Hanging Geraniums: How to Grow, Care for, and Keep Them Flowering All Summer
Hanging geraniums are one of the most reliable and eye-catching plants for baskets, window boxes, and elevated containers. Known for their cascading stems, glossy foliage, and months of colourful flowers, hanging geraniums provide instant impact from late spring right through to the first frosts.
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Geraniums (Pelargoniums) are classic, colourful garden and patio favourites that bloom all summer long with the right care.
• Geranium Seed Collection (Mixed & Fragrant Varieties)
A varied seed pack of garden and scented geraniums — perfect for sowing early under cover to grow on for summer displays.
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• Geranium Plug Plants / Young Geraniums
Healthy young plants ready to plant out into borders, containers, or hanging baskets for immediate colour.
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• Geranium Compost / Flowering Plant Compost
Rich, well-draining compost that gives geraniums the nutrients and drainage they need for strong root growth and abundant blooms.
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• Geranium Feed & Fertiliser
Plant food formulated to support continuous flowering — feed regularly during the growing season for best results.
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• Decorative Pots & Planters for Geraniums
Attractive outdoor pots and containers that complement geranium blooms — perfect for patios, windowsills, and balconies.
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This guide explains what hanging geraniums are, which types work best, how to plant and care for them, and how to keep them flowering heavily all season.
What Are Hanging Geraniums?
Hanging geraniums are usually trailing or ivy-leaved pelargoniums, most commonly Pelargonium peltatum. Despite the common name, they are not true geraniums but tender pelargoniums grown for container displays.
They are specially suited to hanging baskets because they:
- Trail naturally over edges
- Flower along long, flexible stems
- Tolerate wind better than upright geraniums
- Perform well in sun and warmth
Best Types of Geraniums for Hanging Baskets
Not all geraniums are suitable for hanging displays.
Trailing (Ivy-Leaved) Geraniums
- Best choice for hanging baskets
- Smooth, glossy, ivy-shaped leaves
- Naturally cascading growth
Single vs Double Flowers
- Single flowers cope better with rain
- Double flowers look more decorative but prefer sheltered spots
Upright (zonal) geraniums are not ideal for hanging baskets unless mixed with trailing plants.
Are Hanging Geraniums Perennial?
Hanging geraniums are tender perennials.
- They do not survive frost outdoors
- Usually grown as annuals in the UK
- Can be overwintered indoors
With winter protection, the same plants can be kept for several years.
Where to Hang Geraniums
Hanging geraniums thrive when given light and airflow.
Best positions include:
- Sunny walls and fences
- Balconies and pergolas
- Porch roofs and brackets
- Conservatory exteriors
Avoid deep shade, which reduces flowering.
Light Requirements
- Prefer full sun
- Will tolerate light shade
- At least 6 hours of sunlight per day gives best results
More sun equals stronger growth and more flowers.
Best Compost for Hanging Geraniums
Hanging baskets dry out quickly, so compost choice matters.
Use:
- Free-draining multi-purpose compost
- Compost with added water-retaining granules
- Baskets with drainage holes
Avoid heavy or waterlogged compost.
Planting Hanging Geraniums
When to Plant
- After the risk of frost
- Usually late May in the UK
How to Plant
- Space plants evenly around the basket edge
- Firm compost gently around roots
- Water thoroughly after planting
Lining baskets properly helps retain moisture and improve growth.
Watering Hanging Geraniums
Watering is critical for success.
- Water when the compost surface feels dry
- In hot weather, baskets may need watering daily
- Never let baskets sit in water
Trailing geraniums prefer slight dryness over constant wet compost.
Feeding Hanging Geraniums
To keep flowers coming:
- Start feeding once plants are established
- Use a high-potash liquid feed
- Feed weekly throughout the season
Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage leaves instead of flowers.
When Do Hanging Geraniums Flower?
Hanging geraniums usually flower:
- From late spring
- Throughout summer
- Until the first autumn frosts
With regular feeding and deadheading, flowering is continuous.
Deadheading and Maintenance
Routine care keeps baskets looking full and colourful.
- Remove spent flower heads completely
- Trim back very long or untidy stems
- Pinch tips to encourage branching
This prevents plants becoming leggy.
Do Hanging Geraniums Need Protection from Wind?
Trailing geraniums are more wind-tolerant than upright types.
- Flexible stems resist snapping
- Leaves cope well with exposure
- Ideal for balconies and open sites
In extremely exposed areas, shelter improves flowering.
Common Problems with Hanging Geraniums
Poor Flowering
- Too little sunlight
- Lack of feeding
- Overfeeding with nitrogen
Yellow Leaves
- Overwatering
- Poor drainage
- Cold conditions
Pests
- Aphids
- Whitefly
Good airflow and correct watering prevent most problems.
Can Hanging Geraniums Be Grown Indoors?
Hanging geraniums can be kept indoors temporarily.
- Require very bright light
- Best for overwintering rather than flowering
- Flowering indoors is usually limited
They perform best outdoors during the growing season.
Overwintering Hanging Geraniums
Hanging geraniums can be saved for next year.
How to Overwinter
- Bring baskets or plants indoors before frost
- Place in a bright, frost-free position
- Reduce watering significantly
- Stop feeding until spring
Plants can be cut back in spring and rehung outdoors once frost has passed.
Propagating Hanging Geraniums
Hanging geraniums are easy to propagate from cuttings.
- Take cuttings in late summer or early autumn
- Use healthy, non-flowering shoots
- Allow cut ends to dry for a few hours
- Insert into free-draining compost
Cuttings root quickly and produce identical plants.
How Long Do Hanging Geraniums Last?
- Grown as annuals outdoors
- Can live several years if overwintered
- Best displays come from young, vigorous plants
Many gardeners replace plants yearly for maximum impact.
Are Hanging Geraniums Worth Growing?
Yes. Hanging geraniums are popular because they are:
- Easy to grow
- Long-flowering
- Ideal for baskets and balconies
- Wind tolerant
- Excellent value for colour and impact
Few plants offer such reliable summer performance.
Final Thoughts: Hanging Geraniums
Hanging geraniums are a classic choice for baskets and elevated displays, offering cascading growth and months of vibrant colour with minimal effort. Given sun, free-draining compost, regular watering, and weekly feeding, they will flower continuously from late spring until autumn.
Whether grown fresh each year or overwintered for future seasons, hanging geraniums remain one of the most dependable and rewarding plants for container gardening.