Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’

Description

Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ is a spectacular perennial known for its striking magenta-pink flowers with contrasting black centres and vibrant, golden-green foliage. This fast-growing, trailing plant is perfect for ground cover, garden borders, or even spilling over walls or containers. To ensure your Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ thrives, follow this comprehensive planting and care guide.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant your Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ in spring when the soil is warming up. This allows the plant to establish a strong root system before its active growing season.
• Autumn: Early autumn is also suitable for planting. This timing gives the plant a chance to settle before entering dormancy, leading to vigorous growth the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. A location with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily ensures healthy foliage and a profusion of blooms.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for this plant’s success. Amend your garden soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility, ensuring your Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ flourishes without waterlogging.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that’s twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic material into the soil to create a nutrient-rich planting medium. This encourages vigorous root growth and enhances flowering.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Backfill gently, firming the soil around the roots to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle. Ensure the area has good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, which can harm your Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: While Geranium is relatively drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during dry periods. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering in the dormant season, as the plant requires minimal moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to promote strong growth and vibrant flowers in your Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’.
• Mid-Summer: Apply a light feed in mid-summer to encourage continued flowering and maintain the plant’s overall health.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ by removing faded flowers. This prolongs blooming, encourages fresh growth, and keeps the plant looking neat.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering ends in autumn, trim back the plant to tidy its appearance and prepare it for the dormant season.

Mulching

• Spring Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Geranium in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperatures. Organic options like bark chips or compost work best.
• Winter Mulching: In winter, mulching helps insulate the roots from cold temperatures, ensuring the plant survives and emerges healthy in spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Natural Habit: With its sprawling growth habit, Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ does not typically require staking. However, if planted in exposed areas with strong winds, consider providing minimal support to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ is a versatile and easy-to-grow perennial that brings months of vibrant colour to gardens. Its low-maintenance nature makes it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels. By planting in well-drained soil, providing ample sunlight, and following the care instructions above, your Geranium will reward you with continuous blooms and lush foliage from late spring through autumn.

Incorporate Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ into your garden to create a stunning display of colour and texture that enhances your outdoor space season after season!