From our perspective, Ivy Geraniums are arguably the most quintessential choice for a hanging basket. Our growth habit is naturally trailing, with long, flexible stems that can cascade gracefully over the edges of a container, reaching lengths of up to three feet. Our leaves are distinctively glossy, ivy-shaped, and waxy, which helps us conserve water—a vital trait when growing in exposed, drying baskets. We produce an abundance of single or double blooms in large clusters that seem to float on a waterfall of greenery. We thrive in full sun and are particularly adept at handling the windier conditions that elevated baskets often experience, making us a resilient and floriferous option.
We, the Cascading Geraniums, are a specific type bred explicitly for the purpose of hanging displays. Our genetics are fine-tuned to prioritize a strong, vigorous, and early trailing habit without the need for pinching. Our stems are robust yet pliable, quickly creating a dense, mounding shape that is entirely covered in blooms. We come in a wide range of vibrant colors, and our semi-double flowers are held proudly above our foliage. We are sun-worshippers, requiring ample light to fuel our prolific flowering performance from spring straight through until the first frost, with minimal deadheading required.
While we may not always be the most prolific bloomers, we Scented-Leaf Geraniums offer a unique and sensory appeal to hanging baskets. Our value lies in our fantastically fragrant foliage, which releases scents of rose, lemon, mint, or even chocolate when brushed against. Our growth forms vary; some of us, like the peppermint-scented varieties, have a lovely trailing habit perfect for spilling over the sides. We appreciate well-draining soil and enjoy a sunny spot. Planting us in a basket brings our aromatic leaves to nose level, allowing humans to fully appreciate our fragrant defensive compounds, which were evolved to deter herbivores.
We represent a powerful hybrid vigor, a cross between a Zonal Geranium and an Ivy Geranium. This parentage gives us the best of both worlds: the large, brilliantly colored flower heads of the Zonal and the superior trailing habit and weather tolerance of the Ivy. Our stems are strong and self-branching, creating a full, lush basket that is exceptionally resistant to diseases and capable of blooming relentlessly through summer's heat and rain. We demand excellent drainage and a consistent feeding schedule to support our high-energy performance, rewarding the care with a spectacular, long-lasting display.
We, the Regal Geraniums (also known as Martha Washingtons), offer a touch of sophisticated elegance to shaded hanging baskets. Unlike our sun-loving cousins, we prefer cooler conditions and bright, indirect light or morning sun only, as our large, exquisite blooms can scorch in intense afternoon heat. Our flowers are breathtakingly intricate, often with ruffled petals and striking veining or blotches. While our blooming period is primarily in spring, we can be encouraged to rebloom with diligent deadheading. Our growth is more upright and shrub-like, so we perform best in larger baskets where our beautiful form can be appreciated from below or at eye level.
