We love hardy geraniums

Hardy Geraniums have flowers that can go on for months, they’re some of the most hard-working perennials around. Make room for a few this spring!

If you’re a lazy gardener (and there’s no shame in that), hardy geraniums are so much more than a safe bet.

They need very little care – although a trim after flowering will often result in fresh new foliage and a second flush of flowers.

Plus, if you choose well, you’ll have colour beginning in April and taking you (and the bees – did we mention pollinators love hardy geraniums?) right through to November.

Some varieties also have beautifully tinted autumn foliage. They come in a huge range of colours, make great weed-suppressing ground cover and many are enthusiastic self-seeders, giving you more plants year after year.

What more could you ask for?

Three of the best purple pros

‘Rozanne’ AGM Award-winning lavender-blue geranium with flowers that go on and on.

Jun-Oct

60 x 80cm

Sun / Part shade

‘Mary Anne’ Intense purple, veined flowers, and deeply divided foliage that’s fiery orange in autumn.

Jun-Oct

50 x 50cm

Sun / Part shade

‘Azure Rush’ Compact lavender-blue geranium with flowers all summer.

Jun-Aug

60 x 60cm

Sun / Part shade

Star Buys: Great All Rounders

Geranium cinereum Jolly Jewel collection

These relatively new arrivals, are evergreen with silvered flowers that light up a dull corner.

May-Sep

50 x 50cm

Sun / Shade

  • ‘Silver’

  • ‘Raspberry’

  • ‘Red’

  • ‘Salmon’

  • ‘Night’

Why Choose Hardy Geraniums?

These wonderful perennials are known for their resilience and long flowering period. Unlike their tender pelargonium relatives, Hardy Geraniums can withstand cold temperatures and return year after year, providing a low-maintenance and rewarding display.

Top Reasons to Grow Hardy Geraniums:
  • Easy to Care For – They require little maintenance once established.
  • Long-Lasting Blooms – Many varieties flower from late spring through to autumn.
  • Drought Tolerant – Once settled, they can cope with dry spells.
  • Pollinator-Friendly – Bees and butterflies love their nectar-rich flowers.
  • Versatile – Suitable for borders, ground cover, containers, and underplanting roses or shrubs.

Where to Plant Hardy Geraniums

One of the best things about Hardy Geraniums is their adaptability. They thrive in a range of garden conditions, but to get the best from them, consider these planting tips:

  • Sun or Partial Shade: Most varieties prefer full sun or partial shade, making them ideal for various locations.
  • Well-Drained Soil: These plants enjoy well-drained soil, though they will tolerate heavier soils if they don’t become waterlogged.
  • Under Trees & Shrubs: Their spreading nature makes them excellent for underplanting trees, roses, and shrubs, helping to suppress weeds.
  • Rock Gardens & Slopes: Compact varieties work well in rock gardens and on slopes where they can cascade naturally.

Top Tips for Caring for Hardy Geraniums

Although these plants are low-maintenance, a little care will help them thrive:

  1. Watering – Water well when first planted, but once established, they need little extra water except in prolonged dry spells.
  2. Feeding – A light feed with a general-purpose fertilizer in spring will encourage strong growth and flowering.
  3. Pruning – Cut back spent flowers and foliage in midsummer to encourage fresh growth and a second flush of blooms.
  4. Dividing – Every few years, divide large clumps in early spring or autumn to rejuvenate plants and create new ones.
  5. Pest & Disease Resistance – Hardy Geraniums are generally trouble-free, though slugs and aphids may occasionally visit. Keep an eye on new shoots and treat if necessary.

Whether you have a cottage garden, modern landscape, or wildlife-friendly haven, Hardy Geraniums fit right in. Their ability to spread, flower for long periods, and thrive with minimal care makes them a top pick for every gardener.

Visit your local Otter Garden Gentre to explore our fantastic range of Hardy Geraniums and find the perfect variety for your outdoor space.

Visit your local Otter Garden Centre to buy your Hardy Geraniums.

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