The question “Do geraniums grow in shade?” is a common one for home gardeners. Shade loving plants such as the geraniums belong to a family of sun-loving plants called cacti, or “cactus” plants. It seems reasonable to assume that they would not like full sunlight, but many of these plants do enjoy a shaded spot in your yard during the summer. This is especially true if you have chosen a sunny location for planting.
Most people who grow flowers consider their flower garden as an outdoor living space. But, it is true that many flowers need a sheltered spot in order to thrive. Many perennials, such as the marigold or the begonias, will grow well in a shaded area. Plants like the zinnias and Columbine, on the other hand, will not thrive unless you plant them in the shade. You may wonder “Why don’t they grow in the sun? “, and it could be because these plants are shade loving, but they also like partial shade in the winter months as well.
Many gardeners are surprised when they discover that some of the flowers they grow, such as the anemone or the phlox, bloom beautifully in the shade. Geraniums are not among these plants. It is more likely that the geraniums will grow in the sunshine, but their flowers are not as large as those found in the ground.
Shrubs and grasses are perennials that need only to be watered once a week or so. You will want to plant these types of plants in shaded areas. Sun-loving grasses and shrubs are ideal for a flower garden that needs less water than those that love the sun. However, remember that if the area you are planning on planting in the shade has a lot of weeds and other low growing plants, then you should probably use a different combination of shrubs and grasses.
There are two kinds of plants that can be planted to offset sun-shy areas. The best choice is to plant a ficus in the shade, even though there are many ficus species that prefer the sun. The California Fern grows very well in the shade. These types of geraniums grow well with some privacy and can survive quite well in shade. They are not true sunlight eaters and will not compete with the taller grasses and shrubs for the nutrients in the sun’s rays.
Some varieties, such as the Madagascar geraniums, prefer full sun to part shade. Other flowers, such as the anemone, prefer full sun but will grow equally well in shaded areas. The best time of day for planting roses is afternoon shade. At this time of day, the flowers will be open and ready for climbing. However, keep in mind that in warmer weather, the shade will soon fade and the flowers will be more susceptible to frost.
Do geraniums grow in the shade? It depends on many factors. For instance, certain flowers will only bloom in certain temperatures and on certain days of the week. If you are considering planting seeds, find out when each variety will bloom in your area. Then, consider the type of climate you have in the shade. If you have a lot of rain and sunshine during the summer months, then you should consider planting summer flowers, such as hydrangeas or daffodils.
What should I look for to tell if a plant is going to grow well in the shade? You should be able to see if the soil has been newly added–do it yourself if you have the time–and if it has been watered. Check the sunlight carefully and make sure the plant is growing in the direction you want. Once you do these things, you can answer the question “Do geraniums grow in shade?”