Zonal Geraniums are flowers that come from South Africa. Their name comes from the stripes down the middle of their leaves. They come on seven different color varieties. These subtropical plants are wonderful for gardens in a variety of zones from hot and humid to cool and cold these flowers can survive most weather nature can throw at them. Below is growing and care information to help you grow beautiful Zonal Geraniums of your own.

Sun – Zonal Geraniums need 4 to 6 hours of sun every day in order to bloom. This means they can be kept in full sun or partial shade. In hot zones they like shade during the heat of the day and in colder zone they like to be out in full sun all day. They aren’t very pick so if you can’t give them full sun they will adapt and do just fine.

Soil – They like loose soil that is rich in nutrients, but they are that picky as long as the soil doesn’t stay moist so their roots can dry a little.

Spacing – Make sure to space them 11in/30cm apart so they have room to spread out to grow enough roots to produce flowers.

Water – Zonal Geraniums like fairly dry soil so it is important to only water them if the top layer of soil is dry.

Food – If you are growing them outside they will need to be fertilized two a year. Once in the spring or when you plant them and again right before the bloom. If you are growing them in containers they need to be fertilized once a month.

Annual or Perennial – Zonal Geraniums are perennial plants that will grow all year around. They will need to be over wintered if you live in a cold zone and protected from freezing weather and snow.

Climate/Hardiness – These flowers are very hardy and can stand mild winters and very hot summers. They do need protection from frost and snow as this will cause them to dead out.

Harvest – You can harvest Zonal Geraniums once they have bloomed and can be propagated from cuttings. Zonal Geraniums do not produce seeds.

Transplant – They can handle being transplanted but it should be done when the plant is rooting in the spring to prevent it from dying out.