Garden 'geraniums' (Pelargonium) are the classic balcony and window-box plants of Central Europe, flowering from May until the frosts. They are tender perennials, so plants go outside only after the Ice Saints in mid-May, into a sunny position in rich, free-draining balcony compost. Water when the top of the compost has dried out – they cope with short dry spells far better than with soggy roots – and feed every one to two weeks from June to August. Removing faded flower heads and yellow leaves keeps new buds coming and reduces grey mould. Trailing ivy-leaved types suit hanging baskets, while zonal types grow upright. Before the first frost, bring plants into a bright, cool room at about 8–10 °C and water only sparingly over winter. In February or March cut them back by about half, repot into fresh compost and gradually increase watering. Cuttings taken in August root easily and make vigorous new plants for next year.