Geranium

( jer - RAY - nee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Cranesbill, this genus includes flowering perennials which require some protection from afternoon sun in the warmest climates, and regular water. It is worth noting that many plants commonly called Geraniums are not members of this genus; they belong to the genus Pelargonium. Flower colors include blue, pink, purple, magenta, bluish-rose, and white. These plants are wonderful along pathways, in borders or rock gardens, or when used as groundcovers. Geraniums can be grown in containers or be planted in the ground.

Geranium Species and Varietals

The genus Geranium is a member of the plant family Geraniaceae and includes around 422 species. The genus name is derived from the ancient Greek word geranos (meaning Crane). This genus is commonly called Cranesbill, after the shape the fruit takes when flowers fade. Geranium, or Cranesbill, grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Geranium albanum (Crested Cransebill, Albanian Cranesbill)
This species is native to the Caucasus and Iran, and forms a clumping perennial plant. Crested Cransebill reaches about 20 inches tall when mature, and is a great garden addition that will bring pollinators into the landscape. Flowers are typically white to light pink with darker striping. The cultivar 'Pink Stripes' has darker pink flowers.

Geranium caespitosum (Purple Cluster Geranium, Pineywoods Geranium, Tufted Geranium, Crane's Bill)
This species is native to the western United States and northern Mexico. Plants produce purple to reddish flowers with protruding stamens. Tufted Geranium thrives in damp soils, and is commonly grown in wildflower and native plant gardens.

Geranium x cantabrigiense (Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium)
This species grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is an excellent choice for a groundcover. It is a slow spreader, and has dark green leaves. Flowers bloom over a long period from early spring through summer, and these plants can be sheared in late fall for fresh spring growth. They need moderate to regular water. Varieties are outlined below:

'Biokovo'
White blooms blushed with pink.

'Cambridge'
Bright bluish-pink flowers.

'Karmina'
Bright pink-blue flowers.

'St. Ola'
A vigorous grower with has creamy-white blossoms that mature to a rusty pink color.

'Westray'
Flowers are dark pink-red.

Geranium cinereum (Ashy Cranesbill, Gray Leaf Cranesbill)
These plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24, and are short lived in places that experience hot summers. They are native to the Pyrenees and form 8-12 inch tall mounds of soft-grey green leaves. Midsummer pale pink flowers have dark veins and form at the end of trailing stems. Popular varieties are listed below:

'Ballerina'
Flowers are pink to lilac in color and have dark veins and a wine-colored center.

'Laurence Ratman'
Lavender blossoms with centers blotched with red. Veins on petals are red.

'Purple Pillow'
Blooms are bright purple and have dark purple veins.

Geranium clarkei (Clarke's Geranium, Kashmir Cranesbill)
This species is native to the Himalayas and is widely planted as an ornamental in gardens around the world. They reach about 20 inches tall when mature and in flower, and produce white to purple flowers with pink veins in summertime. These plants spread via rhizome, and eventually can form a great groundcover or border plant. Cultivars include 'Kashmir White' (with white flowers) and 'Kashmir Purple' (with purple-pink blossoms).

Geranium dalmaticum (Dalmatian Cransebill)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24, this species is native to the Balkans. To 4-5 inches tall, this plant has a creeping habit and forms a carpet 2 feet wide of dark green leaves Flowers are a soft pink, and leaves will turn orange and red in fall. This species is perfect for planting between paving stones or for spilling over rock walls or container walls.

Geranium endressii (Endres Cranesbill, French Cranes-Bill)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-9 and 14-24 and is native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. It has a bushy habit and forms a mound 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, spreading by rhizomes. Leaves are light green. Flowers are rose-pink and have a silver sheen to them, blooming in late spring to fall. It can be evergreen if the climate is mild. Good groundcover.

Geranium harveyi (Silver Geranium, Cranesbill)
This native to South Africa grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7a-10b or Sunset growing zones 5-9 and 14-24. It has a woody base and forms a mound 8 inches tall and 2 feet wide. Gray green leaves are silvery underneath and flowers are magenta, blooming in late spring through fall. Can tolerate hot sun and is good on slopes or among rocks in rock gardens.

Geranium himalayense (Geranium grandiflorum) (Himalayan Cransebill, Lilac Cransebill)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to the Himalayas. It gets 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide and spreads by rhizomes. Leaves are deeply veined and flowers are blue with red veins and purple eyes. This plant blooms in late spring to summer, and is excellent as a bulb cover. A few common cultivars are listed below:

'Gravetype'
Dependable choice for gardens.

'Baby Blue'
With large, light blue flowers.

