Calliope geraniums are not considered to be exactly the same as ivy geraniums, although they do share some similarities. Calliope geraniums were actually developed by crossing zonal geraniums (which have an upright growth habit) with ivy geraniums. This crossbreeding resulted in a new variety of geranium with a vigorous semi-trailing habit and semi-double blooms.
One of the distinguishing features of Calliope geraniums is their large, richly colored flowers. The most popular variety is Calliope Dark Red, which has deep, vibrant red blooms. Another popular variety is Lavender Rose, which has lovely lavender-hued flowers. These colorful blooms add a striking visual appeal to any garden or landscape.
The semi-trailing habit of Calliope geraniums makes them well-suited for hanging baskets and containers, as they cascade gracefully over the sides. This trailing growth habit is a characteristic inherited from the ivy geranium parentage. However, unlike true ivy geraniums, Calliope geraniums also exhibit some traits from zonal geraniums, such as their semi-double flowers.
It is worth noting that while Calliope geraniums have inherited some characteristics from both zonal and ivy geraniums, they are considered to be a distinct variety in their own right. They have their own unique qualities and growth habits that set them apart from both zonal and ivy geraniums.
I personally have had the pleasure of growing Calliope geraniums in my own garden, and I must say, they have been a delight. The large, vibrant blooms add a pop of color to my landscape, and the semi-trailing habit makes them perfect for hanging baskets on my patio. I find that they are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring regular watering and occasional deadheading to promote continuous blooming.
While Calliope geraniums are not exactly the same as ivy geraniums, they do share some similarities. They were developed through crossbreeding zonal geraniums with ivy geraniums, resulting in a new variety with a semi-trailing habit and semi-double blooms. Calliope geraniums have their own unique qualities and are highly sought after for their large, richly colored flowers.
