Garden Perennials - The
Geranium
Article about Perennial Geranium
by Andrew M Kelly
More and
more of us are becoming interested in landscape gardening, so much so that even
those with the smallest of backyards like to have some plants growing. Perennial plants are those plants which grow year after year and can prove
very useful when attempting to create a low maintenance garden. Luckily there are
many garden perennials which are considered low maintenance and the Geranium is
one of the easiest to grow successfully.
Originating
from Africa and introduced into Europe during the sixteenth century the
Geranium is available in a wide range of colors from pure whites to almost black, from
pink to mauve and through to deep blues. Some of the flowers of the Geranium
have veins which are of a darker shade creating both interest and beauty. The
leaves are usually mid to darkish green but can also be found in shades of gray
or silver green.
Most species
of Geranium will grow in almost any soil which is well-drained. Many species
also grow well in full sun while others grow best in
partial shade. They grow to various heights ranging from
about 10cm (4 inches) to as high as 90cm (3ft). Geranium plants can grow to a
width of between 15cm (6 inches) to 75cm (2.5ft). This makes the Geranium
suitable for nearly all gardens, as well as looking wonderful in mixed borders
they can also be used for ground cover or they can be used to fill awkward
shady places such as below trees.
Popular
Geranium Species
In total
there are around 422 different species of Geranium, the list below includes the
most popular.
G. cinereum
which grows up to 15cm (6in) high and 30cm (1ft) across.
G.
dalmaticum which grows up to 15cm (6in) high and 60cm (2ft) across.
G. endressii
which grows up to 45cm (1.5ft) high.
G.
grandiflorum which grows up to 30cm (1ft) high and 60cm (2ft) across.
G. ibericum
which grows up to 60cm (2ft) high and 60cm (2ft) across.
G.
macrorrhizum which grows up to 30cm (1ft) high and 60cm (2ft) across.
G. phaeum
which grows up to 60cm (2ft) high and 45cm (1.5ft) across.
G. pratense
which grows up to, or even over, 60cm (2ft) high.
G.
psilostemon which grows up to 90cm (3ft) high and 75cm (2.5ft) across.
G. renardii
which grows up to 23cm (9in) high and 60cm (2ft) across.
G.
sanguineum which grows up to 25cm (10in) high and 45cm (1.5ft) across.
G.
subcaulescens which grows up to 15cm (6in) high and 30cm (1ft) across.
G. sylvaticum
which grows up to 75cm (2.5ft) high and 60cm (2ft) across.
G.
wallichianum which grows up to 30cm (1ft) high and 60cm (2ft) across.
Cultivation
and Propagation
You can
plant your geraniums from early fall to early spring, in
well-drained soil and in sun or partial shade. G. cinereum can be rather
delicate so it is best to plant this in a sunny but sheltered site or leave planting until early spring. The taller
species will need to be supported with canes or twiggy sticks and are not
really suitable for exposed or very shady sites. Most Geraniums will die back
in the winter when any dead material and old stems should be cut to just above
ground level.
If you wish
to propagate your Geranium you should first see if the rootstock is suitable
for division as this will produce a plant the same as the parent. If the rootstock is
too small it is relatively easy to grow them from seed but the resulting plant
will differ slightly from the parent. Sow seed from fall to early spring and
keep them protected (in a cold frame) throughout the winter months. Prick out
the seedlings in the summer and plant out in a nursery bed and then move them
to their permanent positions at the end of the season.
It is worth
noting that Pelargoniums often have a common name which includes Geranium.
While they could be considered cousins of the true Geranium the Pelargonium is
far less hardy and is usually grown indoors.
If you wish
to discover more about Geraniums and other popular garden perennials
visit http://www.landscapinginfo4u.com/perennials/index.php
http://www.landscapinginfo4u.com/ is dedicated to providing quality
information about all aspects of landscape gardening. The author, Andrew Kelly,
has been a keen gardener since his childhood and, now retired, he spends most
of his spare time enjoying the hobby and writing about it.
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