How to Grow Lancaster Geranium
Lancaster Geranium
Pelargonium × hortorum 'Lancaster'
flowerLancaster Geranium is a classic zonal geranium cultivar known for its striking bicolored flowers featuring red petals with white edges and distinctive dark foliage markings. It's a tender perennial shrub that produces abundant clusters of semi-double blooms throughout the growing season, making it an excellent choice for containers, borders, and indoor growing. This variety is prized by gardeners for its reliable performance and dramatic visual appeal.
When should you plant Lancaster Geranium in your zone?
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Example Lancaster Geranium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lancaster Geranium
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Lancaster Geranium blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lancaster Geranium dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones or overwintered indoors
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Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants develop true leaves and establish root systems; cotyledons visible initially
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; provide bright light; maintain warmth (65-75°F). Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlant grows bushy with expanding foliage showing characteristic zonal leaf markings (horseshoe-shaped bands)
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer; ensure good air circulation
Flowering
8-12 weeks and beyondAbundant flower clusters (umbels) appear at branch tips with characteristic red and white bicolored semi-double blooms
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming; increase feeding with phosphorus-rich fertilizer; maintain consistent watering
Peak Bloom
6-8 weeks or until frostPlant reaches full ornamental potential with profuse flowering throughout the plant canopy
Continue deadheading; monitor for spider mites and whitefly; reduce nitrogen to prevent excessive vegetative growth at expense of flowers
Winter/Dormancy
3-4 monthsGrowth slows significantly; foliage may become sparse; flowering diminishes or stops in cold climates
Reduce watering and fertilizing; provide bright indoor light if overwintering; cut back leggy growth in spring; maintain 50-60°F if possible
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; increase humidity; ensure good air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap; spray undersides of leaves; encourage beneficial predators
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate infested plants
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; remove infected parts; apply fungicide if necessary
Uses
Ornamental Garnish
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, geranium petals are occasionally used as edible garnishes in salads and desserts, adding visual appeal and a subtle, slightly peppery flavor. [source]
Traditional Herbal Preparations
MedicinalGeranium leaves and flowers have been used in traditional folk medicine to support skin health and possess mild astringent properties, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Natural Pest Deterrent
HouseholdGeraniums are believed to naturally repel certain insects and pests, making them valuable companions in garden settings. The scented foliage may help mask the scent of nearby vegetables from pests. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftLancaster Geranium's striking bicolored blooms make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for bouquets, dried arrangements, and floral crafts. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting pollinator populations in gardens and landscapes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly by pinching them off at the base where they meet the stem. This encourages continuous blooming throughout the season. For seed saving, allow some flowers to go to seed and collect when seed pods dry and turn brown; geranium seeds will self-sow readily. Best flowers typically appear from late spring through early fall in most climates.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite being called 'geraniums,' Pelargonium is a different genus from true geraniums (Geranium). The common name confusion arose when these South African plants were first introduced to Europe.
- 🌱 Lancaster Geranium's distinctive leaf markings (the 'horseshoe' or zonal pattern) give zonal geraniums their name and serve as a natural fertilizer indicator—lighter zones suggest the plant needs feeding.
- 🌱 Zonal geraniums were extensively hybridized during the Victorian era, leading to hundreds of cultivars. Lancaster is one of the classic heirloom varieties that remain popular among traditional gardeners over 100 years later.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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