How to Winterize Everblooming Hardy Geraniums

Hardy geranium is a term that was invented to distinguish the geranium from the pelargonium, which is often called a geranium. Hardy geraniums are perennials and more cold hardy than pelargoniums, tolerating winter temperatures to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Everblooming varieties bloom repeatedly through the summer and re-bloom in the fall. Everblooming hardy geraniums grown in USDA zones 3 through 8 do not need to be dug up and stored over the winter, but they do need protection from hard frosts.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

• Pruning shears
• Mulch
• Dried leaves or straw

Garden-Grown Hardy Geranium

1. Use your pruning shears to cut the geranium to half its size. Just lop off the top of it. It will grow back in the spring.
2. Place a 4-inch pile of organic mulch over the geranium.
3. Cover the mulch with an equal amount of dried leaves or straw.
4. Rake back the leaves and mulch and discard them after all danger of frost has passed in the spring.

Potted Hardy Geranium

1. Cut the geranium down to half its size. Use your pruning shears to chop off the top half of the plant.
2. Water the geranium well, allowing the container to drain completely.
3. Store the potted geranium indoors in an area that receives sunshine and remains 65 degrees F. Water it when the soil dries almost completely.