Perennials: Geraniums
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10-75cm (4-30in) |
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15-60cm (6-24in) |
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Late spring to mid fall |
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Well-drained soil |
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Sunny to partial shade |
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Mildew can stunt and discolor leaves |
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Cut back after bloom |
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Medium |
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Low |
Geraniums
Common Name: Geranium
Family: Geraniaceae
Native Range: None
Bloom Color: Shades of white, pink, mauve or blue
Geraniums are popular charming and well known garden perennials. True geraniums are often confused with pelargoniums which are related but are a much more tender and usually considered as an indoor plant. Pelargoniums are often referred to as geraniums by many gardeners and many have the word geranium in their common name, such as the Pheasant's Foot Geranium (Pelargonium glutinosum). This article will concentrate on true geraniums but we will take a look at pelargoniums at a later date.
The picture (click images to enlarge) shown at the top of this page shows Geranium Grandiflorum, Johnson's Blue an easy to grow and very popular garden perennial. The photograph to the right shows a bright pink Geranium Subcaulescens. There are over 400 species of Geranium which can be either annual, biennial or perennial which are often referred to as cranesbills because the shape of the seed pods is said to resemble the shape of the bill of a crane (and the Greek word, from which the geranium gains it's name, "geranos" means "crane").
Geraniums were first introduced, from Africa, into Europe in the 16th century. Within a short space of time they became a popular garden plant used all over the world. They usually have palmate, mid green leaves with some species having deeply divided leaves of a dark green, gray-green or silver green color. Growing in a bushy habit they produce long lasting flowers of 2.5-5cm (1-2in) width which always have five petals in a saucer like shape and develop in clusters of between two and four flowers. Some species, such as Geranium pratense 'Kashmir White', have pale petals with deeply colored veins.
More about Geraniums below, after this video presentation
Growing Geraniums
Although many geraniums grow best in moist and shady positions, such as in open woodland, different species grow to different heights. Therefore there are geraniums to be found for a variety of uses in the garden such as ground cover or in borders, flower beds or rock gardens. Nearly all species will die back for the winter and they should be cut back to the ground to encourage strong growth in the spring. Spring is the best time to plant new geraniums which grow well in any well drained soil, taller species may need extra external support especially if it is planted in an exposed area of the garden. By cutting back old flowering stems it is sometimes possible that your bush will produce a second flush of flowers.
Geranium Propagation
Propagation of geraniums is really easy. The simplest method is to divide the roots between early fall to early spring, even small pieces of root will quickly form into a small bushy plant. Unfortunately some species, such as G. wallichianum 'Buxton's Variety', only develop a very small rootstock making such propagation difficult. If you wish to grow such a species it is best to propagate by seed but it is likely that the plants produced will be slightly different from the parent plant rather than the 'clone' produced by division. Sow the seed in fall or spring and place in a cold frame until they are sufficiently sized to be able to be pricked out and planted in pots. If treated correctly they should be able to be moved to nursery beds by the summer.
Other Facts about Geraniums
Geraniums have a few medicinal uses. Both the flowers and leaves are considered edible with the flowers best eaten raw but the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The geranium plant, especially the roots, have an astringent quality and can help heal damaged skin and reduce or stop bleeding. Geranium essential oil, which is produced by distilling the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant, is a bitter oil used in aromatherapy and various homeopathic remedies. It is incredibly effective in the treatment of sore throats but is also blends well with many other essential oils.
With such a wide variety of heights and widely varied shades of color the geranium can be a useful addition to any garden. You will find them to be reliable in all but the harshest environments bringing you pleasure year after year. In future articles we will take a look at the most popular species used in the modern garden so call back soon or read more about garden perennials below.
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