Geranium

Family: Geraniaceae
Common Name: Cranesbill, Geranium

The name of this large genus of some 300 species of mostly perennials, found in temper-ate and alpine regions throughout the world derives from the Greek geranos, meaning 'a crane', as the seed pod shape resembles the bill of that bird. These are not the plants com­monly known as garden geraniums and botan­ically known as pelargoniums. The true geranium is an adaptable addition to the rock garden or the front of a border. The flowers bloom from spring to summer in colors ranging from white to soft pink, mauve, magenta and blue. Most are singles, although there are one or two double-flowered forms.

Species

G. endressii, zone 5, is a bushy plant, to 45 cm (18 in), with rose pink flowers. Cultivar 'Wargrave Pink', with deeper colored flowers, is very popular.

G. incanum, zone 9, unusual in that it comes from warm South Africa, is commonly grown in rock gardens or hanging baskets. Its grayish green, deeply lobed leaves are aromatic, and its five-petalled flowers are usually red with deeper colored veins.

G. maderense, zone 9, grows to 1 m (3 ft) or so and produces masses of magenta flowers, open­ing in succession.

G. nepalense, zone 7, which blooms in fall, is useful when other species are past their flowering.

G. phaeum, zone 5, dusky cranesbill or mourning widow, takes its common names from the almost maroonish black color of the flowers.

G. pratense, zone 5, is a popular plant for perennial borders. It has fine foliage and deep blue or violet flowers. A number of good cultivars are available.

G. robertianum, herb Robert, zone 6, is a pretty annual with dainty leaves which turn bright red in fall under dry conditions.

G. san­guineum, bloody cranesbill, zone 5, has blood red flowers and deeply divided, dark green leaves. Var. striatum, with pink flowers veined with deep red, makes a good edging plant.

Cultivation

Geraniums are easily grown in almost any well-drained soil. Propagate by division or by seed. Some species seed freely, seed being spread when the ripe seed pod opens. Most can be grown in full sun but tolerate par­tial shade. Water regularly in growing season, only very occasionally in winter.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.