'Plenum' ('Birch Double')
A less vigorous grower than the species, with double light lavender blooms.

Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium, Bulgarian Geranium, Rock Crane's Bill, Big-Rooted Geranium)
This species of Geranium grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to southern Europe. It gets to 8-10 inches tall and spreads quickly through runners that root on the soil surface. Leaves are fragrant and turn yellow, orange and red in fall. Flowers are white, pink, or magenta and bloom in late spring through to early summertime. Repeat blooms in fall will pop with shearing and deadheading. Varieties are listed below:

'Album'
This plant has white flowers with a blush of pale pink.

'Bevan's Variety'
This variety has deep magenta flowers with red sepals.

'Ingwersen's Variety'
Soft blue-pink flowers over a long blooming season.

Geranium maculatum (Wild Cranesbill, Spotted Cranesbill, Old Maid's Nightcap, Wood Geranium, Wild Geranium, Alum Bloom, Alum Root)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to woodlands and meadows in North America. It reaches up to 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and profuse lilac-pink flowers bloom in spring and early summer. Plants can be trimmed back after blooms fade to encourage new growth and a repeat show. Varieties include 'Album' (with white blossoms), 'Elizabeth Ann' (with dark brown leaves), and 'Espresso' (pictured; with coffee-brown leaves).

Geranium maderense (Giant Herb-Robert, Madeira Cranesbill)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to Madiera. It enjoys moist soil conditions and being planted in shaded areas of the garden. It forms a 3-4 foot trunk that supports buds and magenta-eyed pink flowers in spring through the middle of summertime. It is considered a biennial or short-lived perennial, and dies after it blooms, but produces many seedlings.

Geranium x magnificum (Showy Geranium, Purple Cranesbill, Showy Cranesbill)
This vigorous grower is best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-9 and 14-24 and forms clumps 2.5 feet tall and wide. Blooms are violet and heavily veined with dark purple and appear in late spring and early summertime. Hardy to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, this is an extremely hardy hybrid.

Geranium x oxonianum
This species of Geranium grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-24, and is a group of hybrid varieties. This hybrid is considered invasive along the west coast of North America. Cultivars of this hybrid genus are listed and described below:

'Claridge Druce'
Forms a 2-3 foot tall clump from which cool pink flowers emerge in late spring and summer. Good for a large-scale groundcover.

'Wargrave Pink'
Similar to 'Claridge Druce' but less vigorous of a grower. Blossoms are pink and have a sheen to them

'Winscombe'
Blooms are pale pink and mature to a deeper pink color, giving the plant a multicolored-flower effect.

Geranium palmatum (Geranium anemonifolium) (Canary Island Geranium, Canary Island Cranesbill, Madeiran Cranesbill)
This native of Madeira grows best in zones 4-9 and 14-24 and gets to 4 feet tall and just as wide. Leaves are dark green and fern-like, and will turn red in the sun. Flowers are purple with crimson centers, and bloom profusely in late spring and summertime. Plant in sunny spots that have some shelter; this plant will seed freely. This species is considered invasive in California.

Geranium phaeum (Mourning Widow, Dusky Cranesbill, Black Widow)
This native of European mountains grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-24. Grows 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, with foliage that has dark marks. Purple or maroon flowers bloom in clusters above foliage in spring through fall. To clean up appearance, shear spent blooms off. Choice garden varieties of this species are described below:

'Album'
Pure white blooms.

'Lily Lovell'
Purple-maroon flowers have white eyes.

'Margaret Wilson'
Leaves are variegated with creamy yellow. Flowers are light purple.

'Samobor'
Flowers are a light maroon and marked with deeper maroon.

Geranium pratense (Meadow Cranesbill, Meadow Geranium)
This plant is native to Ireland, Siberia and Japan and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones 2-7 and 14-24. It forms a clump 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide of hairy green foliage and produces blue flowers with reddish veins in spring to summer. Will self-seed freely and profusely. Shear after blooming to discourage this behavior and encourage more flowers to form. This species is considered invasive in certain regions of North America. Choice garden varieties are described below:

'Boom Chocolatta'
With deep chocolate foliage and ruffled blue flowers.

'Cloud Nine'
Compact plant with double light purple-blue flowers.

'Midnight Ghost'
Bright white flowers and plum colored foliage.

'Midnight Reiter'
Blue flowers and dark purple foliage.

'Mrs. Kendall Clark'
Pale blue flowers have lighter veining.

'Orion'
Very large lavender-blue flowers with white eyes and dark veins.

'Plenum Caeruleum'
Lavender-blue double flowering variety.

