Geraniums
Another group of low-maintenance, long-blooming perennials with aromatic foliage. We choose varieties that creep and form new stems to create weed-proof mats in sun or shade.
We currently grow:
Geranium xcantabrigiense 'Biokovo' (Dwarf Geranium)
Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium)
Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium)
Companions for Geraniums
Dwarf Geranium
Geranium xcantabrigiense 'Biokovo'
Also called cranesbill, hybrid cranesbill, hardy geranium, 'Biokovo' geranium
Height 6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Spread 12 inches (30 cm)
Flower Light pink and white
Blooms Late spring to summer
Fall colour Foliage turns red
Hardiness Zones 5-10
Light Full sun to part shade
Moisture Average
Soil Adaptable
A superb sterile hybrid between bigroot geranium (G. macrorrhizum) and Dalmatian cranesbill (G. dalmaticum) made at Cambridge University way back in 1974. Chosen as the 2015 Perennial Plant of the Year thanks to its longevity and low maintenance. Handsome dissected, semi-evergreen and aromatic leaves all year-long. Clusters of beautiful white flowers with pink stamens are borne May through July and sporadically into fall. Underground stolons creep and send up new shoots to form a weed-proof mat in two to three seasons. Works beautifully under small trees, in rock gardens, along paths, helps to hold soil on modest slopes, as a spring bulb cover and combines well with many perennials since it's not aggressive. Does not produce seedlings.
Recommendations for growing Geraniums
Geraniums are adaptable to a range of soils and conditions, except very wet soils. Removal of perennial and rhizomatous weeds is essential before planting. Loosen compacted soils and blend in a moderate amount of compost before planting. Plant at soil surface and mulch 1-2". Water well in first year of establishment. Flowering shoots will eventually grow out of the soil and can be cut back close to the ground after flowering to thicken and renew the planting. Does not need regular division and has no major pests or diseases. Full sun keeps plants shorter; shade produces fewer flowers.
Sold in 4" (10 cm) pots only
White petals with light pink veining and bright pink sepals emerge above foliage.
A retail garden centre order ready to be shipped before flowering.
A mass of 'Biokovo' in a partially shaded hoophouse in 2014.
White petals with light pink veining and bright pink sepals emerge above foliage.
Taken at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, this rhizome has crawled through the stone wall to great effect.
Tall, vibrant pink-magenta flowers, though we have seen seedling variation in all ranges of pink.
This species will produce seeds in our climate; deadheading can prevent unwanted spreading.
Taken at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, this rhizome has crawled through the stone wall to great effect.
Bigroot Geranium
Geranium macrorrhizum
Also called cranesbill, hardy geranium
Height 12 inches (30 cm)
Spread 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Flower Magenta-pink
Blooms Late spring to summer
Fall colour Foliage turns copper
Hardiness Zones 2-8
Light Full sun to part shade
Moisture Average to dry
Soil Adaptable
A larger, tougher geranium than 'Biokovo' to cover more challenging areas. Large sticky, dissected leaves are strongly aromatic when brushed, and bright magenta-pink flowers in summer make a vibrant combination. Foliage height is about 12 inches (30 cm) but flowers can stand another 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) above that. Thick fleshy roots smother weeds and can tolerate summer heat and humidity. Great geranium for dry shade, blending hardscape corners, spilling over rocks, in xeriscape designs and amongst large evergreen perennials and shrubs.
Recommendations for growing Geraniums
Although this geranium is as adaptable as 'Biokovo', it prefers well-drained sites and can rot in consistently wet soil. Removal of perennial and rhizomatous weeds is essential before planting. Loosen compacted soils and blend in a moderate amount of compost before planting. Can be planted slightly below the soil surface and mulched 1-2". Water during dry spells in first year of establishment. Flowering shoots will eventually grow out of the soil and can be cut back close to the ground after flowering to thicken and renew the planting. Does not need regular division and has no major pests or diseases.
Sold in 4.5" (11 cm) pots and 1 Gallon
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Also called spotted geranium, wood geranium, alum root, old maid's nightcap
Height 24-30 inches (60-75 cm)
Spread 18-24 inches (45-60 cm), will self seed
Flower Rose pink to violet, sometimes near-white
Blooms Spring to early summer
Fall colour Foliage turns copper
Light Part shade
Moisture Average to moist
Soil Adaptable, best in rich, woodland loam
Current observed range in North America (iNaturalist.ca)
A lovely naturalizing plant that can fill in between stout-clump forming perennials. More description coming soon!
Recommendations for growing Geraniums
Wild geranium is similar in the garden as cultivated geraniums, though is more likely to go dormant or look a bit tired in the summer heat. Loosen compacted soils and blend in a moderate amount of compost before planting. Can be planted slightly below the soil surface and mulched 1-2". Water during dry spells in first year of establishment. Rhizomes can be divided early spring or late summer.
Sold in 4" (10 cm) pots only
Companions for Geraniums
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Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' (Purple Leaf Wintercreeper) * not wild geranium
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Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)* if not too wet