Also known as royal geranium , Martha Washington geraniums ( Pelargoniumxdomesticum ; USDA zone 10 to 11 ) are a hybrid miscellanea of geranium that bring forth sensational flowers . However , these geranium can be trickier to manage for than other , more vernacular types , despite being hardy .
Though they are technically annuals , * * Martha Washington geraniums can also be grown as perennials in USDA zones 9 and 10 . * *
About Martha Washington Geraniums
Martha Washington geranium flush fall in spectre of red , pinkish and purple and often have attractive markings and blending . The leaves of this species may be heart- or kidney - shaped and have toothed margin . The plants have heights of 1 to 2 feet .
Martha Washington geraniums call for coolheaded nights to acquire heyday . They blossom best when temperatures are below 55 ° atomic number 9 . Therefore , these geraniumsbloom in the springand sometimes in the evenfall , producing few flower during the summertime month . For this reason , Martha Washington geranium are better kept as houseplant rather than outdoor specimen .
Tip
Martha Washington geraniums require cool dark — preferably below 55 ° F — to produce flowers .
Caring for Martha Washington Geraniums
TheClemson Cooperative Extensionrecommends planting geraniums in a growing medium that consists of equal function garden loam , peat moss and either sand or perlite . The grime must be kept moist and be well - draining .
Martha Washington geranium grow well when they find full sun . However , raging out-of-door sun can cause the flowers to fleet . So if you keep your plants on a terrace or deck , provide shade during the hot part of the good afternoon .
While other types of geraniums will grow shaggy if filch , * * Martha Washington geraniums form arm naturally and do n’t call for to be pinched . * *
Geraniums need fertilizer feeding twice a month or every three weeks with an all - use fertilizer . Slow - release formulas work well for these plants . Begin fecundate when you see active maturation , such as leaf and bud organization .
Martha Washington Geranium Problems
Martha Washington geraniums can develop a condition called Botrytis blossom blight , also known as gray mold , which can cause the flowers to dry up sooner than normal . To forestall this and other disease and to promote additional blossoming , straight off remove spend flowers from the plant .
Air circulation helps prevent gray mold from developing . It is also important not to overwater Martha Washington geraniums , which can lead to root rot .
Like other houseplants , Martha Washington geraniums can become infested with pests , mainlyaphids , mealybugs and whitefly .
icteric , stunt leaves could indicate that the plant is not receive enough nitrogen .
Unlike other types of geraniums , Martha Washington geranium do n’t postulate any pinching to be bushy .
Martha Washington Geraniums Winter Care
Outside of their hardiness range , Martha Washington geraniums are typically grown indoors as annuals . * * If you have Martha Washington plant outdoors and desire to overwinter them , fetch them inside before the first Robert Lee Frost of the gloam . * *
At this time , rationalize back the plants and clip the roots . It is best to repot the geranium in a container smaller than the original . you may continue to treat your Martha Washington geranium plant as a houseplant by placing it in a sunny window or allow it to go dormant in a nerveless , saturnine location , such as a basement .
Reduce watering and do not inseminate while the works is sleeping .
