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How to Grow Zonal Geranium Scarlet Red Attraction

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Zonal Geranium Scarlet Red Attraction

Pelargonium zonale 'Scarlet Red Attraction'

flower

Scarlet Red Attraction is a vibrant zonal geranium cultivar prized for its brilliant deep red flowers and ornamental foliage. This tender perennial produces dense clusters of single flowers and thrives in containers, garden beds, and hanging baskets. Known for prolific blooming throughout warm seasons, it's a reliable choice for adding bold color to patios and borders.

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Example Zonal Geranium Scarlet Red Attraction timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Zonal Geranium Scarlet Red Attraction

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Zonal Geranium Scarlet Red Attraction blooms

    Around May 27

    ≈ 40 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Zonal Geranium Scarlet Red Attraction dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (minimum 6 hours for best blooming)
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Water: Water moderately; allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot and fungal issues. In containers, check moisture regularly; in-ground plants need less frequent watering once established.
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: 40-60 days to first significant bloom
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Planting depth: Surface sowing for seeds; transplants at same depth as root ball

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil or potting mix
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost (modest amounts) Balanced granular fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as annual in cooler zones or overwintered indoors

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small plants with 2-4 true leaves; delicate and tender

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Maintain 65-75°F for optimal germination and growth.

2

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Bushy growth with multiple stems forming; characteristic zoned foliage (darker bands on leaves) becoming visible

Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Reduce watering frequency. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

3

Pre-flowering

2-3 weeks

Leaf nodes swell; flower buds form at stem terminals; plant reaches mature size

Continue moderate watering. Increase fertilizer to weekly feeding with bloom-boosting formula (higher phosphorus). Ensure full sun exposure.

4

Flowering

8-16 weeks (or until frost)

Dense clusters of brilliant scarlet-red single flowers open sequentially; continuous bloom cycle

Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to prolong blooming. Water at soil level, avoiding foliage. Maintain consistent fertilizing schedule.

5

Decline/Dormancy

Variable with climate

Flowering slows as temperatures drop or with stress; foliage may fade

In frost zones, bring indoors before first frost (around 50°F). Reduce watering and feeding. Cut back by one-third to one-half for overwintering.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dusty Miller Petunias Sweet Alyssum Verbena Marigolds Salvia Begonias

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) Root vegetables in crowded conditions Plants requiring consistently moist soil

Common Pests

  • Remove infested buds and flowers by hand. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Use insecticidal soap for severe infestations.

  • Spray foliage with water to dislodge. Increase humidity. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if populations are heavy.

  • Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.

  • Isolate infected plants. Spray with isopropyl alcohol-soaked cotton swabs or insecticidal soap. Treat every 7-10 days until clear.

  • Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Remove affected foliage and flowers. Apply sulfur or fungicidal spray if severe.

Uses

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Edible flowers

Culinary

Geranium petals are edible and can garnish salads, desserts, and beverages, though scented geraniums are preferred for flavor. The flowers add visual impact and mild floral notes to culinary presentations. [source]

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Container and landscape color

Household

The vibrant scarlet-red blooms provide season-long color in pots, hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden beds. Exceptional for adding bold accent color to patios and borders. [source]

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Traditional folk remedies

Medicinal

Pelargonium species have been used in traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, though modern evidence is limited. Primarily used in herbal preparations and teas. [source]

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Dried flower arrangements

Craft

Flowers can be pressed or dried for use in craft projects, potpourri, and decorative arrangements. Dried petals retain some color though they fade over time. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. Provides nectar source for beneficial insects throughout the growing season. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Deadheading is the primary maintenance task rather than harvesting. Remove spent flower clusters at the base to encourage continuous blooming and maintain plant shape. Pinch stems back by 1/4 inch above a leaf node. Fresh flowers can be cut for short-lived arrangements, best done in early morning when stems are firm.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Zonal geraniums were named for the distinctive colored bands or 'zones' on their leaves, which can range from deep burgundy to chocolate to near-black depending on light and cultivar.
  • 🌱 Geraniums have been cultivated since the 17th century and remain among the world's most popular container plants; 'Scarlet Red Attraction' is a modern cultivar bred for superior blooming and vigor.
  • 🌱 Unlike true geraniums (genus Geranium), these are pelargoniums and are sensitive to frost, typically killed at temperatures below 50°F, which is why they must be brought indoors in temperate zones.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Germination Perennial pH True Leaves
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