Medal Of Excellence Nominee: 'Calliope Dark Red'

Named after the goddess of epic poetry, 'Calliope Dark Red' is truly a revolutionary advance in geranium breeding. Calliope is a first of its kind Interspecific (a zonal ivy cross) hybrid, expressing strong zonal characteristics and offering a stunning dark red color not possible with conventional breeding. It features outstanding garden performance and a dense spreading habit that is ideal for baskets, large pots and landscape beds. In addition to excellent heat tolerance, Calliope will produce large blooms that resist burning in the full sun. In the greenhouse, you will find 'Calliope Dark Red' has a tendency to grow wider than it is tall, but culture recommendations are the same as for any vigorous zonal. Did the goddess Calliope serve as the muse that inspired this breathtaking new variety? It's hard to say, but the result is pure inspiration.

Cultural Information

Growth Habit: Mounded

Garden Height: 12 to 14 inches

Garden Width: 16 to 20 inches

Scheduling (rooted to finish):
4 inch: 8 to 9 weeks; one plant per pot
6 inch: 10 to 12 weeks; one plant per pot
1 gallon: 12 to 13 weeks; two plants per pot
10 inch: 11 to 12 weeks; three plants per pot
12 inch: 11 to 12 weeks; four plants per pot

*Bred by Goldsmith, distributed by Syngenta Flowers, Inc.
*Utility Patent Pending

Comments (13)

Joan s. wood (Tue Jan 1 16:20:59 2013)

Would like to buy seeds or a plant of the Red Calliope Geranium. Please advise with a source. Thank you!

(Thu Dec 22 05:03:04 2011)

WasnÂ´t this geranium from last years Royal Wedding in Sweden? I think they presented the Calliope Dark Red last year in Stockholm?

(Thu Dec 22 05:03:03 2011)

Is it possible to buy the seeds for Calliope Geraniums Dark Red anywhere, since I would like to try to grow my own plants - and lots of them. If so, please tell me where the seeds are available in United States or in Canada?

(Thu Dec 22 05:03:02 2011)

I asked for them at my local greenhouse in Pennsylvania (Waterloo Gardens)and they are ordering them for me from their grower. I also found some Calliope Rose, which are a hot pink color, that are beautiful!

(Thu Dec 22 05:03:01 2011)

Syngenta Flowers' Gary Falkenstein adds: Wal-Mart is supplying the largest amount to the market. They might try Whitecombs Produce in York (717-767-4742)- they got a few

(Thu Dec 22 05:03:00 2011)

Are you looking for finished plants? I talked to Karl Trellinger at Syngenta and this is what he said: Home Depot is selling it as Big Red. Also Walmart and Lowes are carrying it under Calliope Dark Red. I assume that many IGCs have it - we sold three times as many Calliope as Tango Dark Red, Rocky Mountain Dark Red or Americana Dark Red, so there should be a lot out there.

(Thu Dec 22 05:02:59 2011)

I am looking to buy the calliope dark red geranium. It is exactly the red I'm wanting but very difficult to find at local greenhouses. I live in York Pa. Any suggestions as to where to find this geranium??

(Tue Sep 27 06:51:40 2011)

(Tue Sep 27 06:51:39 2011)

Goldsmith For Syngenta Flowers