Cranesbill: Hardy Geraniums for Your Garden

Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbill geraniums, are loved by gardeners everywhere. These plants are easy to care for and can survive with little water. They are perfect for making any outdoor area look beautiful with their lovely flowers and greenery. Unlike annual geraniums, hardy geraniums come back every year, adding color and texture to gardens.

Cranesbill geraniums are from temperate areas around the world, including North America and the Mediterranean. They grow well in USDA zones 3 to 9, depending on the type. With about 300 types, including many hybrids, gardeners have lots of choices for their gardens. Growing plants in a tropical climate can be tough, but with the right tips, you can have a beautiful garden with hardy geraniums.

These perennials have small, cupped flowers in beautiful colors like blue, lavender, pink, purple, and white. They do best in soil that drains well and is a bit rich. Hardy geraniums can grow in full sun or partial shade. They spread out and cover the ground well, making them great for borders, rock gardens, or woodland areas.

Key Takeaways:

• Hardy geraniums are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennials that thrive in various growing conditions
• Cranesbill geraniums come in a wide range of colors and varieties, offering versatility in garden design
• These plants are perfect for enhancing outdoor spaces, serving as groundcovers, border plants, or additions to rock gardens and woodland settings
• Hardy geraniums are native to temperate regions worldwide and can thrive in USDA zones 3 to 9, depending on the species
• With proper care and techniques, hardy geraniums can be successfully grown in tropical climates, adding diversity to lush gardens

Introduction to Hardy Geraniums

Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbill geraniums, are flowering perennials in the Geranium genus. They are loved for their long-lasting flowers, attractive leaves, and easy care. With over 300 species, they fit well in any garden.

What are Hardy Geraniums?

Hardy geraniums are perennials that come back every year in zones 4 to 9. They are tough, grow well in different soils, and fight off pests and diseases. These plants vary in size, from small to tall, making them great for many garden spots.

Difference Between Hardy Geraniums and Annual Geraniums

Many people mix up hardy geraniums with annual geraniums. But they are not the same. Annual geraniums belong to the Pelargonium genus, not the Geranium genus. This mix-up started in the 17th century when pelargoniums were first brought to Europe and called geraniums because of their similar seed pods and leaves. Yet, they have key differences:

Knowing the difference between hardy and annual geraniums helps you pick the best plant for your garden. It also helps you care for them better.

Characteristics of Cranesbill Geraniums

Cranesbill geraniums, also known as hardy geraniums, are popular in gardens for their beauty and adaptability. These perennials come in a variety of flower colors. They have unique growth habits and bloom for a long time, adding beauty to any garden.

Flower Colors and Shapes

Cranesbill geraniums stand out with their wide range of flower colors. They offer everything from pure white to bright blue, pink, magenta, purple, and lavender. These plants have small, cupped flowers that sit on slender stalks, adding a charming effect to the garden.

Foliage and Growth Habit

These plants also have beautiful, deeply-cut leaves that stay neat all season. Their leaves often have intricate patterns, making a lush background for the flowers. Cranesbill geraniums grow in different ways, from compact to spreading or trailing.

Bloom Time and Duration

Cranesbill geraniums bloom for a long time, starting in late spring or early summer. They keep flowering until early fall, offering months of color. Some, like ‘Rozanne’, bloom from May to September.

With their variety of colors, beautiful leaves, and long bloom time, cranesbill geraniums are great for any garden. They can be used as borders, ground covers, or in containers. These perennials add elegance and charm, making them a favorite among gardeners.

Benefits of Growing Hardy Geraniums

Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbill geraniums, are great for gardeners who want easy-care plants. They are beautiful and versatile, making them a top choice for any garden.

Low Maintenance and Easy Care

Hardy geraniums are easy to care for. Once they’re planted, they need little attention to stay healthy. They can survive with less water, perfect for those who forget to water their plants. Plus, they’re not often bothered by pests or diseases, which means less work for you.

These plants bloom for months, adding color to your garden. They start in late spring and keep going until fall. Even when the flowers are gone, their leaves still look good, keeping your garden interesting.

