Calliope Dark Red geranium

Garden performance is very important. Calliope™ Dark Red geraniums have it!! Calliope geraniums are interspecific hybrids with zonal-type leaves and huge vibrant red flowers. Plant breeders crossed ivy geraniums (the kind commonly used as hanging baskets) and zonal geraniums (found growing in pots, window boxes, and as bedding plants).

Calliope is a vigorous grower with a mounding to semi-trailing growth habit. A local East TN grower describes Calliope as “a geranium on steroids”. Newest in the Calliope series is ‘Scarlet Fire’ with bright red blooms. Both cultivars branch exceptionally well.

Calliope combines well with yellow and blue flowering annuals. Calliope demonstrates excellent heat tolerance in the landscape. In the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). Locate Calliope where it receives full morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon. Summer watering and feeding container grown geraniums are crucial.

Calliope Dark Red is a moderate to heavy feeder. Feed plant(s) every two weeks with a soluble plant food such as 20-10-20 (or equivalent) to soil or potting medium. Alternatively, you may feed geraniums with a granular slow-release fertilizer every four to six weeks.

Pinching off old spent blooms at the base of the stem encourages continuous flowering and plant growth. Pinching also reduces the chances of floral and leaf spot diseases.