Complete Gardening
Last summer, I embarked on a horticultural adventure, planting 13 varieties of hardy geraniums in my garden. These resilient blooms have since proven their worth, flourishing through diverse conditions.
In this post, I’ll share my experiences and observations, highlighting the true standout performers and the ones that didn’t quite meet expectations. Discover the charm and resilience of these garden favorites as I reveal which geraniums emerged as the real winners.
1. Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a true garden star, winning hearts with its nonstop blooms from June to frost. Its sprawling habit fills gaps beautifully, creating a lush, floral carpet. Imagine a sea of vibrant blue flowers swaying gently in the summer breeze. This hardy geranium thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. Its resilience and beauty have earned it multiple awards. Whether in borders or containers, ‘Rozanne’ dazzles with its long-lasting display. Did you know? It’s even been named the ‘Plant of the Centenary’ by the RHS.
2. Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill)
Tough as nails, Geranium sanguineum, also known as Bloody Cranesbill, thrives in poor soil, showing off its bright magenta blooms. Its deeply lobed leaves add texture and visual interest throughout the season. Picture these vivid flowers punctuating a rock garden or lining a rustic pathway. This hardy performer doesn’t just survive; it thrives, even in challenging spots. A favorite for its low maintenance needs, it’s an ideal choice for novice gardeners. Fun fact: It’s native to Europe and known for its medicinal uses in traditional herbal remedies.
3. Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’
With its fragrant foliage, Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ makes an excellent groundcover, handling drought and shade like a pro. Envision its aromatic leaves releasing a pleasant scent as you walk by. The pink blossoms are a lovely bonus, adding color and charm. This geranium is perfect for those tough-to-grow areas, thriving where others fail. Its ability to adapt makes it a gardener’s ally, especially in shaded garden beds. Historically, it’s been used for its aromatic oils. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, ‘Bevan’s Variety’ won’t disappoint.
4. Geranium ‘Brookside’
Geranium ‘Brookside’ stands tall and proud, similar to ‘Rozanne’ but with a more upright shape. Its vibrant blue-lavender flowers light up early summer gardens, drawing the eye with their cheerful hues. Visualize these blooms standing like sentinels in your garden, adding height and structure. This perennial is perfect for creating dynamic layers in your planting scheme. It combines well with other summer flowers, making it a versatile addition to any garden landscape. Known for its reliability, ‘Brookside’ consistently delivers beauty and elegance season after season.
5. Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’
Compact and tidy, Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’ is perfect for borders. Its subtle pink-tinted white flowers offer a delicate charm, while the red-tinged foliage in fall provides an unexpected splash of color. Picture a well-manicured garden edge, its uniformity broken by these enchanting blooms. This geranium is a testament to understated beauty and practicality. It’s a low-maintenance favorite, ideal for gardeners seeking a neat and beautiful groundcover. Did you know? ‘Biokovo’ won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the RHS, a testament to its exceptional qualities.
6. Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’
Classic and charming, Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ evokes nostalgia with its sky-blue flowers and soft foliage. Imagine stepping into a garden where history seems to bloom, each petal whispering stories of the past. This geranium is a reliable performer, beloved for its classic appeal and dependable nature. It fits seamlessly into cottage gardens, bringing a touch of bygone eras to modern landscapes. Known for its easy care, ‘Johnson’s Blue’ requires little attention to thrive. Its timeless beauty makes it a perennial favorite among gardeners looking to infuse tradition into their gardens.
7. Geranium phaeum ‘Samobor’ (Dusky Cranesbill)
In the cool embrace of shade, Geranium phaeum ‘Samobor’ finds its strength. Its dark blotched leaves add intrigue, even when flowers are sparse. Picture a shaded woodland garden where light dances through leaves, revealing hidden beauty. This geranium specializes in performing well where others falter, making it a must-have for shaded spots. Its unique foliage provides visual interest throughout the growing season, offering more than just blooms. With ‘Samobor,’ your garden gains depth and character, making shaded corners come alive with subtle elegance. It’s a resilient choice for difficult locations.
8. Geranium pratense ‘Splish Splash’
With its blue-white streaked flowers, Geranium pratense ‘Splish Splash’ is a sight to behold, though its tendency to flop makes it less ideal for windy beds. Picture these unique blooms cascading from a decorative container, adding whimsy to your garden. While beautiful, it requires staking to maintain its poise in open spaces. Best suited for sheltered areas or patio containers, this geranium adds character and flair. Despite its shortcomings in the border, its stunning appearance in containers makes it a delightful addition. Consider ‘Splish Splash’ for its artistic flair and visual interest.
9. Geranium ‘Orion’
Though similar to ‘Johnson’s Blue’, Geranium ‘Orion’ doesn’t quite match its prolific blooming. Still, its understated beauty holds its own charm. Picture a serene garden scene where ‘Orion’ offers its blue blossoms modestly, creating a calm oasis. Its less vigorous nature means it plays well with others, complementing rather than overwhelming. For those who appreciate subtlety, ‘Orion’ provides a gentle touch to garden compositions. Despite being overshadowed by more vigorous types, it offers a quiet grace that endears it to those who take notice. It’s a perfect choice for tranquil settings.
10. Geranium endressii ‘Wargrave Pink’
Fast-growing and aggressive, Geranium endressii ‘Wargrave Pink’ covers ground quickly, requiring regular cutting back. Imagine a wild garden where these pink blooms proliferate, creating a lush, albeit high-maintenance, tapestry. This geranium is both a blessing and a challenge, offering beauty but demanding attention. It’s best suited for large areas where its sprawling nature can be appreciated. Despite its aggressive spread, it fills spaces effectively, making it valuable for covering large patches. For gardeners willing to manage its vigor, ‘Wargrave Pink’ is a rewarding choice that brings vibrant color and energy.
11. Geranium cinereum ‘Ballerina’
In rocky borders, Geranium cinereum ‘Ballerina’ finds its stage, though it struggles in wet soils. Visualize a sun-drenched rocky garden where these delicate blooms sway in the breeze, their low-growing form perfect for crevices. This geranium excels in well-drained conditions, where its charms can truly shine. It’s a specialist plant, thriving where many others might falter. Despite its limitations, ‘Ballerina’ offers a graceful presence in the right setting. Ideal for rock gardens or dry borders, it adds a touch of elegance and texture. Choose ‘Ballerina’ for its adaptability and subtle beauty.
12. Geranium himalayense ‘Plenum’
With gorgeous double blooms, Geranium himalayense ‘Plenum’ shines in cooler climates but fades quickly in the heat. Picture a garden where mist hangs in the air, providing the perfect backdrop for its lush display. This geranium thrives in temperate zones, where its flowers can be appreciated without wilting. It offers a touch of opulence and is perfect for gardeners in cooler regions. Despite its short-lived nature in warm temperatures, its beauty is undeniable. For those in the right climate, ‘Plenum’ provides a show-stopping floral display that’s hard to beat.
13. Geranium nodosum
Tolerant of shade but sparse in flowering, Geranium nodosum serves as a quiet filler in dark garden corners. Visualize a shaded nook where its lush foliage provides greenery and texture. While not showy, it plays an essential supportive role, enhancing the overall garden tapestry. This geranium is ideal for filling gaps where light is limited. Its resilience and adaptability make it a reliable choice for difficult spots. Though not a standout in terms of blooms, its presence is felt through its greenery, offering depth and dimension to shaded areas.