- Hardiness:
USDA zone 3
.
- Water use: Low to moderate. Certain species are quite
drought-tolerant once established.
- Light: Full sun to shade.
- Size: 6" to 3' tall, depending on species; spread can equal
height.
- Plant habit: Clumping, sprawling, or moderately spreading,
depending on the species. Herbaceous perennial; semi-evergreen or deciduous,
depending on species and severity of winter.
- Season of bloom: Late spring through summer.
- Culture: Grows best in rich, well-drained soils; doesn't
require much fertilization.
- Maintenance: Plants will usually repeat bloom if pruned
back after flowering. G. sanguineum var. striatum tends
to bloom all season without pruning.
- Pests/Diseases: Insect- and disease-free.
- Other: Many self-seed.
- Species and cultivars: We have had success with many species,
including these:
- Geranium macrorrhizum: This species spreads readily
from seeds and is a good groundcovering plant. Its leaves also are
quite aromatic. Very drought-tolerant. Flower color ranges from
white to deep magenta, depending on the cultivar. Light to full shade.
- Geranium psilostemon: Not for the timid. Plants are
tall (up to 3 feet) and have vivid magenta flowers with black centers. Full
sun to light shade.
- Geranium renardii: Very drought-tolerant. White flowers
with purple veins. Full sun to light shade.
- Geranium sanguineum var. striatum (also sold
as G. sanguineum 'Lancastriense'): Very drought-tolerant.
Light pink flowers. Foliage often will become red/burgundy in
the fall. Full sun to light shade.
- Geranium viscosissimum: native plant with pale pink flowers. Full sun. Very drought-tolerant.
- Geranium x 'Johnson's Blue': Flowers are a clear blue.
Pruning after blooming helps maintain a compact habit and promotes reblooming.
Full sun to light shade.
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