hardy geranium
cranesbill
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
Few people would think of hardy geraniums as a groundcover. The very useful species, Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety' makes a tight and dense mat of fragrant, light green foliage. The evergreen foliage is topped with profuse clusters of soft pink flowers in late spring to early summer. The weed blocking foliage creates a slowly spreading patch that is great filler around other perennials. It does not have an aggressive root system and will not harm the more delicate shallow root systems of plants like rhododendrons and azaleas. Geranium macrorrhizum 'Ingwersen's Variety' works well growing in front of taller perennials such as Asters or Solidago. It is also quite useful as an edging for borders. It's medium-sized, round leaves contrast well with the fine foliage and textures of ornamental grasses or woody shrubs like, Nandina, hebes and barberry.
Plant Type: perennial
Growth Habit: spreading
Foliage Type: evergreen
Plant Height (10-year): 1 ft. 0 in. (0.30 meters)
Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 to 8
Flower Color: pink
Flowering Time: spring-summer
Sun/Light Exposure: full sun to light or open shade
Water Requirements: occasional watering during prolonged dry periods
Wildlife Associations: bees, butterflies
This groundcover hardy geranium grows best in rich moist to well-drained soil, but is tough and will tolerate sand and clay. Plant it in full sun to light or open shade. This plant requires very little maintenance. A light shearing in mid winter can tidy the foliage, but is not necessary. It has relatively shallow roots and can easily be divided and spread to other areas in the garden. Divisions are best done while dormant, from late fall to early spring. Once established this hardy geranium only needs occasional water during prolonged dry periods.
Text and photos ©2020 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden