The three most commonly grown species of geraniums are:
- Geranium clarkei. - Clarke's geranium is best know for the white flowered 'Kashmir White'. 'Kashmir White' is not the hardiest grower, but the white flowers and finely cut foliage seem to make it garden worthy. 'Kashmir Purple' is a more vigorous plant. It also spreads more vigorously.
- Geranium endressii - This is probably the most commonly grown cultivar of geranium and the one that put true geraniums on the gardening map. No photo of a renowned British garden seemed to be without a swath or 'Wargrave Pink' with its very vigorous growth habit and salmon pink flowers. 18-24 inches tall, this plant is an excellent border plant and should be on every gardener's hit list for geranium culture.
- Geranium sanguineum - This is a rapidly spreading geranium that makes a wonderful groundcover. It spreads, but it's not invasive and can easily be divided and shared. G. sanguineum is often referred to as 'Bloody Cranesbill' because the leaves turn a deep, blood red in fall. The flowers tend to be in the magenta - pink range. Varieties range in size from 3" 'John Elsley' to 2-ft. tall 'Splendens'.
Hybrid Geraniums - The Newest Geraniums for Your Garden
There are so many new hybrids on the market that don't fit into one of the standard species.- 'Johnson's Blue' was one of the first true blue flowers to can instant popularity.
- 'Rozanne' isn't quite so eclectic blue, but it has a neater growing habit and blooms more repeatedly.
- 'Patricia' grows just over 2' and has striking magenta flowers with a dark center.
- 'Ann Folkard' is one of the earliest bloomers, with magenta flowers that repeat bloom throughout the season.
Two newer releases featured here:
- 'Double Jewel' has double-white petals with a lilac center. It's short and perfect for containers. And
- Geranium oxonianum 'Southcombe Double' has double, pure pink blooms that resemble fluffy asters.
Take a look at some of the variety in hardy geraniums.