Geranium
( jer - RAY - nee - um )
At-A-Glance Information
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Commonly called Cranesbill, this genus of flowering perennials require some protection from afternoon sun in the warmest climates of its zone ranges, and regular water. It is worth noting that the plant commonly called Geranium in most nurseries actually is not a Geranium at all; it belongs to the genus Pelargonium. The genus described here is considered to include species that are considered to be true Geraniums. Flower colors include blue, pink, purple, magenta, bluish-rose, and white. These flowers are wonderful along pathways, in borders or rock gardens, or as groundcovers.
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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. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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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. |
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Geranium 'Ann Folkard' This species grows best in zones 2b-9 and 14-24. It has a mounding habit to 1.5 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Leaves are chartreuse when young and age to a light green color. Blooms are magenta-purple marked with pink and blue, veined with lines of black. Bloom season is from spring to fall. Great for softening edges of patios. |
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Geranium 'Brookside' This species grows best in zones 2b-9 and 14-24. and is a hybrid variety. Gets 2.5 feet tall and wide, and has deeply cut leaves. Flowers bloom from late spring to summer and are a rich deep blue color veined with pink. Variety 'Orion' has larger flowers that are even more blue than the species. Can be cut back after blooms fade for a repeat show. |
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Geranium x cantabrigiense
This species grows in 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.
This species grows in 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.
'St. Ola'
A vigorous grower with has creamy-white blossoms that mature to a rusty pink color. |
'Biokovo'
White blooms blushed with pink. |
'Cambridge'
Bright bluish-pink flowers. |
'Karmina'
Bright pink-blue flowers. |
'Westray'
Flowers are dark pink-red. |
Geranium cinereum
These plants grow best in zones 1-24, but 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.
These plants grow best in zones 1-24, but 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. |
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Geranium clarkei (Clarke's Geranium) This species is native to India, 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 veining in summertime. These plants spread via rhizome, and eventually can form a great groundcover or border frontage plant. |
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Geranium dalmaticum (Dalmatian Cransebill) Best in 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. |
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Geranium endressii (Endres Cranesbill, French Cranes-Bill) This species grows best in 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. |
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Geranium caespitosum (Purple Cluster Geranium, Pineywoods Geranium) This species is native to the western United States and northern Mexico. These plants produce purple to reddish flowers with protruding stamens. These grow in damp soils, and are commonly grown in wildflower and native plant gardens. |
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Geranium 'Frances Gate' ('Silver Sugar Plum') This plant grows best in zones 1-24 and is a hybrid. It has a billowing habit and reaches 1.5 feet tall and 5 feet wide (or wider). Leaves are grey-green on top, silver beneath. Flowers are a mauve color and bloom in early spring through fall. It can take afternoon sun. This species can be invasive and the characteristics of seedlings vary widely. |
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Geranium harveyi This native to South Africa grows best in 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. |
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Geranium himalayense (Geranium grandiflorum) (Himalayan Cransebill, Lilac Cransebill)
This species grows best in 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 and has a few choice varieties, listed below.
This species grows best in 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 and has a few choice varieties, 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. |
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Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' Grows best in zones A2, A3, 2-9 and 14-24. This is a hybrid resembling its parent Geranium himalayense, with slightly differently cut leaves. It forms a mound 1.5-2 feet wide and spreads by rhizomes, making it a wonderful choice for a summer groundcover. Profuse flowers are bluish violet and form in loose clusters in spring and last through fall. |
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Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium, Bulgarian Geranium, Rock Crane's Bill)
This species of Geranium grows best in 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.
This species of Geranium grows best in 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. |
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Geranium maculatum (Wild Cranesbill, Spotted Cranesbill, Old Maid's Nightcap, Wood Geranium) This species grows best in zones 1-24 and is native to woodlands and meadows in North America. It gets 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and profuse lilac-pink flowers in spring and early summer. They can be cut 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). |
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Geranium maderense (Giant Herb-Robert, Madeira Cranesbill) This species grows best in 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 to enjoy. |
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Geranium x magnificum (Showy Geranium, Purple Cranesbill) This vigorous grower is best in 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. Three choice plants of this group are described below.
