GERANIUM. Crane’s bill. Worldwide, temperate regions. This group is a good indicator of recent enthusiasm for flowering perennials. Not long ago, even reputable horticulturists used the name primarily to refer to the related genus Pelargonium, from southern Africa. Now there are dozens of species and hybrids of true Geranium, recognized and sought out enthusiastically by gardeners. These are mostly smaller, slender stemmed perennials with rounded, often dissected leaves and–unlike the pelargoniums—regular (wheel shaped) flowers. Colors include some vivid purples and blues and wild magentas, as well as more subtle shades. They have a variety of uses in the border, for small-scale ground cover and for containers and rock gardens, according to size and shape. Most are easily grown in sun or light shade and most soils, with moderate to regular watering. A few are even fairly drought tolerant, as described below. Hardy at least to 10^oF (often 0^o) except as shown.

macrorrhizum is a robust species, making a broad mound up to 18” high. It has fragrant, hairy leaves up to 4” broad. Flowers are usually a little over 1” broad and vary in color from white to purplish red. ‘Album’ is any one of several white flowered clones. ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’ is distinguished by its light green, softly shiny leaves and soft pink flowers. ‘Purpurascens’ has deep purplish pink flowers. One of the easiest species to grow.