Growing and Caring for Perennial Geraniums: A Guide

Perennial geranium, also known as cranesbill geranium, is a delightful addition to any garden with its wide variety of species, colors, and sizes. With over 300 species to choose from, every gardener is sure to find a perennial geranium that suits their landscaping needs. These flowering plants are typically short, reaching heights of less than 12 inches, making them perfect for groundcovers and border gardens. Regardless of your yard’s conditions, perennial geraniums are low-maintenance plants that will thrive while showcasing their beautiful petals and foliage.

It’s important not to confuse perennial geraniums with annual geraniums, as they belong to different genera. Perennial geraniums are part of the Geranium genus, while annual geraniums are in the Pelargonium genus.

Perennial geraniums offer a wide range of colors in both foliage and flowers. Blooms come in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, often with deeper-colored veins radiating from the center of each blossom. Most varieties bloom from early to late spring and continue through mid-summer, with some blooming into fall. The foliage of perennial geraniums can be equally stunning, with deeply lobed and dissected leaves in shades of gold, burgundy, bronze, gray, and green. As the growing season progresses, many species develop rich fall-color foliage in hues of orange, red, and yellow, adding to the plant’s visual appeal.

When it comes to caring for perennial geraniums, they are hardy plants that require minimal attention. They grow quickly, bloom for many months, and add delicate beauty to any garden setting. Perennial geraniums thrive in full sun to part shade and can tolerate various soil types, although they prefer well-drained soil. These plants are also resilient to humidity, cold climates, and excessive heat, making them adaptable to different environments. While they generally do not require fertilizer, an annual application of a balanced granular formulation in early spring can benefit the plant. Pruning after blooming and overwintering are simple tasks that can help maintain the health and appearance of perennial geraniums.

One common issue that may arise with perennial geraniums is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a fine, white powder on the leaves. Good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and keeping the leaves dry can help prevent powdery mildew. If the problem persists, consider moving the plant to a sunnier spot.

Propagation of perennial geraniums can be done through various methods such as seed collection, stem cuttings, or division of the parent plant. Each method has its own timeline for establishing new plants, with some taking longer than others.

With so many marvelous varieties of perennial geraniums available, there is a type to suit every gardener’s preferences. From ‚Bloody‘ Geranium with its golden foliage and magenta flowers to ‚Rozanne‘ Geranium with its spreading growth and long bloom period, there is a perennial geranium for every garden style and climate.

In terms of companion plants, perennial geraniums pair well with other perennials such as Astilbe, Daylily, Iris, and Veronica. These plants complement each other in terms of color, height, and blooming periods, creating a harmonious and visually appealing garden landscape.

In conclusion, perennial geraniums are versatile, low-maintenance plants that can enhance the beauty of any garden. With their wide range of colors, sizes, and foliage types, they offer endless possibilities for garden design. By following simple care tips and choosing the right companion plants, you can create a stunning garden display with perennial geraniums as the star attraction.