Geranium sanguineum ‘Vision Violet’

Description

Geranium sanguineum ‘Vision Violet’ is a beautiful, low mat-forming perennial that adds stunning violet flowers to any garden. Known for its finely cut foliage and vibrant blooms, this hardy geranium is perfect for borders, containers, or ground cover. Follow this guide to ensure your Geranium sanguineum ‘Vision Violet’ flourishes and brings lasting colour to your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Geranium sanguineum ‘Vision Violet’ is in spring, once the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish before the growing season, ensuring a healthy and vibrant plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, Geranium can be planted in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle into the soil before winter, promoting robust growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Geranium thrives in full sun or partial shade. For the best results, choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This ensures the plant produces its signature violet blooms throughout the growing season.
• Soil: Geranium prefers well-drained, fertile soil. The plant does well in moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and enrich the soil, which will support healthy growth and abundant flowers.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is approximately twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Geranium. This provides ample space for the roots to spread and establish themselves in the soil.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. This will create the perfect growing conditions for your Geranium sanguineum ‘Vision Violet’.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. Ensure the area drains well to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Geranium is relatively drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells to maintain consistent moisture levels, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Dormant Season: In winter, reduce watering significantly as Geranium requires minimal moisture during this time. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to give your Geranium a strong start to the growing season. This will help support healthy new growth and vibrant blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can encourage continued flowering. However, avoid over-fertilising, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regular deadheading of spent flowers is recommended to prolong the blooming period and maintain a tidy appearance. This practice will also encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season.
• Autumn Pruning: After the flowers have faded, trim back the plant to keep it tidy. This prepares the Geranium for winter dormancy and ensures healthy growth in the spring.

Mulching

• Spring Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Geranium in spring to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials such as compost or bark chips work best.
• Winter Mulching: In colder months, mulch around the plant to protect the roots from frost and cold weather. This helps prevent frost heaving, ensuring the plant survives through the winter.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Geranium sanguineum ‘Vision Violet’ is a low-growing, mat-forming plant with sturdy stems, so it typically doesn’t require staking. However, if grown in a windy area, consider using light supports to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Geranium sanguineum ‘Vision Violet’ is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that offers stunning violet flowers from early spring to late summer. By planting it in well-drained soil, ensuring it receives full sun or partial shade, and following the care instructions, your Geranium sanguineum ‘Vision Violet’ will thrive in your garden. This versatile plant is perfect for adding vibrant colour to borders, containers, or as ground cover. Incorporate Geranium into your garden for lasting beauty and easy-to-care-for charm throughout the growing season!