The plants that truly belong to the Geranium genus are much different specimens: perennial flowering plants that also go by the common names “true geraniums,” “hardy geraniums,” “cranesbill,” or “storksbill.” The latter two monikers are derived from the seed pods’ resemblance to the bills of those birds. Hardy geraniums are low-growing plants that spread via rhizomes. The foliage is often toothed and remains attractive year-round. The flowers float on top of the plant in shades of white, pink, magenta, purple, and blue. Hardy geraniums have much more subtle flowers than the colorful annual Pelargoniums, but they have an important role in the perennial border garden. Here are six varieties of hardy geraniums to consider for your flower garden. This early summer bloomer stays in flower for several weeks. After the blooms fade, the whole plant should be sheared back to basal growth. It’ll fill in extremely quickly, and repeat blooms will appear here and there throughout the season. The foliage remains evergreen in milder zones.
Native Area: Western Pyrenees of SpainUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 12–24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Europe, northern TurkeyUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Northern India, KashmirUSDA Growing Zones: 5–7Height: 12–18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to Asia, the HimalayasUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 12–18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Europe, AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 1–2 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 4–7Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full to partial sun
