Troubleshooting
Geranium 'Patricia' problems — and how to fix them
Geranium 'Patricia' (Geranium 'Patricia') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Mid-season flop and gappy centre
The large mound sprawls open after the first flush. Shear back by half to two-thirds to regenerate a tidy clump and a strong second wave of flowers.
Powdery mildew
White coating on foliage in hot, dry late summer. Cut affected leaves back hard and keep the soil moist to trigger clean regrowth.
Reduced flowering in shade
Fewer blooms and laxer growth in too much shade. Give full sun to light shade for the fullest, longest-lasting display.
Vine weevil in pots
Notched leaves and sudden wilting from root-eating grubs in containers. Apply nematodes or grow in open ground where attacks are uncommon.
Prevent geranium 'patricia' problems before they start
Most geranium 'patricia' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for geranium 'patricia' in general rather than its problems? Read the full geranium 'patricia' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Geranium 'Patricia' problems — FAQ
Why is my geranium 'patricia' mid-season flop and gappy centre?
The large mound sprawls open after the first flush. Shear back by half to two-thirds to regenerate a tidy clump and a strong second wave of flowers.
Why is my geranium 'patricia' powdery mildew?
White coating on foliage in hot, dry late summer. Cut affected leaves back hard and keep the soil moist to trigger clean regrowth.
Why is my geranium 'patricia' reduced flowering in shade?
Fewer blooms and laxer growth in too much shade. Give full sun to light shade for the fullest, longest-lasting display.
Why is my geranium 'patricia' vine weevil in pots?
Notched leaves and sudden wilting from root-eating grubs in containers. Apply nematodes or grow in open ground where attacks are uncommon.