Hanging geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) originally come from southern Africa and are therefore used to a completely different climate than we are used to. That's why the popular balcony flowers are not hardy, but must be kept frost-free and cool over the winter. The advantage, however, is that geraniums do not need any brightness in winter, provided they have been pruned accordingly.
How do I properly overwinter hanging geraniums?
To overwinter hanging geraniums successfully, cut them back before the first frost, remove flowers and foliage, wrap the roots in plastic and hang them upside down in a cool, dark room. In February you wake the plants from hibernation and slowly accustom them to light and warmth.
Pruning hanging geraniums before winter
For a dark and cool winter, prepare your hanging geraniums as follows:
- First all shoot tips, buds and flowers
- and almost all leaves removed.
- Now cut back the remaining stems
- and cut out the dried stuff.
- Now take the flowers out of the planter
- and separate geraniums that may have grown together.
- Remove excess soil
- and pack the roots in a clear plastic bag.
- Hang the plant upside down in a cool and dark place.
- The ideal temperatures are between eight and ten degrees Celsius.
Hanging geraniums should be moved to their winter quarters before the first frost - around mid to late October.
The right winter care for hanging geraniums
The advantage of the method described above is that hanging geraniums that overwinter in this way require practically no further care. Finally, the plastic bag and hanging upside down prevent it from drying out completely. However, if you want to prune your hanging geraniums less severely and overwinter them in the flower box, you will need to water them occasionally. However, fertilization is not necessary, but is instead stopped from the beginning / middle of September.
Awakening hanging geraniums from hibernation
Heavily pruned hanging geraniums should be woken up from hibernation in February so that they sprout again in time. At this point, replant the flowers in a suitable substrate or repot them and slowly (!) accustom them to warmer temperatures. The warmer it gets, the more light the plants need - rotten shoots should be cut away in March / April.
Tip
From around the middle / end of April, you can put your hanging geraniums outside for a few hours if the weather permits, but you should bring them indoors overnight.
