In spring and summer, the nurseries are full of colorful flowers. An endless variety is waiting for you to discover. But there is a versatile summer flower that can solve almost any problem on your balcony: the geranium. A flower that can transform balconies and terraces into blooming paradises in no time.
There are not many things that beautify life as much as geraniums, as they are flowers that give a holiday aura and at the same time a sense of intimacy. They are extremely durable and do not require special care, while their flowering is rich and continuous, without much need care. Geraniums are part of summer like breakfast on the balcony and strawberry ice cream. Pelargonium for Europe experts reveal how to transform every balcony and terrace into a flowery oasis with sun-loving geraniums.
No half measures
We suggest planting the geraniums individually in large pots, which you will place next to each other. Depending on the type of pot and the color of the flowers, you can create a Mediterranean, rustic or urban atmosphere. It is worthwhile to be bold and combine them, as the greater the similarity of the pots, the greater the variety of flowers that you will put inside. In sunny or semi-shady places, orthocladic and cream geraniums are ideal for making a nice composition. In a more sheltered place, you can plant pelargoniums with large flowers (Pelargonium grandiflorum) and marjoram (Pelargonium crispum).
Tips for more flowers
For a more impressive result you can place the pots in groups and use a flower column or a ladder, to save space and fit even more flowers. Also, you do not need to deal with each element of the composition separately, as you would if each "lived" cut off from the others. This way you gain a new kind of flexibility. To ensure that the plants grow properly, the pots should be about 20cm in diameter or have a capacity of two liters of soil.
Geranium color combination
If summer happiness means for you a colorful blooming composition, then you can combine geraniums with other summer flowers. With the trick of a flowerpot, there are no limits to your imagination. Even perennials can prove to be compatible with geraniums.
Those who prefer a sense of naturalness, you can combine geraniums with ornamental grasses, herbs or wild strawberries. Geraniums and herbs are compatible with their preferred location. Summer compositions with sage, lavender or thyme are beautiful and offer plenty of food for bees and other insects.
Tips for choosing a mate (in the pot)
In colorful planters or pots, the geranium is the most compatible match if all the plants share the same passion for a sunny or semi-shady place and no one tries to oppress the other.
Plant beautiful orthoclase geraniums with louiza and kalimbrahoa or with water hyssop (Sutera Cordata) and diasia. The rich creamy geraniums are an irresistible combination with the lobelia. Petunia, Euphorbia (Euphorbia hypericifolia) and Lantana (Lantana Camera) - these three beautiful plants fit perfectly together. Tip: Planters hanging on the inside of the balcony will not bring pleasure to the neighbors, but to the owner of the balcony!
Planting planters and pots on the balcony
Follow these steps: First, cover the bottom of the pot with a drainage layer of terracotta crumbs, expanded clay grains or similar materials, then fill the container with soil up to three-quarters full. Slightly push the soil down. Water the ball of roots carefully and place it in the soil, at a distance of at least 20cm from each other. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface. Add more soil if needed. Push the plants down. The surface of the soil should be 2cm away from the edge of the pot. Move the pot to its final position and water. Important: Even water tank planters should be watered for the first few weeks until the plants form new roots.
About Pelargonium for Europe
Pelargonium for Europe is a marketing initiative of European geranium growers Dümmen Orange, Elsner PAC, Florensis / P. van der Haak Handelskwekerij, Geranien Endisch, Selecta One and Syngenta Flowers. The initiative was founded in 2016 with the aim of promoting the geranium and ensuring long-term sales in Europe. Today, the campaign runs in 22 countries. In Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland, activities are supported by the EU under the "Europe in Bloom" campaign, from 2020 to 2022. Web: www.pelargoniumforeurope.com
via: Enimerotiko