Geranium 'Red Shades'
geranium
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil (or peat-free, general-purpose compost for containers)
- Rate of growth: Average to fast
- Flowering period: June to October
- Hardiness: Tender (will need frost protection)
Tender geraniums look spectacular when planted in big swathes in seasonal bedding schemes and are one of the best-loved summer plants. 'Red Shades' copes with dry conditions and thrives in any well-drained soil in a sunny spot. This upright red cultivar is also perfect for a bold splash of colour in pots and containers and if deadheaded regularly, will carry on flowering right up to the first frosts.
Best grown on under glass or a sunny windowsill and planted into good quality peat-free compost once all risk of frost has passed. For best results, water your bedding plants early in the morning with a weak solution of a potash-rich fertiliser, such as Tomorite. Deadhead the flowers on a regular basis as this will encourage new growth and stop the plants putting all their energy into seed production.