Geraniums in the Landscape
We discussed the Rocky Mountain geranium back in the winter. This landscaping variety grows much bigger than the usual geranium. Rocky Mountains are now shipping, so we thought we would review what makes them superior geraniums, especially well suited for extra large containers and oversized gardens:
BIG, BIG PLANT
The signature feature of the Rocky Mountain is its size. We grow these geraniums in 1-gallon and 12-inch pots and large, tall plants have already filled their containers with heavy blooms over the tops. On the retail bench, they are impressive specimens; in a large garden bed, they have presence. You won’t have to wait for them to look good—they already do.
COLOR COVERAGE
Looking across the tops, the Rocky Mountains provide an abundance of color. The range of shades is fairly standard but the ball sizes are ample. Plants make an impact either from a distance or in roadside gardens where car passengers view the beauty at 55mph.
CONTINUOUS BLOOM
If you look carefully at the photos, for every bloom there is an emerging bud cluster ready to open nearby. The vigor of the plant extends to its steady blooming cycle. Gardens will constantly stay in color because new buds will fill in as old flowers melt away.
SOIL COVERAGE
As Rocky Mountains grow into their space, they provide excellent soil coverage. Thick, dense foliage discourages both pests and weeds and retains soil moisture. The less the sun bakes the soil or the mulch, the healthier the garden beds will remain.
HEALTHY, ROBUST AND VIGOROUS
Of all the geraniums we grow, the Rocky Mountain is the most enthusiastic about its job. The key to understanding this series is space. Plants are both big and tall, so we recommend 18-inch spacing instead of the usual 12-inch spacing for other varieties.
The Rocky Mountain geranium appears to have been misunderstood by trade buyers in general. Instead of looking at it as a generic consumer geranium that doesn’t quite fit in, we consider it to be a jumbo display geranium (in retail) and an excellent landscape geranium for large garden properties.