Versatility in the Garden

Hardy geraniums fit well in many gardens and styles. They’re great for ground cover, rock gardens, or shady spots. As ground cover, they stop weeds and prevent soil from washing away. Their pretty leaves and flowers make your garden look full and colorful.

Hardy geraniums also help your garden by attracting pollinators. Butterflies, bees, and other insects love their flowers. Adding these plants makes your garden more beautiful and supports local wildlife.

Popular Hardy Geranium Varieties

There are almost 2,000 types of hardy geraniums for gardeners to choose from. These hardy geranium varieties range from pure species to hybrids, each with its own special look and feel.

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is a top pick for its bright sky-blue flowers. It’s known for its long-lasting blooms and does well in many gardens. Geranium sanguineum, or bloody cranesbill, stands out with its deep reddish-purple flowers. These flowers add a bold splash of color to any garden.

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is a classic choice for gardens. It grows 45-60cm tall and fits well in borders, rock gardens, or as a ground cover. It’s hardy in USDA Zone 4 and loves full sun to partial shade.

Geranium sanguineum

Geranium sanguineum, or bloody cranesbill, comes from Europe and Asia. It has deep magenta to reddish-purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. This variety is low-growing, perfect for rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover. It’s hardy in USDA Zone 3 and prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

Geranium ‘Rozanne’

Geranium ‘Rozanne’ has quickly become a favorite for its long-lasting violet-blue flowers. It blooms from late spring until the first frost, adding vibrant color for months. It grows 50-60cm tall and spreads up to 60-75cm, making it great for ground cover or filling in borders. ‘Rozanne’ is hardy in USDA Zone 5 and does well in full sun to partial shade.

Other notable hardy geraniums include Geranium himalayense, Geranium × oxonianum ‘Wargrave Pink,’ and Geranium ‘Ann Folkard.’ Each has its own unique look, flower color, and use in the garden. With so many options, gardeners can easily find the perfect hardy geranium for their garden.

Planting and Care Requirements

Planting and caring for hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbill, is easy. These perennials grow well in many gardens and like different soils. They need the right amount of sun, water, and some pruning to look great for years.

Soil Type and pH

Hardy geraniums like soil that drains well and has some organic matter. They can grow in a wide pH range, but 6.0 to 7.0 is best. If your soil is poor, add compost or manure before planting.

They can handle various soils, including sandy and clay, as long as it drains well. This prevents water from pooling around the roots.

Sun Exposure and Moisture Needs

How much sun hardy geraniums need depends on the type. Most prefer full sun to some shade. Getting at least six hours of sun a day makes them bloom more.

In hot places, giving them some afternoon shade helps keep them cool. This protects them from heat stress.

These plants like their soil to be consistently moist, especially when they’re growing and blooming. They’re not used to drought and need regular watering, especially in full sun or dry spells. Water them well and let the soil dry a bit between waterings.

Using mulch around the plants helps keep the soil moist and cool. Organic materials like bark chips or straw work well for this.

Fertilizing and Pruning

Hardy geraniums don’t need a lot of food. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting is usually enough. If your soil is very poor or your plants look weak, a slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help.

Pruning is key to keeping your geraniums looking good. Cut them back by about one-third after the first bloom to encourage more flowers. This also helps them grow fuller and keeps them healthy. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is important too. It keeps the plants looking nice and prevents diseases. For more tips on caring for your hardy geraniums, check out Flowers Gardenia.

Propagating Hardy Geraniums

Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbill, are easy to grow and add beauty to gardens. They do well in zones 3-8 and like soil with a pH of 6 to 7. With over 300 species, gardeners have many choices for their landscapes.

Dividing is a common way to spread hardy geraniums. You should split them every three to five years to keep them healthy. The best time for this is early spring to early summer.

When dividing, dig up the whole plant and separate the roots into smaller parts. Make sure each part has roots and leaves.

