Species hardy geranium
purple flower with five petals, magenta veins, and star-like, magenta stamens

hardy geranium

Geranium clarkei

Hardy geranium (Geranium clarkei) is an amazing plant species, due to its low-maintenance nature and diverse range of uses. With beautiful multi-petalled pinkish-lavender flowers, it really makes a great addition to any garden all year round. Hardy geraniums are fairly drought-resistant, making them easy to maintain even in hot climates and well-drained soils. This makes them perfect for sunny borders, rock gardens, and containers. They are often celebrated for attracting beneficial insects like pollinators, while also repelling pesky deer and rabbits. Hardy geraniums are versatile, resilient plants that make a stunning addition to any outdoor space.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

Purple-violet or white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Hardy geraniums (Geranium clarkei) do best when watered regularly. During the warmer months, water your plant every 3–4 days or when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. When temperatures begin to drop in the colder months, cut back on watering to once a week or whenever the top inch or soil has dried out. Giving these plants a thorough dousing, until water reaches the bottom of the container, is best. To avoid over-watering, always check the soil and see if the plant needs more water.

sunlight

Hardy Geraniums (Geranium clarkei) do best in full sun or partial shade. When grown in full sun, they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade means at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight a day. If grown in partial shade, they will need additional light provided by growing lamps. Hardy geraniums love the sun and should be placed in an area that receives plenty of it throughout the day. When grown in full sun, the flowers will be most prolific and vibrant.

pruning

Hardy geraniums (Geranium clarkei) should be pruned every year to encourage new growth and blooms. Pruning should take place in early spring, before the plant begins to actively grow. Start by removing any dead or damaged stems and leaves. Then prune back the stems by around 1-third to promote bushy growth. This will help create a full, luscious look in the garden. Finally, trim off any flowers that have faded or gone to seed to avoid the plant putting energy into growing seeds.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hardy geraniums typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Hardy geraniums typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map