Geraniums (Pelargonium)
Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.), native to South Africa, are classic summer favorites that flourish when planted in June. Choose zonal geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) or ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum), and plant in fertile, well-draining soil with at least six hours of sun per day. Space plants 10–12 inches apart, ensuring good air circulation to reduce disease risk. Once they settle in, they’ll quickly produce clusters of vibrant blooms—ranging from crimson to blush—against a backdrop of rounded or trailing foliage. I recall how last June’s heatwave barely fazed my geraniums; they performed like troopers while other container plants wilted.
Beyond their beauty, geraniums attract a variety of pollinators: honeybees and bumblebees forage for nectar in plentiful blooms, while hoverflies zip in to investigate any aphid colonies. The aromatic foliage also deters some pests; the scent of crushed leaves repels certain mosquitoes and deer, making geraniums a dual-purpose choice near patios and walking paths. In regions where overwintering is challenging, geraniums can be brought indoors or treated as annuals, ensuring you can start fresh each June. As midsummer warmth intensifies, these reliably blooming plants keep your flower beds and containers colorful and alive until frost arrives.