Bold ball-shaped heads of vivid scarlet flowers smother this zonal geranium for most of the year over rounded, faintly aromatic leaves. Sun-loving and drought-hardy, perfect for pots; toxic to pets.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Big Red Zonal Geranium
Botanically, Pelargonium x hortorum 'Big Red' is a fast-growing perennial in the Geraniaceae family. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and aromatic foliage. Red flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Big Red Zonal Geranium
Big Red Zonal Geranium suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Big Red Zonal Geranium does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Big Red Zonal Geranium is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Big Red Zonal Geranium after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Big Red Zonal Geranium in the garden
Big Red Zonal Geranium earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers and feeding bees and pollinators. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Big Red Zonal Geranium with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Big Red Zonal Geranium
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