Perennials, Shrubs, Bulbs, etc.

 

Generally plants do not do well when left in containers over the winter in Calgary. Our fluctuating winter temperatures are the main problem; the soil freezes and thaws, either encouraging growth and then killing it or destroying roots and bulbs. Soil temperatures in the ground are much more consistent, protecting roots from winter damage.

 

However, there are exceptions to this rule. Larger containers with more soil will shelter plant roots. Adding an insulating material like Styrofoam lining before planting will also help. Only very hardy native species like potentillas do well. It is important to water the plants in the containers well before the ground freezes in the fall. This ensures moisture during warm, dry winter periods. Even following this method will not guarantee that plants will overwinter. The end result is completely dependent on severity of the weather, the plants’ location, the type of container used, the size of the plant, etc.

Geraniums are one of the most popular and commonly used bedding out plants. Geraniums are available in a wide range of colors from red, scarlet, pink, coral, salmon, peach, orange, lavender, to white. Geraniums are used in many areas in the yard, including flower beds, pots, planters, and hanging baskets.

 

 

Types

 

1. Zonal - Pelargonium hortorum
   Aptly named because of red zones on leaves.
2. Martha Washington - Pelargonium domesticum
   Plant has fancy flowers.
3. Ivy - Pelargonium peltatum
   Trailing plant is suitable for hanging baskets.

 

Care & Culture

 

Most geraniums prefer full sunlight in a west or south location, needing approximately 6 hrs. of sun each day. Martha Washington geraniums prefer partial shade in a north or east orientation. For watering, keep the soil moist until the roots are established, after which geraniums are considered to be semi-drought tolerant. Fertilize every week or two during the growing season with a complete fertilizer such as 20-30-20.

 

 

Overwintering

 

Geraniums may be kept from year to year, as they are technically perennials grown as annuals. There are 3 methods of overwintering geraniums:

 

1. 1. It may be treated like an indoor house plant, giving it as much light as possible in a south or west window. If the plant gets stretched out or spindly in winter, prune it back by pinching off the large, lanky leaves and long stems.
2. The second method involves lifting the plant out of the pot, shaking off as much soil as possible, and storing it in a cool, dark box. Keep the roots covered with a moist cloth which maintains the plant’s life at a bare minimum.
3. Another method is also shaking the soil off the root system and then storing the plant upside down in a garage or other area where the temperature hovers just above freezing. With the last two methods plant in pots in early March and water with a high phosphorus fertilizer like Plant-prod 10-52-10 to initiate root growth. With all of the above three methods, plant the geraniums outside at the end of May when the danger of frost is over.