From The Ground Up: Geraniums are a hardy summer classi

Geraniums are a summer classic in Iowa.

Beautiful geraniums are the perfect choice for both potted containers and ground beds. These common, yet gorgeous plants are an annual commonly known as a geranium, which comes from the Pelargonium genus. Geraniums are categorized by their growth habits, color and shape characteristics. When shopping for geraniums the plants will be labeled zonal, seedling, ivy or scented.

Zonal geraniums are genetically produced plants that are produced for shatter resistant blooms, sturdy strong leaves and a wide variety of colors. Zonal geraniums will have a zone or strip of color in the middle of the leaves. The zonal geranium will produce fewer blooms than the seedling but the blooms will be 4 to 6 inch wide and the plant itself will grow to 18 inches tall.

Seedling geraniums are usually started from seed and are a more compact plant, which will grow to one foot tall and wide. The seedling will produce smaller blooms typically 3 to 4 inches wide. Both the seedling and zonal need at least six to eight hours of sun and well drained soil whether it is planted in a container or in the ground.

Another interesting geranium is the ivy leafed geranium. There are many different cultivars of ivy leafed geraniums with slightly different growth habits. Some will trail out of a container whereas some will have a mounding habit. Read the label carefully. The vining geranium will not tolerate full sun in temperatures over 80 degrees so may have to be moved into dappled shade in the heat of the summer or may be the ideal plant for a slightly shaded area.

Another interesting geranium is the scented geranium. This plant has scented leaves rather than scented flowers. There are a large variety of scents available. The scented geranium does not bloom as prolifically as the previously mention geraniums but is usually grown for the scented leaves. The scents available are rose, lemon, mint, citrus, citronella and chocolate. There are mixed reviews as to whether the citronella plant deters mosquitoes when crushed and rubbed on your skin. Nevertheless, these plants are a real conversation piece and best enjoyed in a container on a stand on your deck or patio where their delightful scent will be released when pinched, crushed or brushed.

The zonal geranium must be deadheaded back to the stem in order to produce maximum blooming habit whereas the seedling, ivy and scented are self cleaning. Geraniums do need to be grown in moist soil and will need to be fertilized biweekly to ensure steady blooming.

Select a geranium today to enjoy in the ground or on your deck and patio in a container all summer. The choices are endless.

l For questions, call the Linn County Extension Master Gardener Hortline at (319) 447-0647.