French Geraniums

Question

I am looking to recreate the look of Alsace in my window boxes in rural Wiltshire. In Alsace, along the Route des Vins, every house is crammed to the rafters with red and mauve trailing geraniums. Is there a special ‘French’ mix that can be purchased here in the UK, or best to just go for a red geranium, and a mauve geraniums and fill the boxes? If the latter, could you recommend any particular variety as being easy to grow (or maybe hard to kill would be more appropriate, I am just a beginner)?

Answer 1

Alsace is perfect for geranium growing – exactly the right amount of light, moisture, and temperature. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of geraniums varieties available. If you used the exact ones they use in Alsace, that’s no guarantee you’d get the same results. You need to use the varieties that do best in your area. For this information, it’s best to go to a knowledgable plant or nursery store for advice, or your local Master Gardeners association. They have loads of information and assistance available for home gardeners. This link will help you locate the nearest group:

http://mastergardeners.org.uk/get-involved/find-your-nearest-master-gardener/

Here’s a quick primer in growing geraniums: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/geranium/geranium-care.htm