Mention geraniums as a striking poolside plant and you might get a blank stare or a big yawn. But for vibrant, beautiful color that lasts from spring to fall - the time you'll be using your pool - nothing beats the hybrids called Martha Washington or Lady Washington geraniums.
The geraniums sold in most big-box stores and garden centers are actually Pelargoniums. If you happen to see some of the more unusual Martha Washington colors - all variegated - go ahead and buy them. They're usually only available for about six weeks or less in late spring. Since they grow quickly, there's no point in buying a quart-size container or larger - the ones in 4-inch are all you need and are easier to plant in the ground.
Marthas, aka Regal Pelargoniums, sometimes look like exotic tropical flowers and orchids. They can be found in shades of pink, magenta, fuschia, red, white, violet and lavender. Like many flower hybrids, Lady Washington Pelargoniums have great names, like:
- 'Raspberry Swirl'
- 'Imperial'
- 'Excalibur'
- 'Baroness'
- 'Elegance Lavender'
- 'Elegance Purple Bi-Color'
- 'Fascination'
- 'First Blush'
- 'Cherry Orchard'
- 'Bold Candy'
- 'All My Love'
- 'Hazel Masterpiece'
- 'Lilac Elaine'
- 'Oriental Delight'
