The hardy geranium, also known as cranesbill, is the one plant that I firmly believe should grace every garden. Not only do these lovely plants provide visual delight, but they also offer immense benefits to wildlife, are incredibly low-maintenance, and adapt effortlessly to varying conditions. From seasoned gardeners to beginners, hardy geraniums are a top choice. Yet, with the abundance of geranium varieties, it can be daunting to select the right one for your garden. To simplify your decision, I’m thrilled to introduce my top 5 favorite hardy geraniums, each capable of elevating the beauty and charm of your garden.
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ – A Vibrant Delight
In nearly every gardening project I undertake, I rely on the captivating beauty of Geranium ‘Rozanne’. It’s a true standout among flowering geraniums, known for its rich and abundant colors. In fact, its allure was so remarkable that it earned the prestigious title of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Plant of The Centenary at the 100th RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2013, a title bestowed upon it by the public. This exceptional geranium produces petite yet striking violet blooms adorned with red streaks and delicate white centers. Complementing these vivid flowers is its bright green foliage, which further enhances its appeal.
What makes Geranium ‘Rozanne’ even more invaluable is its versatility. Whether you have a cottage garden, a traditional herbaceous border, or any other garden type, this geranium thrives and enhances its surroundings. I particularly adore pairing it with deep-hued roses and the front of hydrangeas, where its colors truly pop. It also forms a stunning visual combination when planted alongside Nepeta racemosa Walker’s Low.
While many catalogs label Geranium ‘Rozanne’ as deer-resistant, it’s worth noting that during the spring and autumn seasons when deer face food scarcity, they might nibble on its leaves and flower buds. If deer are frequent visitors to your garden, don’t worry—I have another geranium recommendation coming up. Keep reading!
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ typically reaches a height of 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) and boasts an impressive spread of around 90 cm (35 inches). It’s well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-8, making it a resilient choice for a wide range of gardeners.
Geranium ‘Dreamland’ – A Subtle Beauty
For the front row of a garden bed or a companion to soft pink roses and blue perennials, Geranium ‘Dreamland’ is my top choice. This lovely geranium variety boasts a more compact and unassuming growth habit, ensuring it won’t overpower its neighboring plants. Unlike Geranium ‘Rozanne’, which steals the spotlight with its vibrant colors, ‘Dreamland’ brings a subtle charm to your garden.
Standing at a height of around 40 cm (16 inches) and with a similar spread, Geranium ‘Dreamland’ is an ideal selection for gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. Its demure appearance complements its companions beautifully, making it an excellent choice when you want to create a balanced and harmonious garden composition.
Geranium ‘Brookside’ and ‘Patricia’ – Perfect Middle Row Companions
When it comes to the middle row of a flower bed or the area near substantial bushes, two geranium varieties stand out: ‘Brookside’ and ‘Patricia,’ each bringing its unique charm to your garden composition.
Geranium ‘Brookside’ (USDA 5-9): This geranium is the ideal choice when you want to create a soothing and balanced composition. Its tranquil blue blooms and finely cut foliage calm down the overall look of the garden. By combining ‘Brookside’ with other plants, such as Iris sibirica and Salvia Caradonna, you can achieve a beautiful garden display that’s particularly striking in June.
Geranium ‘Patricia’ (USDA 4-8): If you’re looking to add vibrant colors and energy to your garden, ‘Patricia’ is the way to go. Its eye-catching magenta blooms provide an exciting contrast to other garden elements. Pair ‘Patricia’ with Allium Globemaster and foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) to create a lively and colorful scene. Both ‘Brookside’ and ‘Patricia’ are generous spreaders that can effortlessly cover an entire square meter. Give them the space they need, and you’ll enjoy low-maintenance gardening with a long flowering season.
Geranium macrorrhizum ‘White-Ness’ – The Shady Marvel
The final gem in my list is the exquisite Geranium macrorrhizum ‘White-Ness.’ While its blooms may not be as vivid as the previous geraniums, they offer something truly special. ‘White-Ness’ thrives in shady areas and is particularly well-suited for planting under the canopy of a large tree, where other plants might struggle.
This geranium looks exceptionally elegant when placed in contrast with Hakonechloa grass and neighboring foxgloves. Beyond its appearance, what sets ‘White-Ness’ apart is its fragrant nature and distinctive leaf texture, making it unappealing to deer.
For those of you with gardens beneath towering trees, this geranium is a must-have. It’s a valuable addition, enhancing the beauty of your shaded garden. If you’re interested in designing a perennial garden under a tree, I’ve created a comprehensive workbook titled ‘Designing a Perennial Garden Underneath a Tree.’ In this workbook, I offer insights into 15 more easy-to-care-for, dry shade-tolerant, and deer-resistant plants. You’ll also find clear instructions to help you create a stunning flower bed.
You can find this workbook available on Amazon
Easy Care Tips for Geraniums
Caring for geraniums is a straightforward task that doesn’t demand an excessive amount of your time and effort. These resilient plants are not prone to diseases and can thrive without special fertilizers; simple compost mulching in spring will suffice. Here are a few simple tips to keep your geraniums in top shape:
- Midsummer Pruning: Deadheading geraniums, with their profuse blooms, can be a bit challenging. However, there’s a simple trick for revitalizing them. In midsummer, cut back the old flowered stems and leaves. In just a few weeks, you’ll witness the emergence of fresh leaves, and depending on weather conditions, you may even enjoy a second round of flowering.
- Late Autumn Pruning: Geranium ‘Rozanne,’ ‘Dreamland,’ and ‘Patricia’ are sterile hybrids. This means they not only produce repeated blooms throughout the summer but also won’t self-seed like other geraniums. For non-sterile geranium varieties, it’s wise to cut them back in late autumn to prevent self-seeding and maintain a tidy garden.
- Sufficient Watering: During the first season of establishment, it’s essential to keep your geraniums well-watered. Once they’ve settled in, they usually exhibit good drought tolerance.
By following these care tips, you’ll ensure your geraniums remain healthy and vibrant, adding beauty to your garden with minimal effort. Enjoy their stunning blooms and the benefits they bring to your outdoor space.
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