![]() ![]() Although the plant looks unsightly, its long-term health is usually unaffected. They can be difficult to spot, as they drop from the plants when disturbed, but they look like tiny grey caterpillars, around 12mm long. The larvae of geranium sawfly can munch holes in the leaves of hardy geraniums, in late spring and early summer and again in late summer. ![]() Read about how to grow angel pelargoniums. The important difference is in the shape of the flower: geraniums have five equally sized and regularly arranged petals, whereas the flowers on pelargoniums have two upper and three lower petals. Vernacular names of cranesbill, heronsbill and storksbill are still used to describe each group. Pelargós, the Greek word for stork, provided the name for the final group, whose seedpods suggest the stout bill of this other long-legged bird. Resembling the beak of a heron, erodiums acquired their name from the Greek word for heron (erodiós) while geranium’s seeds evoke the beak of a crane (geranós). The famous botanist Carl Linnaeus grouped geraniums with erodiums and pelargoniums into the single genus Geranium, but during the 19th century these were separated into distinct groups and given names that related to the shape of their seedpods. Plants in the related genus of Pelargonium are also popularly referred to as ‘geraniums’, which often leads to confusion. How to grow hardy geraniums Where to grow hardy geraniums How to care for hardy geraniums Geraniums or pelargoniums? Conditions A few species prefer cool, shady conditions but most thrive in sunny, open situations in rich, well-drained soil. Size From small alpines 10cm tall to herbaceous perennials 1.2m tall. Season Mainly summer-flowering, from May to September. Common in woodlands and open meadows, they have also adapted to shallow soils and freezing temperatures at high altitudes. Origins Geraniums are found in every continent apart from Antarctica, mainly in temperate regions. Thousands of cultivars and hybrids have been bred. What A genus of 420 species of hardy annuals and perennials valued for their adaptability, their ease of cultivation and their abundant flower production. HARDY GERANIUMS IN BRIEF HARDY GERANIUMS IN BRIEF ![]() The popularity of geraniums and the commercial success of Geranium Rozanne (= ‘Gerwat’) has spurred on nurseries and plant breeders to introduce many new cultivars and hybrids. Many new introductions are certainly exciting plants: Margery Fish would not be disappointed. ![]() In addition, the loose and relaxed character of geraniums fits well with the informal planting styles that have dominated gardens for the past 60 years. Hardy geraniums are easy to grow and generally adaptable, with species that are at home in the cool comfort of woodlands while others thrive in the baking harshness of screes. At the centennial RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2013, visitors voted Geranium Rozanne (= ‘Gerwat’) as Plant of the Centenary. The legendary plantswoman and gardener Margery Fish once famously advised: ‘When in doubt, plant a geranium.’Ī lot of us must have taken her advice because today hardy geraniums (cranesbills) are one of the most popular herbaceous perennials. Hardy geranium: 21 of the best hardy geraniums ![]()
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