Hardy Geranium
Geranium spp.
Also known as
Cranesbill, Geranium
Photo by emerald_mullien1 (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
H7-H2
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 1.5m |
10cm | Min | 20cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Hardy Geranium
Hardy Geranium Overview
Geranium is a large genus, containing around 300 deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen, hardy perennial species from the Geraniaceae family. They are also known by the name Cranesbill, these plants are found across temperate regions and tropical mountains, with most species in the Eastern Mediterranean. This genus is often confused with the similar-looking, non-hardy genus Pelargonium, which is confusingly also commonly known by the name Geranium. Species from the genus Geranium are often called Hardy Geranium to distinguish between these common names. Flowers come in a wide range of colours including pink, purple, blue and white and they possess 5 petals, which are often attractively veined or patterned with contrasting colours. For all Geranium species and cultivars, it's recommended to remove the flowering stems and old leaves to help fresh leaf and flower production. The leaves are broadly circular in outline and usually palmately lobed. The flowers come in different saucer-shaped sizes and attract a wide range range of pollinating insects. The flowering season is often long, many species are hardy, most are very low maintenance and there seems to be a Geranium for just about any garden situation! These qualities have made Geraniums - all related to wild Cranesbills - very popular with gardeners for many generations, and there are many species and cultivars available. (Geranium comes from the Greek noun 'geranos' meaning Crane, which is a reference to the beak-like seed capsule.)
Common problems with Hardy Geranium
Hardy Geranium Companion Plants
Mexican Fleabane
Erigeron karvinskianus
Rose
Rosa spp.
Phlox
Phlox spp.
Sweetcorn
Zea mays
Chrysanth
Chrysanthemum spp.
Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
False alum root
Tellima spp.
Columbine
Aquilegia spp.
Nectaroscordum
Nectaroscordum spp.
Woodrush
Luzula spp.
Ferns
Fern Plants
Maple
Acer spp.
Bluebell
Hyacinthoides spp.
Peony
Paeonia spp.
Clivia
Clivia spp.
Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
Mexican Fleabane
Erigeron karvinskianus
Fringe Cups
Tellima grandiflora
Columbine
Aquilegia spp.
Nectaroscordum
Nectaroscordum spp.
Forget-Me-Nots
Myosotis spp.
How to propagate Hardy Geranium
Division
Seed
Cuttings
You can propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in the summer. The cultivars should be propagated by division or cuttings only.
Special features of Hardy Geranium
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Ground cover
Attracts bees
Attracts butterflies
Attracts useful insects
Drought resistant
Other uses of Hardy Geranium
Grown for their attractive flowers and often as ground cover. Compact species are suitable for rock gardens. Suitable for coastal conditions.
Flowers - Sow Under Cover in August
Thinking ahead to next year - sow these seeds for early spring and summer colour.
Spring Blooms for Pollinators – Top 20
A choice of the best spring flowering plants for pollinators.
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