Upright geraniums make very good bedding plants. For them to thrive, they need a sunny to semi-shady spot, plenty of water and nutrients. They often grow especially vigorously without a restrictive container, provided they get enough sun, water and nutrients. Tip: If the plant is to be overwintered, it can be placed in a (large) earthenware pot with a drainage hole in the border. You can then simply dig it up again in autumn without running the risk of damaging the plant's root ball. The classic outdoor geranium varieties flower in the UK from May onwards. Geranium plants that are soon to flower can also be found in the shops earlier. Regal pelargoniums, originally bred as houseplants, can flower as early as March. Geraniums flower in the UK until October. In a warm, sunny autumn this could be even longer. Exactly how long depends on the temperature and light conditions. In semi-shady locations, flowering decreases considerably in autumn. To keep geraniums beautiful for a long time, water and fertilise them regularly, remove faded flowers and position them in a bright, sunny place. Geraniums can usually regenerate after a light frost damage, but only if just the leaves are frostbitten; the stems and roots must still be intact. However, we do not recommend planting geraniums outside when night frost is still expected.