How to Grow Zonal Geranium Scarlet Orangered

Zonal Geranium Scarlet Orangered

Pelargonium × hortorum 'Scarlet Orangered'

flower

Zonal Geranium 'Scarlet Orangered' is a vibrant flowering cultivar featuring brilliant scarlet-orange blooms with distinctive dark zoned foliage. This tender perennial is widely grown as an annual in cooler climates and produces dense clusters of semi-double flowers throughout the growing season. It's a reliable, low-maintenance choice for containers, borders, and mass plantings.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun

💧

Water: Water moderately when soil surface is dry. Allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid wetting foliage.

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first flowering

🌱

Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as root ball; seeds 1/4 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Peat moss or coir Perlite or sand for drainage Compost Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives year-round in zones 10-11; grown as annual in zones 3-9

3b 3a 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small seedlings with 2-4 true leaves develop; initial zoned foliage pattern begins to emerge.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Maintain temperatures around 70°F.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops branching structure with distinctive dark-zoned rounded leaves; stems become woody and sturdy.

Pinch back growing tips at 4-6 inches to encourage bushiness. Begin fertilizing with balanced formula every 2 weeks. Ensure full sun exposure.

Budding & Flowering

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form in dense clusters (umbels) at stem tips; scarlet-orange semi-double blooms begin to open.

Switch to higher phosphorus fertilizer to support blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Maintain consistent watering.

Sustained Flowering

6-16 weeks (until frost or end of season)

Plant produces abundant clusters of scarlet-orange flowers continuously throughout growing season.

Continue deadheading. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with bloom-promoting formula. Monitor for pests. Prune leggy growth as needed.

Decline/Dormancy (Cool Climates)

Variable

Flowering slows as temperatures drop in fall; foliage may fade. In zones 3-9, growth stops at frost.

Reduce watering and fertilizing. Can be overwintered indoors in cool, bright location or taken as cuttings for propagation.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Alyssum Dusty Miller Marigold Petunias Salvias Ivy Geranium Impatiens Begonias

Avoid planting near:

Other plants that require constantly moist soil Plants sensitive to drought stress

Common Pests

Hand-pick buds with worms; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; remove infested buds immediately
Spray with insecticidal soap; use yellow sticky traps; increase air circulation
Spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or miticide if severe; increase humidity
Isolate affected plants; dab with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected foliage; apply fungicide if necessary

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

Zonal geranium petals are edible and add a peppery, slightly floral flavor to salads, desserts, and beverages. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Geranium has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. [source]

🏠

Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Household

Brilliant scarlet-orange blooms provide vibrant, long-lasting color in fresh flower arrangements and floral designs. [source]

🎨

Pressed Flowers & Crafts

Craft

Flowers can be pressed for botanical crafts, bookmarks, and floral art projects. The zoned foliage also has ornamental value. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Geranium flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, making them valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

These are ornamental flowers grown for their bloom. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly by pinching or cutting just below the base of the umbel to extend blooming. Cut fresh flowers in early morning for arrangements if desired.

Fun Facts

🌱 The 'zonal' in Zonal Geranium refers to the distinctive dark horseshoe or ring-shaped zone on each leaf, which is a signature characteristic of this group.
🌱 Despite being called 'geraniums' by gardeners, Pelargonium species are not true geraniums; true geraniums belong to the genus Geranium and are hardy perennials.
🌱 Zonal Geraniums are descended from South African species brought to Europe in the 17th century and have been extensively hybridized for over 300 years, creating thousands of cultivars.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free