Nursery Market Report: Jazzy Geraniums

A summer landscape bed or border usually includes a few old standards, and geraniums stand tall in the crowd of tried-and-true annuals. Common geraniums are actually members of the genus Pelargonium, while members of the genus Geranium include native wildflowers and herbaceous perennials.
There are many geraniums from which to choose (see sidebar below), including the following series from Ball FloraPlant, West Chicago, Ill.

Designer series. This series of zonal geraniums offers 22 colors, including pinks, corals, salmons, reds, white and combos. These vigorous growers with large, bright flowers include three new reds – Scarlet, Cherry and Bright Red Improved.

Galleria series. Six distinctive colors display the free-flowering, full-center characteristics of a zonal geranium combined with a trailing habit ideal for the patio or balcony. New colors for 2002 are Bright Violet and FrostFire.
 Starburst series. Red and Violet Rose burst on the geranium scene with bold style. Starburst’s profuse, striped blooms and vigorous growth habit offer a strong look in landscapes, planters and baskets.

Fantasia series. This series is known for its uniform habit, large flower umbels in seven rich colors, dark green leaves and tolerance for the heat. The newest color is Salmon Mist Improved. Other colors include Cardinal Red Improved, Flame Improved, Coral Improved, Flamingo Rose, Shocking Pink and Pink Shell.

Showcase series. Showcase has a naturally controlled growth habit and is well suited to high-density plantings. Showcase is also a good choice for fall markets in warmer climates and is a uniform, free-flowering series with dark foliage. New Frosted Salmon is a rich salmon with a bright white center. Other new colors are Bright Red, Red, Scarlet, Bright Coral Improved, Dark Salmon, Salmon, Light Salmon, Pink Parfait, Light Lavender and White.

Colorcade series. This ivy geranium series displays a full color range of continuous blooms and is better branching. Seven new colors include Red, Cherry Red, Purple, Burgundy Ice, Coral Pink, Dark Lavender and White.
For more information, contact Ball at 800/879-2255. – Ali Cybulski

The author is Contributing Editor to Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at acybulski@lawnandlandscape.com.