Geraniums
Another group of low-maintenance, long-blooming perennials with aromatic foliage. We choose varieties that creep and form new stems to create weed-proof mats in sun or shade.
We currently grow:
Geranium xcantabrigiense 'Biokovo' (Dwarf Geranium)
Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium)
NEW! Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium) - photos & description coming soon
Companions for Geraniums
Dwarf Geranium
Geranium xcantabrigiense 'Biokovo'
Also called cranesbill, hybrid cranesbill, hardy geranium, 'Biokovo' geranium
Height 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Spread 12 inches (30 cm)
Flower Light pink and white
Blooms Late spring to summer
Fall colour Foliage turns red
Hardiness Zones 5-10
Light Full sun to part shade
Moisture Average
Soil Adaptable
A superb sterile hybrid between bigroot geranium (G. macrorrhizum) and Dalmatian cranesbill (G. dalmaticum) made at Cambridge University way back in 1974. Chosen as the 2015 Perennial Plant of the Year thanks to its longevity and low maintenance. Handsome dissected, semi-evergreen and aromatic leaves all year-long. Clusters of beautiful white flowers with pink stamens are borne May through July and sporadically into fall. Underground stolons creep and send up new shoots to form a weed-proof mat in two to three seasons. Works beautifully under small trees, in rock gardens, along paths, helps to hold soil on modest slopes, as a spring bulb cover and combines well with many perennials since it's not aggressive. Does not produce seedlings.
Recommendations for growing Geraniums
Geraniums are adaptable to a range of soils and conditions, except very wet soils. Removal of perennial and rhizomatous weeds is essential before planting. Loosen compacted soils and blend in a moderate amount of compost before planting. Plant at soil surface and mulch 1-2". Water well in first year of establishment. Flowering shoots will eventually grow out of the soil and can be cut back close to the ground after flowering to thicken and renew the planting. Does not need regular division and has no major pests or diseases. Full sun keeps plants shorter; shade produces fewer flowers.
Sold in 4" (10 cm) pots only
Bigroot Geranium
Geranium macrorrhizum
Also called cranesbill, hardy geranium
Height 12 inches (30 cm)
Spread 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Flower Magenta-pink
Blooms Late spring to summer
Fall colour Foliage turns copper
Hardiness Zones 2-8
Light Full sun to part shade
Moisture Average to dry
Soil Adaptable
A larger, tougher geranium than 'Biokovo' to cover more challenging areas. Large sticky, dissected leaves are strongly aromatic when brushed, and bright magenta-pink flowers in summer make a vibrant combination. Foliage height is about 12 inches (30 cm) but flowers can stand another 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) above that. Thick fleshy roots smother weeds and can tolerate summer heat and humidity. Great geranium for dry shade, blending hardscape corners, spilling over rocks, in xeriscape designs and amongst large evergreen perennials and shrubs.
Recommendations for growing Geraniums
Although this geranium is as adaptable as 'Biokovo', it prefers well-drained sites and can rot in consistently wet soil. Removal of perennial and rhizomatous weeds is essential before planting. Loosen compacted soils and blend in a moderate amount of compost before planting. Can be planted slightly below the soil surface and mulched 1-2". Water during dry spells in first year of establishment. Flowering shoots will eventually grow out of the soil and can be cut back close to the ground after flowering to thicken and renew the planting. Does not need regular division and has no major pests or diseases.
Sold in 4.5" (11 cm) pots and 1 Gallon
Companions for Geraniums
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Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (Purple Leaf Wintercreeper)
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Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)* if not too wet