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 10oF (often 0o) except as shown.
x cantabrigiense. Hybrids of G. macrorrhizum and G. dalmaticum. They make neat, low mounds or mats, with bright green 1-2" leaves. Flowering is heaviest in spring, but the plants are seldom out of bloom in our climate. As now distinguished in the trade, ‘Biokovo’, first selected in the wild, is a rather widely spreading cultivar with nearly white flowers, shaded pink at the centers. ‘Cambridge’ is more compact in habit and has clear pink flowers.
dalmaticum. A matting species with small, spicily fragrant leaves painted bright, shiny green. It is dressed in spring in dainty pink blossoms clustered on 4-6" stems. Plants should be lightly shaded except along the coast.
incanum is a widely spreading plant with a decidedly fluffy appearance. The stems and undersurfaces of the leaves are nearly white with silky hairs. The long-stalked leaves are about 1" across and completely and narrowly parted. Reddish purple flowers, each a little over 1" across, decorate the plant most of the year. It makes a beautiful ground cover, thriving in full sun and requiring only occasional to moderate watering when established. Hardy to 20oF. or a little less.
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.