Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’

Description

Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’ is a striking hardy perennial admired for its vivid magenta-pink, saucer-shaped flowers with a bold dark centre, all set against deeply coloured foliage. Compact, reliable, and long-flowering,  ‘Dark Eyes’ brings rich colour to borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic planting schemes from May to August.

PLANTING AND AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’ in spring as the soil begins to warm. This allows Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’ to establish strong roots ahead of its summer flowering period.
• Autumn: Geranium can also be planted in early autumn, allowing it to settle before winter dormancy and grow strongly the following season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Geranium thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot that receives several hours of daylight to encourage abundant blooms.
• Soil: Plant in well-drained soil. It flourishes in soil enriched with organic matter and dislikes waterlogged conditions.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and equal in depth. This gives room for its roots to grow and spread.
2. Improve the Soil: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to boost fertility and drainage, helping Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’ establish quickly.
3. Planting: Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the roots of Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’. Ensure excess water drains freely.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Geranium is generally low-maintenance. Water during extended dry spells, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid excessive watering.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly, providing moisture only if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support new growth and a strong flowering display.
• Mid-Summer: A light feed mid-season helps Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’ maintain vigour and extend its blooming.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong blooms and maintain a tidy shape. Geranium responds well to consistent deadheading.
• Autumn Pruning: At the end of the flowering season, cut back the plants to ground level to prepare for the next year’s growth.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a steady soil temperature.
• Winter: Mulch again to protect the root system through colder months and prevent frost heave.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’ typically produces sturdy stems and usually requires no staking. In open or windy locations, light support may be beneficial.

Final Tips

Geranium ‘Dark Eyes’ is a dependable, long-flowering perennial that provides rich colour and texture in any garden setting. Plant in well-drained soil with good light, maintain regular deadheading, and apply seasonal mulch to enjoy months of vibrant blooms. With the right care, this Geranium will continue to enhance your garden year after year.

RHS Details

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