Geranium ‘Dusky Rose’

Description

Geranium ‘Dusky Rose’ is a charming, low-growing perennial valued for its delicate pink blooms and striking chocolate-burgundy foliage. To help your Geranium thrive, follow this detailed planting and care guide designed to support strong growth and long-lasting flowering.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

The ideal time to plant Geranium is in spring, when the soil begins to naturally warm and encourage root development. Planting in early autumn is also effective, allowing the plant to establish ahead of its next growing season.

Site Selection

Choose a location where Geranium ‘Dusky Rose’ will have the light it needs to flourish. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for borders, path edges, or mixed perennial beds.
Well-drained soil is essential for Geranium. It does not tolerate standing water, so improve the soil with organic matter if needed.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. This gives your Geranium space to spread its roots.
2. Soil Preparation: Enrich the soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Positioning the Plant: Set Geranium ‘Dusky Rose’ into the hole so that the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface.
4. Backfilling: Replace the soil around the root ball, gently firming to remove air pockets.
5. Watering: Water well after planting to help the plant settle and begin establishing.

Watering Requirements

During the active growing season, water during periods of extended dryness. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid excessive moisture around the roots. In the plant’s dormant season, only occasional watering is needed if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

Give Geranium ‘Dusky Rose’ a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy foliage and flower production. A light second feed in mid-summer can help prolong blooming and maintain vigour.

Pruning

Deadhead faded flowers regularly to keep your Geranium blooming continuously throughout the season. After flowering slows, lightly trim the plant to maintain its compact, tidy form.

Mulching

Mulch around the base of Geranium ‘Dusky Rose’ in spring to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a stable soil temperature. Choose organic mulch such as compost or shredded bark.

Supporting the Plant

Geranium ‘Dusky Rose’ naturally forms a neat mound, so it typically requires no staking. However, in particularly exposed areas, light support can help prevent wind damage.

Final Tips

Geranium ‘Dusky Rose’ is an easy-care perennial that brings beautiful colour and texture to garden spaces. By planting it in well-drained soil, giving it the right balance of sun and shade, and following this simple care routine, Dusky Rose will reward you with a long season of delicate blooms and striking foliage.

RHS Details

See Geranium from Proctors