Strawberry Geranium Plants
- Ground cover plants like strawberry geraniums are an excellent choice for borders and tree bases.garden art 2 image by bluefern from Fotolia.com
Grown as a ground cover, the strawberry geranium thrives in the warmer Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions because of the moist, well-drained soils found there. The strawberry geranium is often chosen as a border ground cover for shaded pathways and tree bases. It adds continuity and interest to larger spaces, but does not tolerate foot traffic very well. The strawberry geranium is easily trimmed to prevent its encroachment into high traffic areas. Blooming begins in the spring and continues through early summer. Tree bases and shaded pathways are prime locations for the strawberry geranium, but keeping soil moist and well drained will optimize spreading for a lush ground cover that requires very little attention once established. - Strawberry geraniums need plenty of shade, especially in the southern regions of the United StatesGarden image by Chad Perry from Fotolia.com
Strawberry geraniums should be planted in early spring. If beginning from seeds, sowing should take place just after the danger of frost has subsided. Bloom times from initial outdoor sowing can take up to 14 weeks. Hardiness zones include 6,7,8 and 9 and should be taken into consideration before planting younger seedlings. Plants from nursery six packs are readily available at home improvement retailers and often provide a jump start to the establishment of the strawberry geranium as a ground cover. Plantlets should be placed 6 to 9 inches apart for plenty of spreading room. New plants often bloom in late spring to mid summer depending on how quickly they adapt to their location, soil, and drainage conditions. - Keep strawberry geraniums with other shade loving plants in a large, well-drained pot.lovely potted plants image by Ritu Jethani from Fotolia.com
Maintained as container or hanging basket plant, the strawberry geranium's size will be determined by how much room it's given to flourish. In a container, the strawberry geranium will flow up to 14 inches over the edge, adding interest to an assortment of upright and vine plants in a large pot. University of Georgia’s Extension Floriculture Specialist, Bodie V. Pennisi suggests plants in the begonia family be placed as corner features in a pot. They’ll have plenty of elbow-room and will grow well over the edge of the container for a flowing effect. Since strawberry geraniums need shade, they will thrive best with other shade loving plants such as elephant ears, caladium, impatiens and coleus. Keep potting soil moist and well-drained.
In a ground cover setting, the strawberry geranium's growth is unlimited and sometimes requires light trimming as it creeps into other areas. - Strawberry geraniums thrive in hanging basketshanging plants image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
Shade is an essential element to the successful growth of the strawberry geranium, especially in southern states. In warmer climates where temperatures are consistently over 89 degrees, the strawberry geranium has trouble tolerating the heat. According to Clemson University Horticultural Specialist, Karen Russ, good soil preparation is extremely important for perennials. Compost, hummus and pea gravel greatly improves drainage in the dry clay soils found in southern regions of the United States. Regular watering will help establish deeper root growth while mulching with pine bark or compost will maintain moisture levels.
If hot, humid climates are a concern, indoor growth at temperatures averaging 75 to 80 degrees are ideal for the strawberry geranium. Strawberry geraniums are quite content "hanging out" in baskets, but they need plenty of space underneath for growth. Trailers can reach lengths up to 3 feet and are low maintenance other than the occasional misting and the removal of dry or yellowed foliage. Water-soluble fertilizer is recommended in the spring. Plants in hanging baskets are prone to become root bound. Separate and divide the roots to give the plant some breathing room. Repotting the smaller root clusters will create space while generating fresh growth. As the nickname "mother of thousands" implies, the strawberry geranium readily proliferates with little intervention. - Whether strawberry geraniums are placed in the ground, in a pot or in a hanging basket, shade and well-drained soil are essential for their well-being. Prolific growth allows for easy propagation without having to plant new seeds. According to Martha Stewart, potting young plant growth from trailing runners will establish more new plants.
Sharing the strawberry geranium with friends and family is also easily done either by dividing the roots or the tubers and keeping them moist until they can be transferred to soil.
