Calliope® Large Dark Red Geranium Plant

Calliope® Large Dark Red offers unmatched, true dark-red flower color in a heat-loving geranium. It is a zonal and ivy cross that resulted in larger, dual-toned, ivy-like leaves, with a semi-trailing habit. This breeding also means that these geraniums are remarkably vigorous with exceptional branching!

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 12-18 inches apart

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 5.8-6.5
• - Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic matter content

Watering Specifics:

• - Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season
• - Reduce fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness
• - Remove spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites
• - Monitor for diseases such as botrytis and bacterial leaf spot

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces large clusters of single flowers
• - Blooms continuously from spring through fall

Light Requirements:

• - Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F
• - More heat-tolerant than zonal geraniums
• - Not frost-hardy; protect or bring indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F

Companion Plants for Interspecific Geraniums:

• - Angelonia: These upright plants with spike-like flowers provide vertical interest
• - Coleus: With their colorful foliage, coleus plants add texture and contrast
• - Lantana: These heat-loving plants offer multicolored flower clusters
• - Sweet Potato Vine: This trailing plant provides a lush, cascading effect
• - Scaevola: Also known as fan flower, it offers a trailing habit with unique fan-shaped blooms