The large family of cranesbills is extremely versatile: in addition to small, delicate border perennials and large-flowered varieties, the ground-covering cranesbill species are particularly popular. We introduce you to some of the most beautiful varieties.
There are many cranesbill species that are suitable as ground cover
Which cranesbill is suitable for ground cover?
In the following table we have put together some cranesbill species that are particularly suitable for ground-covering planting. The evergreen rock cranesbill, also known as the Balkan cranesbill, is particularly recommended. If you are looking for a ground cover that keeps annoying weeds at bay, an evergreen plant is a good choice. In dark locations, on the other hand, it makes more sense to choose a shade-tolerant ground cover.
Overview: suitable cranesbill species
| Cranesbill Art | Latin designation | heyday | growth height | location | plants per square meter | special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balkan cranesbill | Geranium macrorrhizum | May to July | up to 30 cm | sunny to shady | 8 | evergreen |
| Cambridge cranesbill | Geranium cantabrigiense | May to July | up to 25 cm | sunny to semi-shady | 16 | evergreen |
| Clarke's cranesbill | Geranium clarkei | June to August | up to 50 cm | sunny to semi-shady | 11 | very vigorous |
| Himalayan Cranesbill | Geranium himalayense | June and July | up to 40 cm | sunny to semi-shady | 8 | for sunny discounts |
| Heartleaf cranesbill | Geranium ibericum | June and July | up to 50 cm | sunny to semi-shady | 8 | undergrowth |
| Magnificent cranesbill | Geranium magnificum | May to June | up to 60 cm | sunny to semi-shady | 11 | undergrowth |
| Oxford cranesbill | Geranium oxonianum | June to August | up to 60 cm | sunny to shady | 5 | shade tolerant |
| Knotty Mountain Forest Cranesbill | Geranium nodosum | June to August | up to 50 cm | sunny to shady | 11 | shade tolerant |
| Caucasus cranesbill | Geranium renardii | June to July | up to 30 cm | sunny | 11 | foliage perennial |
Plant and care for ground cover
Basically, ground-covering plants like the cranesbill need little care. This also makes sense, after all, such a planting should save the gardener work by keeping unwanted weeds away. Therefore, before planting a ground cover, you should first carry out a thorough tillage and remove all weeds. For this reason, ground-covering perennials should not be planted until late summer, if possible, when weed growth has slowed.
tips
Avoid loosening the soil with a hoe after planting: the sharp metal edges can severely damage the roots, which are usually quite low.