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Geraniums
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First of all, note that we are talking about the hardy Geranium, or cranesbill, and not the Pelargonium, a houseplant also known as geranium. The geranium is a hardy perennial with some 300 different varieties. The name Geranium derives from the Greek name 'Geranion' meaning common crane. This refers to the fruit of the plant that resembles the head and bill of a crane, which gave the plant the name of crane or stork's bill.
Geraniums are very easy to grow. Plant them in a slightly shady spot and water them regularly. The plant is easily divided.
At the moment, the Geranium macrorrhizum is very well loved. It comes in different varieties. They have pretty, bright green leaves that generally stay on the plant throughout the winter and change to a lovely reddish colour after the first frost. The plant flowers from April to August with white, pink or even deep red flowers (Bevan's variety). The fragrant foliage of this plant was used in the past to make geranium oil.
The Geranium pheam (or dark cranesbill) looks very special because of its deep purple, almost black flowers that bloom from May to August. They often have stunningly red and purple spotted foliage. This plant will grow up to 60 to 80 cm tall and prefers a shady spot. There is also a white variety: the 'Album'.
The Geranium platypetalum, originally from the Caucasus, is a very easy to grow and strong plant. It has violet to purple flowers covered in darker veins. The leaves are quite large and hairy. This variety will grow up to about 50 cm high. The plant will spread itself and is very suitable for natural looking gardens.
In rock or wall gardens the Geranium sanguineum (or blood red cranesbill) will look great. This low and slow growing plant will flower all through the summer with purply red flowers. It is a real sun-loving plant.
These are only a few examples of Geraniums. It won't be difficult to find a suitable variety for your garden.
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