Trailing geraniums and window boxes are a match made in heaven—you only have to look at those stunning, flower-filled balconies every summer to see why! These beauties can turn even the drabbest balcony into a colorful paradise. However, living in tight quarters like a planter box comes with its own set of challenges. Don’t worry, though; I’m here to help you master the art of the perfect geranium display.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Trailing geraniums (often called Ivy Geraniums) originally hail from Southeast Africa, where they get soaked in sun and warmth. To keep them happy in our neck of the woods, you’ll want to give them a spot that mimics that—ideally a south-facing balcony. The more direct sunlight and heat they get, the more explosion of color you’ll see, and the longer their blooming season will last. They can handle partial shade if they have to, but they won’t be quite as showy. Also, try to pick a spot that’s relatively shielded from heavy wind and rain.
Pro Tip:
Trailing geraniums play very well with others! You can plant them alongside other sun-lovers that have similar needs, like lavender, petunias, or lobelia.
The Right Planter and Soil
When picking a window box, go for one with a saucer and plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. Even with holes, a good drainage layer of gravel or clay pebbles is a must to keep those roots from getting soggy. As for the soil, quality matters. You can grab a specialized geranium potting mix, or make your own by mixing high-quality potting soil with some compost and clay granules.
Summer Care on the Balcony
Since these guys are sensitive to the cold, wait until the danger of frost has passed (usually mid-May) before planting them outside. If you’ve overwintered them, you can start them earlier indoors. Once they’re in their summer home, they’ll need some consistent TLC through the fall:
- Water regularly based on the weather.
- Keep the soil moist, but never waterlogged.
- Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves and blooms dry.
- Fertilize weekly from April through September.
- Use a liquid fertilizer designed for flowering plants.
- Deadhead spent blooms and trim back leggy stems promptly.
Overwintering Your Trailing Geraniums
The great news is that all trailing geranium varieties can be saved for next year. You can keep them right in their window boxes in a bright spot between 40-50°F (5-10°C). Just prune them back a bit and remove any old flowers, buds, or damaged leaves. They’ll still need a tiny sip of water every now and then during their winter nap.
If you’re tight on space or only have a dark basement, you can cut them back hard and dig them up. It’s actually possible for them to overwinter without any soil at all.
Pro Tip:
Don’t let those trimmings go to waste! You can use the cuttings or any accidentally broken stems to propagate brand-new plants for free.
