Favorite hardy geraniums?
linrose
14 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (32)
sue36
14 years agorootygirl
14 years agoRelated Discussions
What do you have planted with your roses?
Comments (40)lavender_lass: Wow, another person with such an expansive garden! Unfortunately, I can't make out much detail in the first two photos (think it's the resolution of my screen) but I can definitely the beauty in the bee balm. What's next to the bee balm a columbine (and if so, which)? Ingrid_vc: I totally forgot to mention the sea lavender too. I've intentionally walked away from it at the garden center thinking I'd never know how to use it but your photos illustrate their beautify wonderfully. I've never actually seen them so tall. How are they as cut flowers? They're really quite gorgeous. campanula: You make me want everything you've listed. Do you have any photos you can share? I'll bet your garden is wonderful. I love looking at grasses in the gardens of others but don't have enough space to allow them to become the plant they want to be. Years ago I planted one and it spread so fast and so large that when I went to remove it, I nearly needed a forklift. I'm in Southern Calfiornia where many uses grasses to accent the front of their houses as they're quite drought hardy and they look amazing. I, on the other hand, wouldn't have room for all the roses and other flowers I need in the garden if I were to grow them. Please do post some photos, if you have a chance, as I know we'd all like to see those beautifies if you have them growing in your garden. Thanks for the great recommendations....See More12 plants you have to have in your Cottage Garden...
Comments (52)Thanks everyone, I'm sure these lists are going to be of help to others as well as myself. It's really nice seeing what everybody is growing, different zones different plants, some I can't grow in the ground but some I can grow in a container for a punch of color then put in the greenhouse for winter protection. From all the contributions Nell has done a survey of what the top 12 plants for a cottage garden are, the ones with the most votes seem to be the favorites, this will be a big help to anyone starting out with a blank slate. It also helps those of us that are still looking for good choices to add to our cottage gardens. If anyone thinks of more to add to this list feel free to do so. I have got some of the plants mentioned above, I'll be selecting more from these lists to add to my garden. I'll post a picture if and when it looks half decent. Annette...See MoreHardy Geranium (Cranesbill)
Comments (29)I grew lots of different hardy geraniums "two houses ago" (having moved 3 times in five years didn't give me a chance to do much with the other garden) and am starting on the garden here at my new place. My favorite is G. pratense var. striatum which is often sold as "Splish Splash". Not sure whether it comes true from seed or not. The flower is described either as blue with white flecks or white with blue flecks and stripes (take your choice! :-). Like all the pratense's, it can get tall and rangy looking if not cut back somewhat after flowering. It's a good plant for a mixed border with other plants of some decent height, such as the taller campanulas. Geranium cantabrigiense is a super all-purpose border and edging plant. The different varieties such as Biokova (or Biokovo), St. Ola, etc., all go well with each other. There is also a white form, or there used to be. It is larger overall than New Hampshire purple. Geranium 'Ann Folkard' is great if you like intense dark magenta flowers with a black eye, and a lot more compact than G. psilostemon with gets to be about three times the size. That said, there's nothing quite like a few G. psilostemon plants in the border to stop traffic (I saw some once that were almost 4 feet tall and threatening to smother the lilies!). I also like the varieties such as G. macrorrhizum and maculatum which have very nice reddish fall color. Not all of the hardy geraniums do. 'Ann Folkard', for instance, just goes yellower. If you really want to get into hardy geraniums, there are two REALLY good books: 'Hardy Geraniums' by Peter Yeo (Timber Press, 1985) and 'The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hardy Geraniums' by Trevor Bath and Joy Jones (David & Charles Publishing, 1994). You can also join The Geraniaceae Group which is based in Dover, Kent, England. They publish a quarterly newsletter and have an annual seedlist. Originally they were part of the British Geranium and Pelargonium Society Group (divison of the RHS) but separated off during the mid or late 1980s and became a separate entity. There is, in fact, a link to some more info here on Gardenweb. Here is a link that might be useful: Geraniaceae Group information...See MoreHAVE: Hardy Geranium - Cranesbill - Geranium macrorrhizum
Comments (0)I can mail or swap my geranium for other geraniums or many other plants. Daylilies other than Tiger Lilies (I have lots of those). I am compiling a list right now of what I have in the yard and what I want. Also, click on My Page to see my See My Trade List....See Morelaceyvail 6A, WV
14 years agogottagarden
14 years agomxk3 z5b_MI
14 years agorootygirl
14 years agolinrose
14 years agohurlee
14 years agoMarie Tulin
14 years agorodja in NZ
14 years agomxk3 z5b_MI
14 years agochristinmk z5b eastern WA
14 years agocoolplantsguy
14 years agogonativegal
14 years agoMarie Tulin
14 years agopippi21
14 years agomxk3 z5b_MI
14 years agogazania_gw
14 years agochristinmk z5b eastern WA
14 years agomxk3 z5b_MI
14 years agoleafy02
14 years agobrody
14 years agofinchelover
12 years agoechinaceamaniac
12 years agoaftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
12 years agoninamarie
12 years agoaftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
12 years agowieslaw59
12 years agoontnative
12 years agobobbygil
11 years agoontnative
11 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Wild Geranium Puts on a Color Show
Oodles of bright blossoms and an easygoing nature make this woodland plant a welcome addition to a shady garden
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNGreat Design Plant: Retreat to the Shade of Hardy Catalpa
Big foliage and a towering height provide a shady respite in summer, but that's not all hardy catalpa offers dedicated gardeners
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Cold-Hardy Succulents for Cool-Season Interest
These attractive plants shrug off colder temperatures, and many can be brought inside in containers in extra-chilly climates
Full StoryFALL GARDENINGFrost-Hardy Foliage That Loves a Cold-Climate Garden
When winter cuts a bleak swath through other plants, these edibles and perennials flourish brilliantly
Full StoryFALL GARDENING20 Favorite Flowers for the Fall Landscape
Vivid blooms and striking shapes make these annuals and perennials a delight in autumn gardens
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHouzz Call: What’s Your Favorite Backyard Beauty?
The simple, honest daisy is this writer’s go-to garden flower. We want to hear which plant, flowering or otherwise, gives you special joy
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTexas Gardener's October Garden Checklist
Earn a "free" bonus by dividing perennials, make planting a priority now for hardy growth next year and keep an eye on your lawn
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESSouthwest Gardener's February Checklist
Orange you glad for a citrus-fertilizing reminder? And don't forget the recommended doses of vegetable seeds and cold-hardy flowers
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES7 Tropical Wonders of the Plant World
Go for high impact with the spectacular foliage, over-the-top florals or iconic profiles of these hand-picked tropical favorites
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow 10 Favorite Fruit Trees at Home
Plant a mini orchard in fall, winter or early spring to enjoy fresh-off-the-tree fruit the following year
Full Story
mxk3 z5b_MI