The question of whether geraniums are good for pollinators is common for many gardeners looking to support local insect populations. The answer is not a simple yes or no because the name “geranium” is commonly used for two very different types of plants. Gardeners must first understand which plant they are referring to before determining its value to bees and butterflies. This naming complexity means the pollinator benefit varies drastically depending on the specific genus planted in your garden.
The Geranium Identity Crisis
The plants widely sold in garden centers as annual “geraniums” are botanically members of the genus Pelargonium. These are the familiar bedding plants, often grown in containers and hanging baskets, characterized by bright colors and thick, succulent stems. Their flowers often have five petals, but they are typically asymmetrical. The true perennial geranium, often called “cranesbill” or “hardy geranium,” belongs to the genus Geranium.
These two genera, Pelargonium and Geranium, both belong to the plant family Geraniaceae, which explains their superficial similarities. The confusion began when European botanists first categorized the South African Pelargonium species with the European Geranium species in the 18th century. The true Geranium species are mostly temperate, cold-hardy perennials with thin stems and flowers that have five symmetrical, equal-sized petals.
Pollinator Value of Common Geraniums (Pelargoniums)
The common annual geraniums (Pelargoniums) are generally poor sources of food for foraging insects. Pollinators tend to find these plants to be one of their least favorite choices for foraging. This lack of appeal is largely a result of decades of selective breeding focused on human aesthetic preferences.
Many popular varieties are “double-flowered,” meaning they have extra layers of petals. This mutation is often achieved by converting the flower’s stamens, which produce pollen, into additional petals. Double flowers offer little to no pollen, which is a primary food source for many bees. The dense layers of petals also physically block access to the nectaries. Even in single-flowered Pelargoniums, the nectar reward is often low or inaccessible due to the flower’s structure.
Pollinator Value of True Geraniums (Cranesbills)
In contrast to their annual namesakes, the true perennial Geranium species, or cranesbills, are highly valuable to pollinators. These hardy plants offer an open, accessible flower structure that allows insects easy access to the reproductive parts. Their symmetrical, single-petal blooms are rich in both nectar and pollen, making them a reliable food source.
Cultivars like Geranium ‘Rozanne’ are popular with gardeners and are known to be a magnet for bees and butterflies. The plants provide a long flowering period, often blooming from late spring through the first frost, ensuring a consistent supply of resources. Because these perennial species have not been subjected to intensive breeding for double petals, they retain their natural, single-flowered form, which is optimal for insect foraging.
Maximizing Pollinator Support
Gardeners can increase the pollinator value of their space by making deliberate planting choices that favor accessible flowers. If you choose to plant true Geraniums, always select single-flowered varieties, as these provide the easiest access to pollen and nectar for all insects. Even a small amount of habitat can sustain bees and other species, making every planting decision important.
To provide consistent food sources throughout the season, incorporate alternative plants known for their high nectar and pollen yields. Excellent choices include herbs like basil, lavender, and Greek oregano, which are highly attractive to bees. Other high-impact alternatives include catmint, salvia, verbena, and alyssum, which can be mixed with existing plantings to create a pollinator-friendly haven. Avoiding the use of pesticides is also a simple, effective practice to ensure the safety of visiting insects.