How to Care for a Geranium With Shiny Leaves

If the geraniums in your garden have shiny leaves, they may be the shiny geranium variety (Geranium lucidum), also known as shining geraniums and shining crane’s bill. Like other geraniums, shiny geraniums are fairy easy to care for. Geraniums are annuals, and they do self-seed. In fact, shiny geraniums are known for their invasive nature, so be diligent about keeping them contained in your garden.

Things You'll Need

Fertilizer
Mulch

Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Fertilize geraniums after planting with a 20-20-20 or 15-30-15 liquid fertilizer, recommends the University of Rhode Island. Use the amount listed on the label, and water it into the soil with 1 inch of water after application.
- 2
  Add 2 or 3 inches of mulch, such as chopped leaves or wood chips, around the shiny geraniums to help the soil retain moisture. The mulch also helps control weeds.
- 3
  Remove weeds growing near your shiny geraniums. Weeds compete with garden plants for nutrients and water and can choke out desirable plants if left uncontrolled.
- 4
  Water shiny geraniums one or two times a week, especially during hot and dry periods. Water thoroughly with 1 inch of water.
- 5
  Pull shiny geraniums when they grow outside their designated growing space. Do so before they flower and produce seed.

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