This species of Geranium grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-24, and is a group of hybrid varieties. Three choice plants of this group are 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, though it can overwhelm other plants nearby. Self-sowing. Cut back hard after flowering. |
'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. |
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Geranium palmatum (Geranium anemonifolium) 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. |
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Geranium 'Patricia' This hybrid grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-24 and is hardy and easy to grow. They reach 2.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, and flowers are a reddish-magenta color with deep burgundy veining and centers. Blooms over a long period, from spring until late summertime. After the first bloom of the year, shear the plant to encourage new foliage and blooms. |
Geranium phaeum (Mourning Widow, Dusky Cranesbill, Black Widow)
This native of European mountains grows best in 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.
This native of European mountains grows best in 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. |
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Geranium 'Philippe Vapelle' This plant forms a clump 12 inches tall and 1.5 feet wide. Leaves are green and have a 'quilted' look to them, Flowers are purple-blue and have darker veining. Petals are notched, and the plant blooms spring through the middle of summer. |
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Geranium 'Pink Spice' This plant, best in zones 3b-9 and 14-24, forms a compact mound 8-10 inches tall and a foot wide. Leaves are red-bronze and blooms are pink, appearing spring through fall. Needs at least a half day of direct sunlight for best foliage color. |
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Geranium pratense (Meadow Cranesbill, Meadow Geranium)
This plant is native to Ireland, Siberia and Japan and grows best in 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 blooms to discourage this behavior and encourage rebloom. Choice varieties are described below.
This plant is native to Ireland, Siberia and Japan and grows best in 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 blooms to discourage this behavior and encourage rebloom. Choice varieties are described below.
'Midnight Reiter'
Blue flowers and dark purple foliage. |
'Mrs. Kendall Clark'
Pale blue flowers have lighter veining. |
'Plenum Caeruleum'
Lavender-blue double flowering variety. |
'Striatum'
White blossoms streaked and splashed with voilet-blue. |
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Geranium psilostemon (Geranium armenum) (Armenian Cransebill) This species is native to Armenia and Turkey and forms a large clump of green foliage that turns orange-red in fall. It grows best in 2b-9 and 14-24, and produces magenta flowers with black centers and veins. Gets to 4 feet tall and wide. |
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Geranium renardii (Renard Geranium) This native of the Caucuses grows best in 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. |
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Geranium x riversleaianum This species grows best in zones 2b-9 and 14-24 and forms a mat of silver-green that reaches about a foot tall and has trailing stems that produce blooms throughout the year. Varieties include 'Mavis Simpson' (with soft pink flowers that have dark veins) and 'Russell Pritchard' (with magenta-rose blooms). |
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Geranium robustum This South-African native species is shrubby and grows best in 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. |
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Geranium 'Rozanne' This hybrid grows best in zones 2-11 and 14-24 and reaches 2 feet tall and a little wider. Leaves are dark green, turning red in fall and flowers are violet-blue with white eyes. Blooms summer through fall and performs well in full sun. Cut back plants in late fall for fresh springtime growth. |
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Geranium 'Salome' Grows well in zones 4-6 and 14-17; this species is a hybrid between two Geraniums native to the Himalayas. It has a low, trailing habit and gets to 1 foot tall and 3-4 feet wide. New leaves are golden-tinted green and mature to a light green. Flowers are pale violet-pink and veined with dark purple. It will bloom midsummer through fall and can be cut back after blooms fade to neaten and freshen the plant. Great choice for cool-area gardens; it will struggle a little in heat. |
Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill, Bloody Geranium)
This native of western Europe, the Caucuses and Turkey grows best in 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 and flowers are purple to crimson, blooming late spring through summer. Cut to the ground for a repeat bloom. Varieties are outlined below.
This native of western Europe, the Caucuses and Turkey grows best in 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 and flowers are purple to crimson, blooming late spring through summer. Cut to the ground for a repeat bloom. Varieties are outlined below.
'Album'
With white flowers. |
'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. |
G. s. striatum
Compact variety, getting to just 5-6 inches tall with light pink flowers veined with deep red. Great for rock gardens and foregrounds in beds. |
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Geranium wallichianum This species grows best in 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
Propagation
cuttings, volunteer seedlings, or division
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 336 - 338, Geranium
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