Geranium Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Geranium plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
Geranium, and Cranesbill: Cultivation & Garden Use
Geraniums are commonly grown in gardens as they are easy to maintain and have great use in the garden as an attractive plant that provides ground coverage.
Geraniums plants are half hardy or hardy perennials that range in height from 10 cm to 60 cm (4 to 24 inches).
The foliage of the Geranium consists deeply cut lobed leaves, and they bloom from spring through to summer with naturally circular pink or purple flowers.
There are many other Geranium varieties with a multitude of colors available for use in the garden.
Visit this page of GardenersHQ for a full guide on how to grow Geranium sanguineum.
The above Geranium photographs: Geranium thunbergii by TANAKA Juuyoh, and Geranium Stéphanie by Alexandre Dulaunoy.
Some common names for members of the Geranium plant genus include Cranesbill, Mourning widow, and Geranium.
Commonly Grown Geranium Plant Species and Cultivar Photographs
Geranium maculatum
Geranium maculatum, the Spotted cranesbill by chipmunk_1, CC
Geranium 'Rozanne'
Geranium 'Rozanne' photograph by F. D. Richards, CC.
Geranium macrorrhizum
Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium / Cranes-bill) photograph by 阿橋 HQ, CC.
Geranium sanguineum
Geranium sanguineum, the Bloody Cranesbill photograph by F. D. Richards, CC.
Geranium Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Geranium, Cranesbill, Mourning Widow.Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Half hardy perennial. Annual.
Height: 4 to 24 inches (10 to 60 cm).
Native: Worldwide; temperate, high tropical areas.
Growing Region: Zones 4 to 10.
Flowers: Species dependent: Spring and/or summer.
Flower Details: Purple, pink, white, blue.. Saucer shaped. Five petals; radially symmetric.
Foliage: Deciduous. Deeply-lobed. Palmate.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Late in autumn. Spacing 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm). Germination time: three days to three months weeks.
Seed: Method 1: Seeds should first be sown into flats in the autumn. Next sink the flat into the ground in an area that offers shade, preferably close to a wall that faces north. Provide a glass/plastic covering. Keep an eye on the flats to ensure that the soil remains moist. Bring the flats indoors at the beginning of spring and keep at 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C). Transplant seedlings following the last frost.
Seed: Method 2: In the spring, mix seeds in a moist growing medium, then put in flats, wrap in a large plastic bag, then stratify by refrigeration for three weeks. Next bury the flat as described above. Once seedlings emerge transplant them to their final location.
Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial light shade (many species must have full sunlight). Good drainage.
Soil pH 5.5 to 7.0. Ordinary soil. Keep soil moist in hot areas. Provide support with a twig. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second bloom. Winter mulch in colder regions. Propagate: by dividing in the spring in cold areas or the autumn in warm regions; or take summer semi-ripe cuttings.
Miscellaneous: The scientific name Geranium refers to the Greek work for crane, and refers to the fact that the fruit of some members looks like that of a crane’s bill. These plants are attractive to many species of moths. Closely related to this genus include Pelargonium plants.
Family: Geraniaceae.
Closely Related Family Members: Alfilaria.
How to Grow Geraniums
When growing Geraniums from seed they can be sown in spring or autumn. In both cases sow the seeds into flats and lightly cover.
If sowing Geranium seeds in autumn, then place the flat in a shady part of the garden, cover with glass and keep moist.
Transplant the Geranium seedlings to their final location just after the last frost of spring.
If sowing out in the spring, then first place the flats into a plastic bag and put in the fridge for three weeks. Following this time sink the flat into a shady part of the garden, cover with glass and keep moist.
When young Geranium plants appear transplant them to their final location. It can take from a couple of days to three months for Geranium plants to germinate.
They can grow in either sunny or partially shaded parts of the garden, and should be spaced at between 20 and 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) apart.
Ideally the soil that teh Geranium plant grows in should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7) and moist.
Caring for Geraniums
Geranium Care: It is easy to care for geraniums; they prefer a moist soil when it gets hot — so water regularly in the summer.
Once the first bloom has finished cut back the plant; this should result in a second bloom.
In cold areas, provide a mulch for the winter. If you require more plants then propagate by division in spring or autumn.
Common Questions
How many members does the Geranium genus have?
The Geranium genus, also known as Cranesbill, has about 422 species.
Do members of Geranium make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Geranium species are great for gardens, offering a variety of flower colors and shapes, along with often aromatic foliage.
Which Geranium species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Geranium 'Rozanne' is a popular cultivar known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
Are members of the Geranium plant genus fragrant?
Some Geranium species, such as Geranium macrorrhizum, are known for their aromatic leaves.
What is the perfect location to grow Geranium?
Geranium prefers a sunny to partly shaded location with well-drained soil.
Is Geranium invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Geranium is not recognized as invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Geranium plants from my garden?
Geranium can be removed by digging out the plant, ensuring you remove as much of the root system as possible.
Summary
The Geranium genus, commonly known as Cranesbill, belongs to the Geraniaceae family. Native to temperate regions worldwide, these hardy perennials are appreciated for their attractive foliage and five-petaled flowers.
Plant Geranium in spring or autumn, in a location with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. They can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. These low-maintenance plants require only occasional watering and some may benefit from regular deadheading.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Geranium plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Geraniaceae growing guides: How to grow Geranium sanguineum, Lilium plant, and Pelargonium plants.
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