'Plenum Violaceum'
With intense purple-pink double flowers.

'Striatum'
White blossoms streaked and splashed with voilet-blue.

'Summer Skies'
A compact plant with double light blue flowers. Good for containers.

Geranium psilostemon (Geranium armenum) (Armenian Cransebill, Turkish Cranesbill)
This species is native to Armenia and Türkiye and forms a large clump of green foliage that turns orange-red in fall. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-24, and produces magenta flowers with black centers and veins. Gets to 4 feet tall and wide.

Geranium renardii (Renard Geranium, Caucasian Cranesbill, Renard's Cranesbill)
This native of the Caucuses grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-24. It is a compact plant, reaching just a foot in height and width. Foliage is velvety and grey-green, and flowers are white with purple veining. Can be pruned back hard in autumn. Varietal 'Tcschelda' has pale purple flowers with violet veining.

Geranium x riversleaianum (Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-9 and 14-24 and forms a mat of silver-green that reaches about a foot tall. It produces trailing stems that hold blooms throughout the year. Varieties include 'Mavis Simpson' (with soft pink flowers that have dark veins) and 'Russell Pritchard' (with magenta-rose blooms).

Geranium robustum (Stinky Bob, Herb Robert)
This South-African native species is shrubby and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8a-9b or Sunset growing zones 14-24. Gets to 3 foot tall and 4 foot wide Leaves are grey-green on top and silvery underneath. Flowers bloom in summertime and are light purple with white eyes. Drought-tolerant species that is great for covering slopes. Self-seeds profusely, so it is a good idea to shear off spent blooms to discourage this process as well as encourage new foliage growth and rebloom. This species is considered invasive in western regions of North America.

Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill, Bloody Geranium)
This native of western Europe, the Caucuses and Türkiye grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-9 and 14-24. It forms a dense clump of dark green leaves 8-18 inches tall and spreads out to 2.5 feet wide. Leaves turn deep red in the fall (hence its specific and common names) and flowers are purple to crimson, blooming late spring through summer. Cut to the ground for a repeat bloom. Commonly grown cultivars are outlined below:

'Album'
With white flowers.

Geranium sanguineum striatum
To 5-6 inches tall with light pink flowers veined with deep red.

'John Elsley'
Flowers are pink with deep pink veining.

'Max Frei'
Reddish-purple flowers.

'New Hampshire'
Red-magenta flowers with dark pink veining.

'Vision' Strain
Magenta flowers with violet veins.

Geranium wallichianum (Wallich Geranium, Wallich's Cranesbill, Purple-Vein Geranium)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones zones 2-9 and 14-24 and is native to the Himalayas. It forms a low, spreading plant 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide, with lilac flowers that have white eyes. It blooms form early summer through fall. 'Buxton's Variety' has blue flowers with large white eyes and black stamens.

Caring for Geranium

Geranium plants are typically purchased as specimens from a reputable nursery, but can also be grown from seed. Choose a space that receives full sun to partial shade; these flowers appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day to bloom well. In heavy shade, plants will become leggy and require frequent pinching back to attain a bushy appearance. Ensure that soil is well-draining and lightly fertile. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Take care when adding amendments, however, as soils that are too rich can lessen the strength of the fragrance emitted by these plants. They grow well in a soil that has a pH of between 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). Apply a thick layer (2-3 inches) of mulch around the planting area after installation to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, these plants appreciate a consistently moist soil. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Pruning involves removing dead, damaged, or diseased foliage and deadheading flowers. In springtime each year, these shrublets can be pruned for shape and size. As a general rule, never cut back more than a third of the plant at any one time.

Caring for Geranium in Containers
Geraniums are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Cranesbill grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

Geranium, or Cranesbill, can be propagated either by using cuttings, from division or from seed. They will also freely re-seed in the favorable conditions, providing seedlings that can be transplanted elsewhere in the garden. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting or division methods. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Cranesbill plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Geranium by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new flower.

Propagating Geranium by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads will forcefully eject seeds once they are mature, so make sure to harvest seeds just before this occurs. Carefully cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will release their seeds over a few days. Once they have been released, remove the seeds from the bag and put them in a container to work with them.
Water a prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place seeds in the prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and gently water with the spray bottle to avoid dislodging them. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 10-20 days from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Geranium by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost, and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early springtime (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth). To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate the plant into segments, ensuring that each one has some good above-ground growth.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.

Seeds are forcefully ejected when ripe, traveling up to 30 feet from their parent plant.

Geranium seeds are dark brown to black.

Problems and Pests

Certain species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Geraniums are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape: