Geraniums and Pelargoniums

How to choose geraniums and pelargoniums

Rozanne Cranesbill is the long-flowering standard: violet blue flowers with a pale centre from late spring until the first frosts, on a loose mound about 50cm high that spreads to a metre. It is sterile, so it keeps flowering instead of setting seed. The meadow cranesbills are more upright. Summer Skies Meadow Cranesbill has double lavender blue flowers, and Black n White Meadow Cranesbill sets white flowers against dark purple foliage, which makes it useful as a contrast plant even when not in bloom.

For tougher positions, look to the natives. Native Storksbill grows wild on dunes and rocky coasts across southern and eastern Australia, forming a soft mound of velvety leaves with pale pink flowers veined in deep pink. Native Pelargonium Pop Up is a compact selection suited to pots, edges and small gardens.

Where geraniums and pelargoniums work

Cranesbills grow most happily from Sydney south and in elevated districts: Melbourne, Adelaide Hills, Canberra, Tasmania and the tablelands. They take full sun in cool climates and want afternoon shade where summers are hot. Meadow cranesbills are fully frost hardy and die back to the crown in winter. In the humid subtropics they tend to be short lived, so plant them in the coolest, most open spot you have.

Native pelargoniums suit full sun to light shade in sandy or gravelly soil, including front line coastal gardens. They tolerate light frost and dry spells once established. Both groups belong in a mixed border, so see the wider range of flowering plants, and for seaside gardens the coastal and salt tolerant plants.

Planting and spacing

Plant Rozanne 60cm to 80cm apart and let it knit through its neighbours; it also trails well from a large pot or over a low wall. Space meadow cranesbills 40cm to 50cm apart in groups of three or more. Native pelargoniums go in at 40cm to 60cm. Cranesbills like soil improved with compost that drains freely. Native pelargoniums need little preparation beyond good drainage, and rich soil makes them leafy and floppy. Water in well and mulch, keeping mulch clear of the crown.

Care basics

Water cranesbills weekly through their first summer and in dry spells after that. Feed in early spring with a general slow release fertiliser. If Rozanne becomes straggly in midsummer, shear it back by half and water it; fresh growth and flowers follow within a few weeks. Cut meadow cranesbills to the ground in late autumn. Native pelargoniums need only a light trim after flowering to stay compact, and occasional deep water in long dry periods. They can self seed gently in open ground. Our guide to perennial plants for a cottage garden shows how to combine them.

Common questions

What is the difference between a geranium and a pelargonium?

True geraniums, or cranesbills, have symmetrical five-petalled flowers and are mostly frost hardy perennials. Pelargoniums have two upper petals that differ from the lower three, and most prefer warmer, drier conditions.

Does Rozanne geranium die back in winter?

Yes, in cold districts it dies back to the crown and reshoots in spring. In mild areas it may keep some leaves.

Are native pelargoniums good for coastal gardens?

Yes. Native storksbill grows naturally on coastal dunes and cliffs and handles salt wind and sandy soil.

Can cranesbill geraniums grow in pots?

Yes. Rozanne suits a wide pot of 40cm or more, where it trails over the edge. Keep it watered through summer.