Calliope Geraniums

Geraniums are one of the most popular landscape plants in the south. One of the most popular varieties is Calliope. These plants have a vigorous semi-trailing and strong branching growth habit and semi-double flowers. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. Calliope is an interspecific hybrid geranium. Red is the most popular color and Calliope Large Red doesn’t disappoint. Calliope Large Red Geranium will grow to be about 14 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground. This selection has outstanding flower color, and is a rich, deep, velvety red. Calliope geraniums don’t stop with traditional red; they come in a wide range of colors. Cascade Violet has intense colored semi-double flowers. Large Orange splash has clusters of coral-orange flowers. If you are looking for a geranium with variegated foliage, Wilhelm Langguth Geranium is not a Calliope geranium, but has large clusters of showy red flowers with unique variegated foliage and will add visual appeal. Geraniums likes lots of sun and are heat and drought tolerant. Always plant geraniums in well drained potting mix and only water when soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to over-water because geraniums don’t like wet feet. Don’t forget to deadhead for the best flowering performance. I’m horticulturist Eddie Smith and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.