Geraniums are one of the most species-rich plant genera - and certainly one of the most popular garden ornaments in our part of the world. Ground cover varieties are better known as cranesbills. Here too you can draw from a wide range of varieties.
What characteristics do ground cover geraniums have?
Ground cover geraniums or cranesbills are hardy perennials with flat foliage and delicate flowers. They are suitable for semi-shaded and sunny locations, such as Balkan, Himalayan, Blood and Pyrenean cranesbills. They prefer loamy, alkaline and nitrogen-containing soil.
Geraniums and pelargoniums – the difference
When you hear the name geraniums, you usually immediately think of balcony boxes in traditional half-timbered houses - but this is based on a widespread, popular mixture of genres. Because the lush, red to pink flowering balcony classics are correctly pelargoniums. Although this genus is closely related to that of geraniums, it is no longer considered to be part of it today. Both genera belong to the cranesbill family - most other geranium species are also known as cranesbills.
So again for clarity:
- Geraniums and Pelargoniums are two different genera within the cranesbill family
- Pelargoniums are popularly incorrectly called geraniums
- other geranium varieties are better known as cranesbills
Ground Cover Geraniums
Among the ground-cover geraniums, or cranesbills, there are several different species that differ in appearance and also in the location conditions. What all ground cover geraniums have in common are the attractive, flat, star-shaped foliage and the delicate flowers in pink, purple to whitish tones. In addition, in contrast to pelargoniums, they are all winter-hardy perennials and can be cultivated outdoors without hesitation. They are ideal for simple, decorative planting of open areas and embankments, as an accompanying decoration in flower borders or as an underplant for roses.
Characteristics of ground cover geraniums:
- typical flat, star-shaped and decorative foliage
- delicate, pinkish-red, violet to whitish flowers
- hardy perennials
- very versatile
The different varieties
Many storksbills prefer semi-shady locations - so in nature they like to greet in tranquil flocks under sparse bushes or lightly shaded cleared areas. But there are also some species that prefer to be very sunny. In terms of soil, most cranesbills prefer a loamy, alkaline and nitrogen-containing soil. Here are a few varieties at a glance, sorted according to semi-shady and sunny locations:
For partial shade:
- Balkan cranesbill: very common in our country, therefore offers a homely appearance, also thrives in full shade
- Himalayan cranesbill: upward-facing flowers, spreads widely
- Ground cover cranesbill: rich flowers, good ground cover, very robust, almost wintergreen
For sunny locations:
- Blood cranesbill: large-flowered, tolerates drought
- Pyrenean cranesbill: extremely beautiful flowers, looks good on its own
