geranium , primarily Pelargonium specie , are beloved flowering plants native to South Africa , thriving in gardens and homes worldwide for their vivacious bloom and versatility . Often fuddle with straight geraniums ( cranesbills ) , Pelargoniums offer color from white to red , with undivided or agglomerated flowers atop long stems . Their rounded , sometimes lob leaves , often emit a spicy or fruity scent , adding sensational appeal .
These perennials , fearless in zones 9 - 12 , arise 6 - 24 inches tall , fit beds , border , container , and hanging baskets . They bloom from leaping to hoar , thriving in full sun with well - debilitate dirt , though some brook part shade . Their drought and heat tolerance make them idealistic for low - maintenance garden or xeriscaping .
geranium are pollinator magnets , draw bees , butterflies , and hummingbird , enhancing biodiversity . They ’re deer- and cony - resistant , sodding for areas with wildlife . Compact variety show excel indoors , brightening windowsills with ample twinkle , while trailing type cascade attractively in basket , adding elegance to patios .
Care imply hebdomadal watering , allowing dirt to dry between academic session , and monthly fecundation with a 10 - 10 - 10 mix to boost peak . Deadheading pass flowers encourage continuous efflorescence , and dress in springiness maintains human body . In colder zones , they ’re grow as annuals or overwintered indoors to protect from frost .
Pests like aphids or whiteflies and diseases like root rot can pretend geraniums , but neem oil colour and right drainage mitigate issue . Overwatering is a mutual pit , so monitor grunge moisture . Their resilience suits novice gardener , though regular care maximizes vibrancy .
White Geranium Varieties
Nano White ( Pelargonium x hortorum )
Nano White , a dwarf zonal geranium , is a compact beauty growing 5 - 12 inches tall with an 8 - 10 - in spread , ideal for small spaces or indoor preferences . Its dark green , scalloped parting underframe clusters of petite , fragrant white flowers on sturdy shank , bloom from give to fall . liberal of heating system , pests , and diseases , it thrives in full sunshine ( 6 - 8 hours day by day ) with well - debilitate soil , making it versatile for containers , windowpane boxes , or garden border .
Regular deadheading is want to observe its goodly appearance , but its resilience suits meddlesome gardener . industrial plant in zone 9 - 12 as a repeated or as an annual elsewhere , feed each week with a 10 - 10 - 10 mix . Its small size and continuous blooms make it a favorite for patio display .
Calliope White ( Pelargonium Interspecific )
Calliope White , an interspecies intercrossed blending zonal and ivy geranium traits , grows to 14 inches magniloquent with a 20 - in counterpane , showcasing large , virgin white flower bunch against dark fleeceable , medium - sized leaves . Its robust , bushy form excels in hanging baskets , where it cascades graciously , or as a bedding plant in sunny borderline .
Heat- and drouth - resistant , it flower relentlessly from tardy spring to frost in zone 9 - 11 , need full sun and well - drained soil . Weekly fertilization ( 5 - 10 - 5 ) and frequent deadheading ensure vivacious blooms . Resistant to current of air and rain , it attract butterflies , enhancing pollinator gardens . Its only drawback is the need for consistent care to maximize florescence , but its bold show makes it a standout option .
Americana White ( Pelargonium x hortorum )
Americana White , a vigorous zonary geranium , reach 2 ft tall and wide , gas brilliant snowy flower clump atop vibrant , scalloped leaves . This evergreen plant perennial in zones 10 - 11 blooms year - round , cook it a basic for paseo , planter , or string up baskets . Its 4 - 5 - inch prime caput are bushy and eye - catching , thriving in full sun with well - draining dirt .
Drought- , wind- , and heat - kind , it outperforms many geranium in harsh conditions , requiring minimal care beyond weekly watering and occasional deadheading . fertilise every 4 - 6 workweek with a balanced 10 - 10 - 10 plant food . Its ability to remain colorful in various climates makes it a top choice for landscape architect , though it needs protection from overwatering to foreclose theme rot .
Cascade White ( Pelargonium peltatum )
Cascade White , an ivy - leaved geranium , sport long , relaxed stems and glossy , ivy - like deep green folio , rise 14 inches tall with a 20 - 24 - inch spread . Its large , solitary snowy flowers , punctuate with red highlights , bloom profusely from spring to pass , creating a cascading event in hang baskets or raised bottom .
Thriving in full sun to part shade , it ’s drought- and hotness - bouncy , ideal for geographical zone 9 - 11 or as an yearly in cooler climates . Water weekly , allowing soil to dry between session , and fertilize monthly with a 5 - 10 - 5 commixture . Low - sustenance with no celebrated flaw , it ’s perfect for adding elegance to patio or balconies , draw hummingbirds and butterfly .
Great Balls of Fire White ( Pelargonium peltatum )
Great Balls of Fire White , another ivy - leaved geranium , grows to 18 inches tall and wide , with cluster of fragrant , double white efflorescence pose against large , ivy - like leaves that stay green year - pear-shaped . Blooming from late spring to other October , it excels in containers , hanging baskets , or as ground cover in zones 9 - 11 .
It tolerates oestrus , humidness , and urban pollution but requires full Dominicus and well - enfeeble soil to avoid infertility from overwatering . Fertilize hebdomadally with a water - soluble 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer for optimum flowering . Deer- and coney - resistant , it ’s a scurvy - maintenance choice for vibrant summer displays , though it necessitate measured watering to thrive .
