Learn about hardy geraniums. Easy to grow perennials plants that give the garden a nice airy cottage feel.
I’m a little addicted to hardy geraniums, also known as “cranesbill?” If you haven’t grown them yet, I just may persuade to pick up a few. For those that have, maybe you’re infatuated like me, and will enjoy my take on this lovely perennial plant.
Hardy Geraniums
Not Your Grandmother’s Geranium
The name cranesbill comes from the Greek word “geranos” which translates to crane and bill due to the shape of the seed pod which looks like the “bill,” of a crane.
The term geranium is confusing because you may be thinking of the bedding plants that most of us know as annuals. The bedding plants are actually Pelargoniums which originate from South Africa. However, both cranesbills and Pelargoniums are part of the same family, Geraniaceae.
I’m a Fan
First of all hardy geraniums have this charming meandering habit with the sweetest little flowers. They provide an informal look to the garden which seeming messy but looking good at the same time. And for those of you who like to collect well, there are many.
There are over four hundred species and countless cultivars of this beautiful plant. They range in size from four inched tall to around four feet tall. Most of the ones I have are somewhere in the middle. They are easy to grow and are winter hardy from USDA zone 4 – 8. They like sun but will do well in some shade and they even grow well in my Western Pennsylvania clay.
Beauty All Season
The flowers are gorgeous and many of them bloom all summer long. In addition, many cranesbills have interesting foliage (some are even scented) -to admire, even when they are not in bloom and they change color in the fall.
Have I peaked your interest yet? How about the fact that hardy geraniums can be self-seeding which means you’ll have more to share or plant in your garden next year?
Don’t worry they are easily pulled out if they end up somewhere you don’t want them. But in my case, I love finding volunteers. I either leave them, or pot them up for a friend.
Hey, even the Perennial Plant Association loves these guys.
This one, Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo.’ was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2015. For me, if the PPA chooses a plant for their Plant of the Year, I know there’s a very good chance it will do very well in my garden. Many other associations choose plants of the year, doing the legwork out for you, so you can be successful in your garden.
Once you find something that grows well for you, you’ll probably want more. Especially if there are lots of different varieties like there are with the hardy geranium. Who knows, you may become cuckoo for cranesbills too.
Elaine says
I LOVE hardy geraniums but I have a hard time finding them in the nurseries here in middle Georgia. II’ve ordered bare root plants but they didn’t live. This year I finally found seeds (from overseas). I planted the first batch but have seen no sprouts yet. Where do you buy the plants (not bare root)? All the ones I have are transplants from my father’s garden in Missouri.
Patti Estep says
Elaine, I have bought most mine from local nurseries. However, I’ve seen some like Rozanne sold at places like Home Depot. Perhaps you can ask a local nursery or the garden buyer at a local big box store for places you can go or special order some for you.
Elisabeth Stilgenbauer says
I bought a collection of winter hardy geraniums, they did not do well in the sun in TN. I then put them in pots in partly shade, they are very spindly even after I cut the flowers of , they were planted in miracle soil and watered regular y,
what else can I do?
Patti says
Hi Elisabeth,
Hardy geraniums should work in TN. In fact, I lived outside Nashville for 2 years and grew them there with no problem. Perhaps they will settle in and do better in time. You know what they say about perennials. First year sleep, 2nd year creep, 3rd year leap. Thanks for stopping by and good luck. Don’t feel bad if they don’t work out. We all have plants that don’t work from time to time. Check with a local nursery and see if they can recommend a particular variety that will work well.
Dorothy says
I love hardy geraniums, too. If you cut them way back mid summer, you will have nice tidy rosy mounds till winter. Also, I pull off the seed pod after bloom and the plant will trail along
the ground or wind around nearby shrubs.
Patti says
Thanks Dorothy, Two great reminders and I do so love it when they trail and wind through the garden.
sarah @ {Home-ology} modern vintage says
You’ve reminded me that I have at least one of these hiding in my garden. Now I just need to remember where it is!
Patti says
Too funny! I hope you find it. If not time to try another. Thanks Sarah for stopping by.
Charlie@Seattle Trekker says
Great photos and as a gardener I found your information very useful.
Patti says
Thanks! I appreciate the comment!
Susan M says
Thanks for sharing. I LOVE my hardy geraniums. Didn’t realize there are different kinds. I may have to search some out now. Just when I thought I was done planting…..
Patti says
Hi Susan, Ooooh yes there are many.. many more than I shared. Glad you liked the post. Sorry I haven’t responded sooner. Upgraded my theme today and ended up with a mess. Sigh… maybe I should have left well enough alone. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.