There are about 300 species and a plethora of cultivars and hybrids in the world. If you are looking for the best hardy geranium that will sail through the challenges of the seasons, you may want to consider any of these top performing varieties in terms of ornamental qualities, ease of growth, hardiness, and disease and pest resistance.

Some hardy geraniums are evergreen or semi-evergreen and make excellent groundcovers - so don't cut back their foliage in the fall! Don't confuse them with the lovely bedding plants called 'geraniums', which belong to the genus Pelargonium and are much more tender (very few are hardy). Hardy geraniums or cranesbills are perennial plants that belong to the genus Geranium and thrive in temperate climates with cool summers and cool summer nights.

Hardy geraniums forming low mounds of well-formed foliage and dainty flowers make superb flowering ground covers. Flowering at no more than 1 ft. (30cm) high, and often much shorter, they earn their place in the smallest garden. They are quite effective as underplantings for trees and shrubs, as well as choking weeds in garden areas that are difficult to cultivate.

The best hardy geranium species and cultivars for rock gardens are those which require sharp drainage and gritty, rocky or sandy soil. If you are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance, hardy geranium that will sail through the challenges of the seasons, you may want to consider these top-performing varieties.

There are plenty of shade-loving geranium species and cultivars which thrive in light or dappled shade. Some even flourish in spots that get more shade than sun, such as beneath a canopy of trees or shrubs and trees.

Many hardy geraniums form large mounds or upright vase-shaped clumps that are perfect for beds and borders. Planted as specimens or in small groups, they are brilliant at filling in gaps, covering otherwise bare and boring soil, and most keep on flowering month after month.

Some hardy geraniums enjoy remarkably long flowering seasons, extending from late spring to late fall. The best varieties will flower continuously all summer long giving your garden cheerful color.