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Their vibrant colours, lush blooms and long flowering period make geraniums the perfect balcony plant for anyone who wants to create a colourful, cheerful atmosphere all summer long.
Theses easy-care classic also thrive on a partially shaded balcony. What’s more, partial shade gives geraniums advantages that full-sun locations don’t have, especially on hot summer days.
Key facts at a glance: Geraniums in partial shade
• Geraniums are perfect for a flower-filled balcony, even in partial shade.
• Partial shade protects balcony plants from extreme summer heat. This means you need to water less and the flowers last longer.
• Regal pelargoniums are ideal for partial shade, as they’ll bloom well, even in low light.
• You can also plant all other geraniums in partial shade.
Table of contents
You can also plant all other geraniums in partial shade.
Partial shade protects against extreme summer heat
Less watering, thanks to partial shade
Which geraniums are best suited to partial shade?
Our recommendation: Regal pelargoniums
A large selection: Geraniums are adaptable and easy-care balcony plants
Caring for geraniums in partial shade
Recognising partial shade
Full shade is not for geraniums
That’s why geraniums are the right choice for balconies
Partial shade means you can enjoy the flowers even more
You will probably enjoy your geraniums more in places with some shade than elsewhere. Simply because you see them more often.
Because honestly, who still plonks themselves down on a deckchair in the blazing sun at the height of summer these days? 🥵
Partial shade protects against extreme summer heat
The fact is, geraniums love warm and sunny conditions. But while the soil can dry out quickly in full sun locations, it benefits from a cooler environment in partial shade. 😊
There is a break in the heat for a few hours each day. During these periods of shade, the sun’s rays no longer directly heat the plant tissue and the soil in the pot. As a result, the geraniums will evaporate less water and the soil will stay moist for longer.
Less watering thanks to partial shade
If less moisture evaporates in partial shade, you have less watering to do and more time to enjoy the summer! 💧
Easy care geraniums won’t die immediately if the soil in the pot or container dries out. However, their ability to grow and flower will suffer if the water supply is inconsistent. Too much water is just as bad.
Geranium watering basics
Waterlogging can be a problem. But did you know geraniums show no signs of wilting for a long time when they are thirsty? Here’s everything you need to know about watering geraniums, from the 10% rule to the best times to water. Geranium care is simple.
Which geraniums are best suited to partial shade?
Basically, all geranium varieties are hardy and adaptable enough to thrive in partial shade. However, there are varieties that develop better than others in semi-shaded areas of the balcony.
Regal pelargoniums do particularly well in sheltered partial shade.
Our recommendation: Regal pelargoniums
Regal pelargoniums are the queen of geraniums. Their velvety flowers are large and strikingly colourful. They often have a dark eye in the centre and their foliage is fragrant.
Regal pelargoniums started out as indoor plants, which explains their lower light requirements compared to their garden and balcony counterparts.
Regal pelargonium flowers used to be quite fragile. Modern breeding has changed this, so they can now survive outdoors in a position protected from strong winds and rain.
A large selection: Geraniums are adaptable, easy-care balcony plants
You are not restricted to regal pelargoniums. All forms of zonal, hanging and scented geraniums can be planted in areas that are bright but not blessed with sun all day.
They will probably grow a little less vigorously and not flower quite as profusely as perfectly maintained specimens that enjoy full sun all day, but they will still produce plenty of colourful flowers and provide lots of summer interest.
Here are some tips for looking after geraniums to get the most out of them, even in partial shade.
Geranium care in partial shade
Tip 1: Plant sustainably in peat-free compost
More and more manufacturers are offering peat-reduced or peat-free composts. They are sustainable and just as good for geraniums as traditional growing media, containing peat.
Specialist geranium compost best meets the needs of this beautiful South African plant, regardless of its location.
Geraniums always like to have plenty of root space, even in partial shade. They should be at least 4cm larger than the pot you bought them in.Take this into account by choosing sufficiently large containers when transplanting. They should be at least four centimetres larger than the pot you bought them in.Take this into account by choosing containers that are large enough and by planting them 20cm? apart.
Tip 2: Adjust watering for partial shade
In partial shade geraniums need less water than in full sun. If the soil is cool and moist when you push a finger in it, you don’t need to water.
The ideal time to water is when the soil feels warm and dry
- Water your plants in the morning or evening directly onto the soil.
- Give each plant about half a litre of water.
- Allow excess water to drain away.
SOS: The soil is already coming away from the edge of the pot
If the soil is already coming away from the edge, it’s best to place your pots and containers in a tub of water for at least half an hour to allow the soil to swell and become saturated. Then drain off any excess water and simply water earlier in future.
Sustainable watering with peat-free compost
The finger test is always important and especially so if you are gardening in peat-free compost. The surface of the soil will quickly look very dry, although it may still be moist underneath. Without testing you won’t know whether to water or not.
👉 Find out more about watering geraniums here.
Tip 4: Tidy up to get new flowers blooming
Just as in the sun, pruning in partial shade encourages geraniums to form new flowers and leaves.
Simply take hold of the faded flower at the leaf node, or the wilted leaf at the leaf base, and snap it off quickly.
Recognising partial shade
A balcony is partially shaded when:
- it receives 3-4 hours of direct sunlight a day and…
- … it is in shade the rest of the time.
- it often faces east or west.
- it can be used for sunbathing in the morning or late afternoon.
😎 A south-facing balcony can also be partially shaded, for example if buildings, canopies, large trees or other balconies above block the sunlight at certain times of the day. 🏫 🌳 ⛱️
Full shade is not for geraniums
A balcony in the shade does not receive direct sunlight at any time. Unlike sunny and semi-shady locations, it is not suitable for geraniums. 🌑 ☹️
North-facing balconies are fully shaded, as are those that don’t get any sun all day long due to trees or nearby houses. 🏫 🌳
But even a shady balcony can be planted. Ask a specialist retailer for the right plants for shady locations.
Why geraniums are the right choice for balconies
If you’re new to geraniums, here’s a brief summary of important information you need to know:
• As natives of South Africa, geraniums like it warm and sunny. The more light they get, the better they flower. ☀️
• Even blazing midday sun on a south-facing balcony is no problem for these hardy plants 😉.
• Geraniums store a lot of water in their fleshy leaves and thick stems. 💦
• This means they can withstand summer heatwaves and even short periods of drought. 🥰
• However, for these easy-care balcony plants to bloom and thrive, they need plenty of water and fertiliser in a full-sun spot. 🌸
This is why semi-shaded balconies are also a good option for geraniums.
Buying geraniums
Overwhelmed by the huge choice of summer flowers? With our tips, you’re sure to find the best geraniums for your balcony and enjoy extra-large blooms all summer long! Our handy little guide will help you make the right choice.