Geranium ‘Chocolate Candy’ is a distinctive herbaceous perennial, favored for its visual appeal and straightforward care. It offers a unique combination of foliage and flower characteristics, making it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, or container plantings. Its manageable size and low maintenance also contribute to its widespread appeal.
What Makes ‘Chocolate Candy’ Unique?
Geranium ‘Chocolate Candy’ is named for its striking foliage. Its rounded leaves are typically deep purple-brown or chocolate-purple, sometimes with a purplish-green hue. These scalloped leaves form compact mounds, providing consistent color. Delicate, five-petaled flowers, generally soft pink with occasional darker veins or a pale center, complement the dark foliage. They emerge from late spring through summer, contrasting with the rich leaf tones.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Light
Geranium ‘Chocolate Candy’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal performance, especially in warmer climates, full sun is beneficial, with some afternoon shade during hot summers to prevent stress. It requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily; morning sun is ideal.
Soil
Well-drained soil is important, as these plants dislike overly wet conditions. They grow best in average, moderately fertile soil, ranging from mildly acidic to neutral or mildly alkaline pH. Good drainage prevents root rot and ensures adequate root oxygen.
Watering
Aim for medium moisture, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Established plants may need deep watering about once a week, but those in containers or during hot, dry spells may require more frequent attention. Always water at the base to keep foliage dry, preventing fungal issues.
Temperature and Humidity
Geranium ‘Chocolate Candy’ is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 7. It tolerates temperatures down to 0°F. It struggles in hot, humid summer conditions, making it less suitable for regions south of USDA Zone 7.
Feeding
Consistent feeding supports robust growth and blooming. Apply a controlled-release fertilizer once a year in spring for sustained nutrients. Alternatively, use a liquid feed with 200-250 ppm of nitrogen regularly, or 150-200 ppm with a restricted leaching system, starting at planting. This ensures necessary nutrients for vibrant foliage and flowers.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning maintains shape and encourages blooms. Deadhead spent flowers by pinching or snipping the stem just below the faded bloom. This prevents seed formation and redirects energy into new flowers. Pinching back stem tips also promotes bushier, fuller growth. Remove dead or unhealthy leaves and stems at their base to improve air circulation and overall plant health.
Common Problems and Solutions
Geranium ‘Chocolate Candy’ can face common issues:
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or insufficient sunlight and airflow; resolve this by allowing soil to dry and ensuring proper light and air circulation.
Rust, appearing as yellow spots with rust-colored spores underneath, can be managed by removing affected leaves and applying a copper fungicide, while watering only the soil.
Holes in leaves are often caused by caterpillars or sawflies, which can be hand-removed; severe infestations may warrant pest control.
Inadequate blooming may indicate a need for more nutrients, suggesting a controlled-release or liquid fertilizer application.
Pests like aphids and whiteflies can be addressed with horticultural soap sprays or by washing plants with a strong water stream.
Propagation
Propagate Geranium ‘Chocolate Candy’ through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems, 3-4 inches long, and cut just below a leaf node. Remove any lower leaves and existing flowers or buds from the cutting to encourage root development. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can enhance success, though not always necessary. Plant cuttings into small pots with moist, well-drained potting soil; new roots and growth typically appear within 6-8 weeks.