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Common Geranium, Garden Geranium, Zonal Geranium
Scientific Name: Pelargonium × hortorum L.H. Bailey
Family: Geraniaceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 8,9,12-24
USDA: 9-10 or annual or indoors
Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix
Heat Tolerance: Better considered as a cool season annual in Phoenix
Sun Exposure: Light shade in summer in Phoenix
Origin: South Africa
Growth Habits: Shrubby perennials generally grown as tender annuals, up to 3 feet tall (45 cm)
Watering Needs: Regular water in Phoenix, needs well drained soil
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings
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The Common Geranium is the most widely grown pelargonium. The geranium has clusters of 2-inches wide (5 cm) flowers. Many varieties of flower color from white to red and multicolored are available.
 Cultural Practices: The geraniums have trouble surviving the summer heat. They need shade in summer, and care should be taken to keep their roots cool by using mulch and making sure that if they are in a pot, the pot stays in the shade. Fall is a good time to plant geraniums in Phoenix, so that they grow slowly until the main blooming time in spring. In colder climates, plant them after the last frost date.
Sow at 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). Plant 8-10 week transplants 1 foot apart (30 cm). Remove the spent flowers to promote new buds.
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