Growing and Caring for Perennial Geraniums: A Guide

Perennial geranium, also known as cranesbill geranium, is a delightful addition to any garden with its wide variety of species, colors, and sizes. With over 300 species to choose from, every gardener is sure to find a perennial geranium that suits their landscaping needs. These flowering plants are typically short, reaching heights of less than 12 inches, making them perfect for groundcovers and border gardens. Regardless of your yard’s conditions, perennial geraniums are low-maintenance plants that will thrive while showcasing their beautiful petals and foliage.

It’s important to note that perennial geraniums belong to the genus Geranium, while annual geraniums are in the genus Pelargonium. This distinction is crucial when selecting plants for your garden.

Perennial geraniums offer a wide range of colors in both foliage and flowers. Blooms come in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white, often with deeper-colored veins radiating from the center of each blossom. Most varieties bloom from early to late spring and continue through mid-summer, with some even blooming into fall. The foliage of perennial geraniums can be equally stunning, with leaves in shades of gold, burgundy, bronze, gray, and green. As the growing season progresses, many species develop rich fall-colored foliage in hues of orange, red, and yellow, adding visual interest to the garden.

When it comes to caring for perennial geraniums, they are hardy plants that require minimal attention. They thrive in full sun to part shade and can tolerate a variety of soil types, as long as it is well-drained. While they don’t typically require fertilizer, an annual application of a balanced granular formulation in early spring can help promote growth. Pruning after blooming can encourage new growth and prevent a messy appearance. Overwintering is simple, with no special care required unless the plants are in containers, in which case they should be moved to a sheltered area during the winter months.

One common issue that may arise with perennial geraniums is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a fine, white powder on the leaves. Good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and cleaning up leaf debris in the fall can help prevent powdery mildew. If necessary, moving the plant to a sunnier spot may also help combat the fungus.

Propagation of perennial geraniums can be done through various methods, including seed collection, stem cuttings, or division of the parent plant. Each method has its own timeline for establishing new plants, so gardeners should choose the method that best suits their needs.

With so many marvelous varieties of perennial geraniums available, there is sure to be a type that catches your eye. From ‚Bloody‘ geranium with its magenta flowers to ‚Rozanne‘ geranium that blooms from June to frost, there is a perennial geranium for every garden style and preference.

When it comes to companion plants for perennial geraniums, options like astilbe, daylilies, iris, and veronica can complement and enhance the beauty of these lovely flowers. These plants thrive in similar conditions and can create a harmonious garden landscape.

In conclusion, perennial geraniums are a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden. With their wide range of colors, easy care requirements, and ability to thrive in various conditions, they are a must-have for gardeners looking to add charm and elegance to their outdoor spaces. Whether used as groundcovers, border plants, or focal points in the garden, perennial geraniums are sure to delight and impress with their stunning blooms and foliage.