Faced with unpredictable weather, a relatively short growing season, and often less than ideal soil, Zone 4 gardeners welcome plants that will cope with these adversities and still come up blooming.  This is a challenge for sure, but one candidate equal to the task is the hardy perennial geranium, or cranesbill, as it is commonly called.

Perennial geraniums are native to parts of Europe, Britain and North America.  In cultivation since the 1500’s, their popularity is increasing as gardeners discover their many virtues and myriad uses in the garden.

Cranesbills, so-called because of the shape of the seed head, are unfussy plants.  They grow equally well in sun or light shade, acid or alkaline soil, and in all but the very dry and poorly drained sites.  They are virtually pest and disease free –even slugs and snails leave them alone!

Feeding requirements are not excessive.  Organic matter plus a handful of bone meal added at planting time and again each spring when new growth begins produce excellent results.  Plants do very well when they receive a deep soak once a week if the weather is very hot and dry and less frequently during periods of good rainfall.

Cranesbills are tolerant of less water making them good companions for ornamental grasses or wildflowers in natural plantings.  At the other end of the scale, they will cope admirably with more consistent watering.  When implanted with roses (a classic combination) or other moisture-loving perennials and shrubs, they will weave their flowering stems throughout the other plants while their foliage forms a weed suppressing ground cover beneath.

Colors are soft, ranging from white through pale to darker pinks into blues and deep purples.  Bloom begins in early summer, often giving a second flush within weeks of cutting the plant back hard once the stems elongate and begin to flop.  Even without the second blooming, the new crop of fresh foliage remains attractive throughout the season.  Foliage will vary according to variety, both in color and in form and frequently takes on yellow, orange or red tints during the autumn months, prolonging the cranesbill’s usefulness as a foil to late season flowers.

Cranesbills also increase fairly rapidly by spreading rhizomes just beneath the soil surface making division possible without digging up the entire plant.  Even small divisions transplant with little fuss, putting on considerable growth in the first season.  Keep that in mind when spacing your plants.

Cranesbills excel among spring bulbs, where they rapidly hide dying bulb foliage.  Cranesbills are also good ground cover in light shade.  Mix with hostas, ferns or astilbes for a pretty woodland effect.  They are particularly attractive at the base of David Austin roses.  Add spiky iris and Lady’s mantle (alchemilla) for a beautiful perennial grouping.  In late fall, dead foliage can either be cut back or left to form a protective mulch during dormancy.

This hardy geranium comes in a size and color to suit any situation and your enthusiasm for these reliable and versatile plants will increase with each season. 

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.  Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round!  

For additional information, check the following links:

• Perennial Gardening
• Perennials how & when to plant