From Puget Sound to Spokane, patios are where Washington gardeners spend the sunniest days — coffee in the morning, dinners at dusk, and weekend gatherings with friends. And nothing completes that space like plants that offer steady color without fuss.
That’s why so many gardeners reach for one classic bloom season after season: geraniums.
1. Bright Blooms That Last All Summer
Geraniums keep pumping out colorful flowers from late spring until the first frost hits. Unlike some plants that bloom once and call it quits, these beauties give you months of eye-catching color.
Washington’s mild summers are perfect for keeping geraniums happy and blooming. You’ll have red, pink, white, or purple flowers decorating your patio without much effort on your part.
2. Minimal Water Needs Save Time
Busy gardeners appreciate plants that don’t demand constant attention. Geraniums actually prefer their soil to dry out a bit between waterings, making them low-maintenance champions.
During Washington’s drier summer months, you won’t need to water daily like with some fussy flowers. Overwatering causes more problems than underwatering, so these forgiving plants fit perfectly into relaxed gardening schedules.
3. Natural Pest Repellent Properties
Want to enjoy your patio without mosquitoes buzzing around? Geraniums contain natural oils that many insects find unappealing, creating a more pleasant outdoor environment.
Placing these plants near seating areas helps keep unwanted bugs at bay. While they’re not a complete solution, geraniums add an extra layer of protection when you’re relaxing outside with family and friends.
4. Perfect Container Plant Performance
Not every gardener has space for in-ground planting, which is where geraniums really shine. Their compact root systems thrive in pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes without complaint.
Container growing lets you move plants around your patio to catch the best light or create new arrangements. Washington gardeners can even bring potted geraniums indoors before winter arrives to enjoy them year-round.
5. Tolerates Partial Shade Well
Many patios don’t receive full sun all day, which can limit plant choices. Geraniums adapt beautifully to spots with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day.
Washington’s cloudy weather doesn’t bother these flexible flowers one bit. While they’ll bloom most abundantly in brighter conditions, geraniums still perform admirably in less-than-perfect lighting situations that would frustrate other flowering plants.
6. Easy Propagation Means Free Plants
Did you know? Geraniums root easily from stem cuttings, letting you multiply your collection without spending extra money. Simply snip a healthy stem, remove lower leaves, and stick it in moist soil.
Within weeks, you’ll have new plants to share with neighbors or expand your patio display. Washington gardeners love this budget-friendly feature that keeps giving season after season.
7. Deer Resistant For Rural Areas
Rural and suburban Washington gardeners face constant battles with hungry deer munching their prized plants. Geraniums offer a welcome solution since deer typically avoid them due to their strong scent and fuzzy leaves.
Planting these around your patio creates a protective barrier that looks beautiful while discouraging wildlife visitors. You can finally enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about overnight plant destruction.