Gardening: Plant a Geranium!

Whether tall or short types, shady woodlanders, sun-worshippers or rockery characters – there’s a hardy, hardworking geranium for every location, writes Flo Whitaker 

The geranium family is enormous – but, to avoid confusion, I should start by confirming we’re talking about frost-hardy herbaceous geraniums, not bedding or conservatory-type plants. Hardy geraniums are descended from wild ‘cranesbills’ from temperate/cool regions. 

They are so-named because their seed capsules have bulbus tops that taper to a point, resembling a bird’s head/beak. Pelargoniums produce similar-looking capsules, but are mostly bred from hot southern African species. Several cranesbills are native to Britain, including bright pink Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert), and the stunning violet-blue G. pratense (Meadow Cranesbill.) 

In the early days of botanical taxonomy, plants were primarily classified according to physical likeness, resulting in a large number of plants bearing the geranium name. As botanical science evolved, this group was re-organised into several distinct categories. Geranós, the Greek word for a crane, was given to hardy geranium classifications and pelargós, meaning a stork bird, defined pelargoniums.

However, the old, all-encompassing geranium name has stubbornly stuck through the ages, with the result that those bedding ‘geraniums’ you’ve just purchased are nothing of the sort – they’re frost-tender pelargoniums that will not survive winter outdoors. 

Hardy geraniums are extremely easy-going plants; giving months of interest and asking for little in return. They are incredibly hardy and require no winter protection. Their foliage tends to be rough or covered in tiny hairs, often with a herby scent that animals dislike. No plant is immune from nibbling pests, but deer, rabbits and slugs usually leave geraniums alone in favour of a more desirable dinner. Geranium flowers come in endless shades of white, pink, lilac, purple and blue. Cut flowers will last several days in a vase and can also be used to prettily decorate cakes and desserts. 

G. ‘Ann Folkard’ bears sultry magenta/purple flowers with near- black veining. Plant in a sunny spot where it’ll reach 50-60 cms high and weave into surrounding plants – just cut back if it becomes over-enthusiastic. ‘Orion’ is another tall sun-lover, with saucer-shaped lavender-blue flowers. Varieties of G. phaeum carry ethereal sprays of flowers in muted tones. Phaeum types prefer damp soil in light shade – perfect for a woodland-themed border with ferns and hostas. 

Forms of G. sanguineum have foliage that becomes red-flushed in autumn, further extending the season of interest. Varieties of G. macrorrhizum enjoy dappled shade and produce short-stemmedflowers over low-ish mounds of aromatic leaves – useful for ground cover or filling a large pot. There are also short, clumping varieties suitable for hot locations, such as a sunny patio or rockery. 

Pests and diseases seldom bother hardy geraniums, and maintenance couldn’t be simpler. When the first flush of flowers has ended, cut plants back by two-thirds and water well. This will encourage new foliage and blooms throughout summer.