| How to Overwinter Your Geraniums: Keep the Colour Going for Next Year As autumn arrives and nights cool, many wonder what to do with summer favourites like geraniums. These bright, low-maintenance plants fill pots, beds, and window boxes here in Sandwich. Should you lift them, dry them, or leave them be? Here’s our simple autumn guide to help you keep your geraniums thriving through winter — and blooming again next year. Step 1: Know Your Type First, let’s clear up the names: Tender Geraniums (often called Pelargoniums) – these are the classic summer bedding types with bold colours and thick stems. While commonly referred to as “geraniums” in shops and gardens, botanically, they are actually pelargoniums. These plants can’t survive frost and need winter protection. Hardy Geraniums (often called Cranesbills) – these are true perennial geraniums that naturally survive cold winters. They come back year after year, even after a hard frost. If yours are the tender pelargonium kind, read on. Step 2: Choose Your Wintering Method With different amounts of indoor space, you have three good options to overwinter pelargoniums in the UK: 1. Dry Root (Bare Root) Storage: Lift geraniums before the first frost arrives. Carefully remove soil from the roots and hang them upside down or lay them on newspaper in a dry, airy, frost-free spot, such as a shed or garage. Gently shake off all the soil from the roots. Hang them upside down or lay them on newspaper in a dry, airy, frost-free location, such as a shed or garage. Keep the temperature between 5–10°C to prevent freeze damage. Check monthly for mould. Mist lightly only if the roots are brittle. In late February or March, re-pot in fresh compost and water to trigger growth. Best suited for: Limited spaces and gardeners who prefer a traditional method. 2. Keep Potted and Semi-Dry Move your pots indoors or under cover before frost. Reduce the plant’s growth by half to tidy it before placing it indoors. Keep it just moist in a bright, cool place, such as a porch or windowsill. Resume feeding and regular watering in early spring. Best for: Smaller collections or favourite display plants you want to keep strong. 3. Take Cuttings Take 7–10cm stem cuttings from healthy plants in late summer or early autumn. Remove the lower leaves and place them in small pots filled with a free-draining compost mix. Keep them on a bright windowsill indoors and water lightly through winter. These young plants will be ready to plant out after the last frost. Best for: Saving special varieties or starting fresh, vigorous plants each year. Step 3: Leave Hardy Geraniums Be If you have hardy types, no need to lift. Cut them back in late autumn, once the foliage has faded. Add light mulch if your garden is exposed to the elements. They’ll return in spring. |
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