Summer Shower ( Pelargonium x peltatum )
Summer Shower , an ivy - leaved geranium , grows to 15 inches grandiloquent with a matching spread , featuring hopeful blank florets with delicate pink sensory hair atop glossy , dark gullible Hedera helix - like leaves . Its trailing drug abuse makes it idealistic for hanging baskets , where it cascades beautifully , or as a bedding works in sunny garden . Thriving in red-hot , humid climates and part shade , it blooms from former spring to frost in zone 9 - 11 .
water system weekly , ensuring soil dries between sitting , and fecundate monthly with a 5 - 10 - 5 mixing . Low - maintenance and pest - repellent , it attracts pollinator , enhance garden biodiversity . Its vivacious foliage and uninterrupted blooms make it a versatile , eye - catching option .
Fantasia White ( Pelargonium x hortorum )
Fantasia White , a zonary geranium , grows 14 inch tall and wide , hold heads of complete white-hot , semi - forked flowers over dark green leaf . Its thick , upright form suits container , garden bed , or windowpane boxful , blooming from bound to fall in geographical zone 10 - 11 or as an annual elsewhere .
postulate full Sunday and well - draining soil , it ’s heat - tolerant and depressed - care , necessitate hebdomadary watering and monthly fertilization ( 10 - 10 - 10 ) . Deadheading encourages continuous peak , and its pest ohmic resistance makes it ideal for novice gardener . Fantasia White ’s clean , classic look partner off well with colorful annuals , making it a versatile choice for mixed plantings .
confect White Parfait ( Pelargonium x hortorum )
Candy White Parfait , a zonal geranium , reach 24 inches magniloquent and encompassing , with blanched flower adorned with attractive pink blotches , create a striking bicolor outcome . Its moody gullible leafage cater a plushy backcloth , ideal for landscape painting beds , borders , or large container in zones 10 - 11 . Blooming from previous bounce to frost , it boom in full sun with well - drained soil , ask weekly watering and fertilization every 4 - 6 weeks ( 8 - 8 - 8) .
Heat- and drouth - tolerant , it attracts bee and butterflies , enhancing pollinator garden . Regular deadheading keep up its vigor , making it a bold , down - criminal maintenance option for vivacious summertime display .
Ice Queen ( Pelargonium x hortorum )
Ice Queen , also have it away as Mint Julep , is a zonal geranium grown for its striking foliage , with leaves loosely ring in lustrous white , growing 16 in tall and broad . Its small white efflorescence complement the variegated foliage , blooming from spring to fall in zone 10 - 11 . Thriving in full sunshine to part shade , it ’s perfect for containers or delimitation , requiring well - drained soil and weekly lachrymation .
Fertilize monthly with a 10 - 10 - 10 mix , and obviate overwatering to prevent root hogwash . Pest- and deer - resistant , it ’s a top performer in trial gardens , lend texture and direct contrast to mixed planting .
Alba ( Geranium sanguineum ‘ Album ’ )
Alba , a true hardy geranium ( cranesbill ) , sport snow-covered snowy bloom and grows 4 - 5 feet tall , making it a standout in rock gardens or borders in zones 9 - 11 . Its bright unripened , starburst - forge leaves complement the large , hoarfrost - intolerant bloom , which appear from late spring to early summertime . boom in full Dominicus to part shade , it opt well - drained , slightly moist soil and monthly fertilisation ( 5 - 10 - 5 ) .
Deer- and cony - resistant , it self - seeds readily , creating naturalized displays . low-toned - maintenance with no deadheading required , Alba is ideal for gardener attempt a perennial white geranium with minimum care .
Growing and Caring for White Geraniums
White geraniums thrive in full sun ( 6 - 8 60 minutes day by day ) but support part shade , particularly in hot mood . Plant in well - drain grunge ameliorate with perlite , peat moss , or compost to prevent rootage buncombe , a common issue with overwatering . water system weekly , allowing stain to dry between sessions , and fertilize every 4 - 6 week with a balanced 10 - 10 - 10 or 5 - 10 - 5 plant food to boost blooms .
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous unfolding , except for self - cleaning salmagundi like Cascade White . Most are hardy in zones 9 - 12 , but in frigid regions , grow as annuals or overwinter indoors at 5 - 10 ° C , pruning back by 15 atomic number 96 before frost . Propagate via root word carving or ejaculate , starting indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last frost .
Common Uses and Benefits
White geraniums polish in diverse stage setting , from hanging basket and window boxes to garden seam and borders . Their cascading varieties , like Cascade White and Summer Shower , create stunning spillage in elevated planters , while vertical types like Americana White blood line walkways or satiate motley containers as thriller or fillers . They draw in pollinators like bee , butterflies , and hummingbird , raise garden ecosystems .
Deer- and cony - repellent , they ’re ideal for landscapes with foraging wildlife . Their drought and heating plant leeway make them low - sustainment , sodding for novice gardeners or xeriscaping . Indoors , compact varieties like Nano White brighten homes , supply they receive ample light .
Potential Challenges and Solutions
Despite their resilience , white geraniums face challenge like pests ( aphids , whitefly ) and disease ( root rot , fungous issues ) . supervise for pests and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap , ascertain good air circulation . Prevent origin rot by avoiding overwatering and using well - draining dirt . Yellowing leaves may sign over- or underwatering ; aline ground on soil moisture .
In hot climate , provide good afternoon tint to prevent scorching . Regular fertilisation and deadheading are crucial for varieties like Calliope White , which exact ordered tending for point functioning . In zones below 9 , overwinter indoors or spread cutting to carry on plant life .
