess is they the dough got too hot either in the oven or the water you added was too hot. An experienced bread baker can tell by the texture of the dough when working the dough if the yeast is alive. I would have tested the yeast you tossed in warm water with a bit of sugar.....and if ti didn'ts how proof of being active...I would have written Fleishman or Red Star a long sobbing letter telling about your ruined bread....and maybe you would have gotten a nice supply of yeast out of it. The yeast package says "store in a cool place" doesn't it? I think that might exempt your pantry. I keep yeast in the refrig or the freezer. Now you see how forgiving yeast dough can be? Ain't it fun?! Linda c
...See More
Why didn't I think of this? Duh. Can't wait to try it.
Q
Comments (18)
I watched the garlic peeling one too and that was pretty cool. I'll have to try that. Then of course I then watched the perfect boiled egg video but I have to dispute that one. I use a double boiler to make boiled eggs. I don't immerse them in the boiling water at all. I put them in the top of the double boiler, cover and let them steam. Then instead of wasting lots of water running it over the eggs, I drain off the hot water and cover with cold tap water and then put lots of ice cubes in and let sit for a few minutes then peel and they peel like a dream. Simply roll the egg and then peel off the shell in nearly one whole piece. Those are fun videos to watch and very helpful, too. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely try that with the cherry tomatoes. I love those and also the grape tomatoes but I guess you couldn't use that method for those since they are oval. Wah...
...See More
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
What you are describing is quite typical of geranium behavior in some climates and during certain weather patterns. I stopped using them many years ago when I needed a predictable display of color. And I do not like they way that they behave when planted outside to face the elements. Others will rave about them, mind you. ;-)

I believe that they do best with as much sunlight as possible in your climate, though some protection from the afternoon sun would be advisable in warmer areas.

I'll suggest a few cultural things you can try to boost your plants blooming prowess. Avoid over fertilization with a high Nitrogen product and try a 'bloom booster' formulation which will have a higher Phosphorus percentage than the other two primary elements. Fertilize regularly. Also, make sure that you are not waiting too long before you remove the spent blooms. Consistent deadheading is very important. A healthy layer of organic mulch can help cool the soil (thus roots) as well as keep the soil moist longer. Geraniums do like their water.

I'd plan for a second round of colorful flowers before too long.
timjc
Original Author
17 years ago
Any good ideas to replace the geraniums at this late summer date (vincas or others)?
franeli
17 years ago
I have alot of white + magenta colored vinca(catharanthus roseus) and they love it hot and can tolerate some degree of dryness.
Mine do receive some shade during the early afternoon.
I also have annual Dianthus, 'Ideal Pearl' a white dianthus with a rose/magenta center...boy, this one does not mind the heat and dry.
(I am in a very hot, dry, sandy/gravel area and these two annuals are fabulous)
I use just compost for these along with an organic fertilizer every 3 weeks or so)
Just a few thoughts for you on this rather hot day in NH...
timjc
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for your suggestions. I have a few vinca and may need to invest in a few more. Some have done fine, but others pooped out. They do love the heat though.

Related Stories

SMALL KITCHENS 10 Things You Didn't Think Would Fit in a Small Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Don't assume you have to do without those windows, that island, a home office space, your prized collections or an eat-in nook

BEDROOMS 11 Things You Didn’t Think You Could Fit Into a Small Bedroom

By Becky Harris

Clever designers have found ways to fit storage, murals and even chandeliers into these tight sleeping spaces

WORLD OF DESIGN 8 Things You Didn’t Know About Italian Marble

By Laura Molteni

How did the ancients extract marble? What makes it white or colored? We unearth fascinating facts about this luxurious stone

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Wild Geranium Puts on a Color Show

By Pollination Press LLC

Oodles of bright blossoms and an easygoing nature make this woodland plant a welcome addition to a shady garden

GARDENING GUIDES What’s in a Name? See 6 Wildflowers That Aren’t ‘Weeds’ at All

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Dispel the stereotypes of weeds and try these wildlife-supporting native wildflowers in your garden

FUN HOUZZ Smell This Shocking Flower at Your Own Risk

By Vanessa Brunner

Don't say we didn't warn you: The foul scent of the rare and incredible corpse flower may knock your socks off

LIFE How to Handle Inherited Things You Don’t Really Want

By Jennifer Ott Design

Whether you’ve inherited a large collection of items or a single bulky piece of furniture, it’s OK to let it go if you don’t need or want it

MOST POPULAR Organizing? Don’t Forget the Essential First Step

By Laura Gaskill

Simplify the process of getting your home in order by taking it one step at a time. Here’s how to get on the right path

MOST POPULAR 5 Remodels That Make Good Resale Value Sense — and 5 That Don’t

By Matt Clawson

Find out which projects offer the best return on your investment dollars

REMODELING GUIDES You Won't Believe What These Homeowners Found in Their Walls

By Mitchell Parker

From the banal to the downright bizarre, these uncovered artifacts may get you wondering what may be hidden in your own home

Sponsored

Davidson Builders

1 Review

Franklin County's Full-Scale General Contractor

More Discussions

Is chickweed benign?

3

Moonlight nasturtium climb?

11

My cosmos bipinnatus seems to be on strike.

2

Has anyone tried freezing seeds in ice?

9

Not what I ordered?

3