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Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill)

Best Hardy Geraniums

Hardy geranium, hardy geraniums, Best Hardy Geraniums, Great Hardy Geraniums, Cranesbill,  Best cranesbills

Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbill geraniums, are a group of perennials under the Geranium genus. Not to be confused with the annual geraniums of the Pelargonium genus, these plants are known for their toughness, vigor, and extended flowering period.

Habit: Ranging from tiny alpine geraniums to large, bushy varieties, hardy geraniums display a wide variety of growth habits. Typically, they form low mounds or trailing forms, with heights ranging from 6 inches (15 cm) to several feet. They make excellent ground covers and can also thrive in containers and rock gardens.

Foliage: The foliage of hardy geraniums is broadly lobed to finely cut, often becoming vibrantly colored in autumn. The leaves offer a beautiful backdrop to the delicate, saucer-shaped, five-petaled flowers that bloom from spring to fall.

Flower: Flower colors span from white, pink, and purple, to blue, and certain varieties showcase intriguing veining or a contrasting center. Most bloom profusely over a very long season, extending from spring to late fall (if cut back hard after the first flush of blooms starts to fade in early summer).

Hardiness: Hardy geraniums are robust plants, adaptable to a wide range of conditions. They are typically hardy in USDA zones 4-8, with some varieties tolerating colder or warmer conditions.

Culture: Plant hardy geraniums in a location that receives full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety. Many geraniums appreciate some afternoon shade in hot summer climates to prevent leaf scorching. While they prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil, they can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loamy, or sandy soils. Some can even tolerate periods of drought once established.

These perennials provide excellent value in the garden, offering long-lasting floral displays, attractive foliage, and a robust nature. Some species even display good resistance to rabbits and deer. Whether as a border plant, in rock gardens, or cascading over walls, hardy geraniums can add beauty and resilience to various garden settings.

There is a broad array of colors and textures to choose from. If you are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance, hardy geranium that will sail through the challenges of the seasons, you may want to review these guides.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Geranium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 2'
(15cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Edging, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

Great Hardy Geraniums for your Garden

Garden Examples

A Fabulous Perennial Planting Idea
A Fragrant Garden Haven Idea
A Fragrant Garden Retreat Idea
A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Peonies
A Wonderful Summer Border Idea with Easy-to-Grow Plants
A Fresh Border Idea with Monarda, Geranium and Phlox
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Geranium (Cranesbill)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Genus Geranium
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 2'
(15cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Edging, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Geranium (Cranesbill)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Geranium (Cranesbill)

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