Geraniums are widely appreciated flowering plants, valued for their vibrant colors and diverse forms. Their ease of care contributes to their popularity among gardeners. These versatile plants bring continuous color to various outdoor settings, from compact container displays to expansive garden beds.
Selecting Geranium Varieties for Your Garden
Geraniums fall into two primary categories. Pelargoniums, often referred to as common geraniums, are known for their bright, long-lasting blooms and are typically grown as annuals. They are frequently used in container gardens and as bedding plants.
Zonal geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) feature a compact, upright growth habit and distinct circular patterns on their leaves. Ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) have trailing stems and glossy, ivy-shaped leaves, ideal for cascading displays. Scented geraniums are primarily grown for their aromatic foliage, which releases scents like rose, lemon, or mint when touched.
True geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are hardy perennials recognized for their naturalistic appearance. These plants often form low-growing mounds. Cranesbills are well-suited for groundcover, providing continuous bloom over an extended season. Their hardiness makes them a reliable, low-maintenance choice.
Geraniums in Containers and Hanging Displays
Geraniums are excellent choices for container gardening, offering flexibility in placement. Grouping various pelargonium types in a single container create dynamic arrangements. For example, upright zonal geraniums can serve as a central “thriller,” while trailing ivy geraniums act as “spillers.” Combining different bloom colors within one pot or arranging multiple pots with coordinated or contrasting geranium hues enhances visual interest on patios or decks.
Window boxes benefit from the upright form of zonal geraniums or the cascading habit of ivy geraniums. Their continuous blooming ensures a consistent display of color. For hanging baskets, ivy geraniums produce a lush, flowing effect as their stems spill over the edges. Placing these colorful displays near entryways or along pathways adds immediate curb appeal.
Geraniums in Garden Beds and Borders
Integrating geraniums into garden beds and borders creates landscape impact. Mass plantings of zonal geraniums create large, striking swaths of color in sunny areas. Compact varieties of pelargoniums or low-growing cranesbills define garden edges or pathways. True geraniums, with their spreading habit, are effective as groundcover, suppressing weeds and providing foliage and flowers.
In mixed borders, pelargoniums and cranesbills are incorporated alongside other perennials and shrubs. Upright pelargoniums add bursts of color, while cranesbills fill in gaps, providing continuous bloom and texture. Taller varieties serve as focal points within a bed, drawing the eye. This integration creates a layered, cohesive garden design.
Geraniums for Themed Garden Designs
Geraniums adapt well to various garden themes. For cottage gardens, true geraniums lend a relaxed, abundant feel with their natural growth habit and soft blooms. They mingle with other informal plantings, creating a traditional look. In Mediterranean or drought-tolerant gardens, pelargoniums thrive due to their heat and drought tolerance, providing vibrant color in sunny, dry conditions.
Formal garden designs utilize the uniform growth and bold colors of zonal geraniums, arranged in precise patterns for a structured appearance. For rock gardens, compact or true geranium varieties that prefer well-drained, gritty soil are suitable. Their low-growing forms and ability to thrive in rocky environments complement hardscaping with splashes of color.
Complementary Plant Pairings with Geraniums
Pairing geraniums with other plants enhances their visual appeal. Foliage plants like dusty miller or coleus offer textural and color contrast. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) offers a trailing element with various foliage colors, spilling over container edges.
Flowering companions introduce complementary colors and forms. Petunias and calibrachoa, with their profuse blooms and trailing habits, pair well with zonal geraniums in containers. Lobelia provides delicate blue or purple flowers that soften the bold look of geraniums, while salvias offer spiky forms contrasting with their rounded clusters. Herbs like basil, rosemary, or lavender can be planted near geraniums for scent and shared sun/soil requirements.