Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)
Geranium spp.
Hardy geraniums (not to be confused with pelargoniums, the tender 'geraniums' of windowboxes) are among the most useful, reliable, and low-maintenance perennials for UK gardens. They grow in sun or shade, tolerate poor or rich soil, and form weed-suppressing mounds of attractive, often semi-evergreen foliage topped with saucer-shaped flowers from May to October. 'Rozanne' is arguably the finest garden perennial of the last 30 years — it flowers non-stop from June to November with large blue-violet flowers, and was the RHS Plant of the Centenary. 'Johnson's Blue' is the classic border variety. For shade, G. macrorrhizum is unbeatable — aromatic foliage and tolerance of dry shade under trees. For ground cover, G. × cantabrigiense forms dense, weed-proof carpets. After the first flush of flowers, shear the whole plant back hard (the 'Chelsea chop') and it will produce fresh foliage and a second flush of blooms. Virtually pest and disease free.
Plan where to grow Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Plant Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)
Plant hardy geranium (cranesbill) in March, April, May. It flowers from May to October.
Time to Flower Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)
Expect flowers approximately 12 months after planting.
Expected Yield
Long-lived perennials that form expanding clumps; divide every 3–5 years.
Pruning Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)
After the first flush of flowers, shear early-flowering types right back to the base; they quickly regrow fresh leaves and often flower again. Long-flowering types such as 'Rozanne' just need tidying in autumn or early spring.
Common Problems with Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)
Vine weevil (container plants)
Notched leaves and root-eating grubs. Use nematode biological control in August–September.
Powdery mildew
Cut back after first flush (the 'Chelsea chop') for fresh, clean regrowth.
Seedlings reverting
Self-sown seedlings may differ from the parent. Remove if colour matters.
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill): common questions
When should I plant hardy geranium (cranesbill) in the UK?
Plant hardy geranium (cranesbill) from March to May.
How far apart should I plant hardy geranium (cranesbill)?
Space hardy geranium (cranesbill) about 45cm apart. It grows to around 45cm tall.
When does hardy geranium (cranesbill) flower?
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) usually flowers from May to October in the UK.
Does hardy geranium (cranesbill) come back every year?
Yes. Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) is a perennial and comes back every year, dying back or slowing down over winter and regrowing in spring.
When should I prune hardy geranium (cranesbill)?
After the first flush of flowers, shear early-flowering types right back to the base; they quickly regrow fresh leaves and often flower again. Long-flowering types such as 'Rozanne' just need tidying in autumn or early spring.
Is hardy geranium (cranesbill) frost hardy?
Yes. Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
Plan your hardy geranium (cranesbill) in the allotment planner
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