Hardy geraniums are not to be confused with Pelargoniums, a succulent species from south Africa which many people refer to as a geranium. Pelargoniums come in shades of mainly pink and red and they are planted out as bedding plants, container plants or placed on the windowsill and need winter protection. This is not the Hardy Geranium.

These are mainly temperate plants that are planted out permanently in the herbaceous border or rock bed and will survive temperatures often as low as -15 degrees C. Hardy Geraniums are perennials (this means they flower year after year), and, as their name suggests they are one of the toughest and most reliable plants that you will find in the garden. There is virtually no place in the garden where one of these plants cannot be planted. From the driest, shadiest spot to the hottest or dampest spot there is a geranium that will thrive there. Hardy Geraniums are also affected very little by pests and diseases. Towards the end of flowering mildew can appear.

This is remedied by cutting the plant to the ground. Fresh foliage will then appear and often a second flush of flowers too. Slugs and snails sometimes eat the leaves but on the whole, do very little permanent damage. As with many plants the biggest pest is from vine weevils. This however, only really affects pot grown plants and using a vine weevil killer twice a year will help to keep the problem under control.

One of the quickest and easiest ways of increasing your stock of Hardy Geraniums is to grow them from seed. Some geraniums are sterile (they do not produce seed) but many do and it is quite simple. Patience is one of the virtues needed for growing some geraniums as their germination rates can be somewhat erratic. Some germinate in a matter of weeks whilst others are more staggered with the whole batch taking months. Many seeds are thrown out by inexperienced growers as they think batches are not viable. But this is seldom the case. Seedlings can pop up one at a time sometimes months apart.

Seeds are best sown from March onwards. I do not sow beyond the end of September. Sow in 3 inch pots about 1cm apart and cover either with 1cm of compost or vermiculite and keep well watered. Seeds must never dry out. Put them in a cool place approx 60 degrees F in good light (but not direct sunlight).
Apart from the half hardy varieties; Maderense, Canariense and the south African species, hardy geraniums DO NOT need any bottom heat in order to successfully germinate. Growing plants on under heated conditions makes them soft and less likely to withstand the rigours of the elements outside.

Prick out the seedlings when they have formed their first set of leaves. I have found it really doesn't matter which compost you use as long as it has good drainage. Adding vermiculite to the mix can help too. Hardy Geraniums benefit from being put out in their final positions as soon as possible. They like to get their roots down and it is staggering how quickly they grow away. A good rule of thumb is 4 pairs of leaves. Some protection from slugs would be advisable at this stage. Whilst it is true they are not partial to adult plants they will readily make light work of a young one!
Planting Guide

Once established Hardy Geraniums are not demanding of soil or time. When they are first planted however, it pays to give them a helping hand in order to become established. Break up the soil well so that roots have an easy run removing any large stones. When planting mix a little well rotted manure or compost into the soil.

These plants do not need a lot and grow too lush at the expense of flowers if they are fed too much. If your soil is sandy or you live in a hot or drought prone area they would also benefit from mulch in order to retain moisture. Keep well watered until established.
When they have finished flowering cut them right down to the ground. Some species will reflower but even if they don't this will help to revive the plant, at the same time making it look neater. Tidy away any dead foliage in late winter to allow the new growth to come through.