Division

To divide hardy geraniums, follow these steps:

1. Water the plant a day before dividing to help it handle the change.
2. Dig up the whole plant carefully to avoid harming the roots.
3. Shake off the soil to see the roots.
4. Use a sharp tool to divide the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have roots and leaves.
5. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil, keeping the crown level.
6. Water them well and keep the soil moist until they grow roots.

Seed Propagation

Seed propagation is another way to grow hardy geraniums. Some species, like G. sanguineum and G. pratense, spread seeds easily. These seeds can start new plants on their own.

To grow hardy geraniums from seed, here’s what to do:

• Geranium seeds start growing in 7 to 10 days at 60° to 70°F (16-21°C).
• Starting seeds in winter can lead to growth in 2-6 weeks.
• Plant seeds in a mix that drains well and keep it moist.
• Move seedlings to their own pots or directly into the garden when they have real leaves.
• Remember, these plants may not bloom until their second or third year.

Choosing the right hardy geraniums for seed propagation means looking at different species and varieties. Each one has its own look and growth habits.

Knowing how to divide and propagate hardy geraniums lets gardeners grow more of these lovely plants. Whether you divide them or use seeds, these methods will help you have a garden full of cranesbill beauty.

Using Cranesbill in Garden Design

Cranesbill geraniums, also known as hardy geraniums, are versatile plants. They can elevate any garden with their vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. These low-maintenance perennials come in a wide range of colors and growth habits. This makes them perfect for various landscaping needs.

One way to use cranesbill geraniums is as ground covers. Their spreading habit makes them great for covering bare spots and adding texture to borders and rock gardens. For example, Geranium ‘Rozanne’ can spread up to 3 feet, making it a great choice for ground covers.

Hardy geraniums also shine in mixed borders. They add color and foliage that complements other perennials, shrubs, and roses. By choosing varieties with different bloom times, you can have a display of color from late spring to fall. For instance, combining Geranium sanguineum with the long-flowering Geranium ‘Rozanne’ ensures colors last all season.

In woodland gardens or shady spots, cranesbill geraniums work well under larger shrubs and trees. They thrive in dappled light and have a low-growing habit. Pair them with shade-loving perennials like hostas and ferns for a diverse and attractive landscape.

Cranesbill geraniums can also be grown in containers. Choose compact varieties like Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ and pair them with other plants for a colorful arrangement. These perennials are also great as cut flowers, adding beauty to indoor arrangements.

By adding hardy geraniums to your garden, you can create a beautiful, diverse, and easy-to-maintain landscape. This will bring you joy for years to come.

Companion Plants for Hardy Geraniums

Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are versatile and adaptable plants. They are great for the garden because they flower for a long time and fill gaps. When picking plants to go with hardy geraniums, think about their growth, color, and texture. This helps create beautiful garden combinations.

Underplanting taller plants like roses or shrubs with hardy geraniums is a good idea. The geraniums’ colorful blooms and mounded form make a great ground cover. For example, pairing them with shrubs like pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) or hydrangea looks stunning.

Low-growing perennials like lady’s mantle (Alchemilla), catmint (Nepeta), and coral bells (Heuchera) are great with geraniums. The soft form of geraniums contrasts well with these perennials. This creates a beautiful and balanced garden look.

Ornamental grasses and ferns are also great with hardy geraniums. The feathery foliage of grasses like Luzula looks vibrant with geraniums in semi-shady spots. Ferns add texture that complements the soft geraniums, making the garden lush and inviting.

Other plants that go well with hardy geraniums include phlox, columbine (Aquilegia), and Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium). These perennials bloom in spring to early summer, adding color to the garden. Annuals like lobelia, begonias, and petunias can also be paired with geraniums. This extends the blooming season from spring until frost.

When choosing plants to go with hardy geraniums, think about their growing needs. Make sure they don’t need different soil or light conditions. For example, geraniums like well-draining soil and can grow in various light levels. But they might not be good with plants that need very dry or wet soil or full sun.

By picking plants that match the growth, color, and needs of hardy geraniums, gardeners can create beautiful and balanced garden combinations. This makes the garden more stunning and diverse.

