Geranium 'Brookside'

Summer foliage

Fall foliage

Common Name: Hardy Geranium, Cranesbill

Lavender blue flowers with a tiny white eye and deep purple veining bloom for an exceptionally long time from late spring thru midsummer and then again from early fall until frost. The compact clumps of lacy green foliage provide a wonderful background for these flowers and retain their healthy look all season. In fall, the leaves turn vivid red-orange.

Hardy geraniums are wonderful filler plants for any landscape, either residential or commercial. They blend nicely with most other perennials and offer continuous color throughout the summer months.

Height:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Spread:

24.0-28.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring Early Summer Midsummer Early Fall

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Easy To Grow Mass Planting

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Cranesbill is generally quite adapatable to a variety of growing conditions. Though it prefers moist, well-drained soil, it will also tolerate periods of drought once established. For this reason, it is a good choice for southern gardens.

Cranesbill will grow in full sun or part shade. In too much shade, however, its habit will be less compact and fewer flowers will be produced.

Geraniums are generally considered pest free. They require little care once established, but may be divided every 3-4 years. If the foliage begins to look raggedy by late summer, simply trim it back. A new flush of foliage will quickly take its place.

Awards

Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 2004

Fun Facts

The commmon name, Cranesbill, refers to the beak-like shaped seed pod.

Characteristics