Botanical Name: Pelargonium × hortorum ‘Savannah® Really Red’

Common Name: Annual Geranium, Zonal Geranium

Hardiness Zone: Grown as an Annual in Most Climates; Perennial in USDA Zones 10–11

Size: 12–18" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Compact, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Performs Best in Average to Fertile Garden Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Allow Soil to Dry Slightly Between Waterings

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Active Growth

Features: Rich True Red Blooms, Exceptional Color Saturation, Strong Stems

Uses: Containers, Landscape Beds, Borders, Mass Plantings

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Geranium Plant Guide for full care details.

More About Geranium ‘Savannah® Really Red’

Savannah® Really Red is what people picture in their minds when they think of a Geranium. The blooms are a deep, true red, with that classic saturated tone that feels timeless in a Summer planting. It has presence. When you drop it into a container or line it out in a bed, it immediately anchors the space with confidence. In full sun, where many reds can start to look tired or slightly bronzed by midseason, this one keeps its depth and clarity.

The structure underneath that color is just as important. Savannah® Really Red builds a tight, evenly branched mound that fills in from edge to edge without opening up in the middle. The stems are strong and upright, holding the flower heads high so they are always visible and cleanly presented. It looks intentional from the first flush in Late Spring straight through Fall. You do not have to constantly fuss with it to keep it looking sharp. It simply performs.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our Zone 8a trials, Savannah® Really Red earned its name. We tested it in full afternoon sun during some of our hottest stretches, and it never lost that deep red tone. Other red varieties nearby began to dull or show slight bronzing under heat stress, but this one held firm. Even in the thick of Summer humidity, the blooms stayed saturated and vibrant. That kind of color retention is not common in reds, and it makes a noticeable difference in the landscape.

The habit impressed us just as much as the color. Plants stayed compact and evenly branched without stretching thin or leaning outward. The canopy remained full, and bloom distribution stayed consistent across the entire plant rather than clustering in one area. It gave us uniform coverage in mass plantings and strong structure in containers. For gardeners who want that classic red Geranium look but expect modern durability and season-long polish, Savannah® Really Red delivers exactly that combination of tradition and performance.

Savannah® Really Red vs. Other Geraniums

Savannah® Really Red is the most classic and authoritative color in the Savannah® Series, delivering true red with exceptional depth and consistency. It provides instant structure and visual weight in plantings, backed by a compact, sturdy habit that holds up in extreme heat. This is the variety that defines the traditional geranium look—refined through modern breeding.

Compared to Savannah® Oh So Orange, Really Red feels more formal and grounded, while Orange brings energy and motion. Against Savannah® Light Salmon, it’s deeper and more commanding. When set beside Savannah® White, the contrast is crisp and timeless, while Savannah® Blue softens its intensity. Compared to Lavender Splash, Really Red favors bold simplicity over pattern. Gardeners trust it for classic red color that performs flawlessly all season.