Cultivating Persistent Geraniums in Iowa
In the vibrant gardens of the Midwest, the humble cranesbill geranium (often referred to as "true geraniums") is a reliable and attractive addition. These perennial flowers, known for their long, slender fruit that resembles a crane's beak, are celebrated for their resilience and exquisite beauty.
The Chicago Botanic Garden, a renowned hub for horticultural knowledge, has evaluated numerous species and cultivars of cranesbill geraniums for their performance in Midwestern landscapes. Among the top performers, Geranium sylvaticum 'Moran' (Wood Cranesbill) and Geranium 'Rozanne' stand out as clear favourites.
Geranium sylvaticum 'Moran' blooms lavender flowers from May to June, making it an excellent choice for bedding, borders, specimen planting, and effective groundcover in Midwestern gardens. The cultivar Geranium 'Rozanne', on the other hand, is valued for its long bloom period and attractive foliage, making it a strong choice for durable garden performance in similar climates.
The sheer number of cultivars available for cranesbill geraniums can be overwhelming. However, these two—Geranium sylvaticum 'Moran' and Geranium 'Rozanne'—are highly recommended by the Chicago Botanic Garden and its associated experts.
Depending on the species/cultivar, most cranesbill geraniums flower for 2 to 4 weeks, beginning in mid to late spring and finishing sometime in summer. The bloom time, flower color, flower size, height, leaf color, and habit of these plants vary significantly, offering gardeners a wide range of options to suit their preferences and gardens.
Cranesbills are reliable bloomers in sites with full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. They have few insect or disease problems and are often long-lived in the landscape. With their versatility and charm, it's no wonder that cranesbill geraniums are a favourite among gardeners and horticulturists alike.
From Ingwersen's Variety with its light pink flowers to 'New Dimension' with lavender-blue blooms, the variety of cranesbill geraniums is truly astounding. Other notable cultivars include 'Johnson's Blue', 'Gravetye', 'Rosemoor', 'Moran', 'Brookside', 'Rod Leeds', 'Buxton's Variety', 'Sweet Heidy', 'Tiny Monster', 'Ann Folkard', 'Blue Cloud', 'Orion', 'St. Ola', 'Margaret Wilson', 'Perfect Storm', 'Elizabeth Ann', 'Biokovo', 'Cambridge', 'Butterfly Kisses', 'Rozanne', 'Elsbeth', 'Lohfelden', 'Starman', 'Espresso', and 'Lohfelden'.
One species of Geranium, Geranium maculatum, is native to Iowa woodlands, adding a touch of local flora to the gardens of the Midwest.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the world of cranesbill geraniums is a delightful and rewarding one to explore. With their resilience, beauty, and wide variety, these plants are sure to bring joy to any Midwestern garden.
- In the home-and-garden sector, the Chicago Botanic Garden has favored two cranesbill geranium cultivars for Midwestern landscapes: Geranium sylvaticum 'Moran' and Geranium 'Rozanne'.
- Geranium sylvaticum 'Moran' provides a range of applications in Midwestern gardens, as it serves well for bedding, borders, specimen planting, and groundcover due to its lavender flowers and effective growth.
- Geranium 'Rozanne', another top-performing cultivar, is appreciated for its long bloom period and attractive foliage, granting it a strong position in the landscape of similar climates.
- Despite the vast array of cranesbill geranium species and cultivars, these two – Geranium sylvaticum 'Moran' and Geranium 'Rozanne' – are highly recommended by the Chicago Botanic Garden and its experts for Midwestern gardens.
- Cranesbill geraniums are reliable bloomers in conditions that include full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, offering minimal issues with pests and diseases, making them long-lived and charming additions to home gardens.