Hardy Geraniums in Containers

Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbill, can do well in containers with the right care. They fit well in small spaces like patios, balconies, or entryways. Container gardening lets you place them where you want and enjoy their beauty.

Choosing the Right Container and Soil

Pick a container with good drainage holes to stop waterlogging. Choose a pot that’s at least 16 inches wide for the plant’s growth and root space. Use a well-draining potting mix made for containers. This keeps the soil right and stops it from getting too hard.

Watering and Fertilizing Container-Grown Geraniums

Geraniums in containers need more water than those in the ground, especially in summer. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. On hot days, they might need water every 2-3 days. Try to use rainwater for your plants when you can.

Geraniums don’t need much fertilizer. Perennial geraniums get by with one feeding in spring. Annual geraniums get fertilizer every two weeks when they’re growing.

Overwintering Container Plants

In cold areas, protect your geraniums in containers during winter. Cut back the leaves before the first frost and move the pots to a safe spot. Water and fertilize less during this time.

Great choices for containers include Geranium cinereum ‘Jolly Jewel Red’, Geranium sessiflorum ‘Sanne’, and Geranium ‘Orkney Cherry’. These plants bloom for a long time and have nice foliage, perfect for containers.

Follow these tips for picking containers, watering, fertilizing, and overwintering. You’ll be able to grow hardy geraniums in pots and enjoy their beautiful flowers all season.

Common Pests and Diseases

Hardy geraniums are usually easy to care for and don’t often get sick. But, they can sometimes face pests and diseases. Knowing about these issues helps gardeners keep their geraniums healthy. Powdery mildew and rust are common fungal diseases that can make the leaves look bad. Slugs can also harm young geraniums, causing holes in the leaves and slowing growth.

Preventing and Treating Mildew and Rust

Powdery mildew looks like a white dust on the leaves and stems. Rust shows up as orange or brown spots on the leaf undersides. These diseases love humid places and can spread fast if ignored. To stop them, make sure geraniums have enough space for air to move around. Water them at the base to keep the leaves dry. Remove any leaves with disease right away to stop it from spreading.

If your geraniums get powdery mildew or rust, here’s what you can do:

• Use a fungicide made for powdery mildew or rust, following the directions.
• Cut off and throw away badly infected leaves to stop the disease from spreading.
• Thin out crowded areas and remove weeds or debris to improve air flow around the plants.

Controlling Slug Damage

Slugs can be a big problem for young geraniums, eating the leaves quickly. They’re most active at night and in damp weather. Here are ways to keep them away:

1. Remove slugs from the plants by hand and put them in soapy water.
2. Use beer traps by placing shallow dishes of beer near the geraniums to catch and drown the slugs.
3. Put a layer of diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around the plants to stop slugs from crossing over.
4. Apply slug pellets or baits as directed, but be careful not to harm other insects or pets.

Stay alert and act fast when you see pests or diseases to keep your hardy geraniums healthy and looking great. Regularly check your plants and follow good care practices like proper spacing and watering. This helps prevent many common problems with these lovely garden plants.

Troubleshooting Hardy Geranium Issues

Hardy geraniums are easy to care for but can face problems with blooming and watering. It’s important to fix these issues to keep your plants healthy and looking great.

Lack of Blooms

If your hardy geraniums aren’t blooming, there could be a few reasons. Too much moisture, not enough sunlight, or too much fertilizer can stop them from flowering. To help them bloom, make sure they get at least six hours of sunlight each day. Also, don’t overwater them. And, be careful not to give them too much fertilizer, as this can make them focus on growing leaves instead of flowers.

When you move these plants, don’t plant them too deep. This can also stop them from blooming well.

Overwatering and Underwatering

Watering can be a challenge for hardy geraniums. Too much water can cause yellow leaves and slow growth. On the other hand, not enough water can make the leaves wilt and turn dry and crispy.

To avoid these problems, watch how much you water based on the weather and your plant’s needs. Let the soil dry out a bit before you water again. Make sure the soil drains well to prevent water from pooling. In hot or dry weather, you might need to water your plants more often to keep them healthy.