Geraniums are among the most species-rich plant species and, in our latitudes, are certainly among the most popular garden ornaments. Ground-covering varieties are better known as cranesbills. Here, too, you can draw from a diverse pool.
Geraniums are also available as ground covers
Geraniums and pelargoniums - the difference
When you hear the name geraniums, you normally immediately think of balcony boxes (€109.00) in traditional half-timbered houses - but this is based on a widespread, folksy mixture of species. Because the lush, red to pink flowering balcony classics are rightly geraniums. Although this genus is closely related to that of geraniums, it is no longer assigned to it today. Both genera belong to the cranesbill family - most other geranium species are also known as cranesbills.
So again for clarity:
- Geraniums and pelargoniums are two different genera within the cranesbill family
- Pelargoniums are popularly mistakenly referred to as geraniums
- other geranium varieties are better known as cranesbills
Ground-covering geraniums
Among the ground-covering geraniums, or cranesbills, there are a few different species that differ in appearance and in the site conditions. What all ground cover geraniums have in common is the attractive, flat, star-shaped foliage and the delicate flowers in pink, violet to whitish tones. In addition, they are all - in contrast to the geraniums - hardy perennials and can be cultivated outdoors without hesitation. They are ideal for simple, decorative planting in open spaces and embankments, as accompanying ornaments in flower borders or as underplanting for roses.
Characteristics of ground cover geraniums:
- typically flat, star-shaped and decorative foliage
- delicate, pink-red, violet to whitish flowers
- hardy perennials
- very versatile
The different varieties
Many cranesbills prefer semi-shady locations - in nature they therefore also like to greet in tranquil flocks under light bushes or lightly shaded clearing areas. But there are also some species that prefer to be very sunny. In terms of soil technology, most cranesbills prefer a loamy, basic and nitrogenous ground. Here are a few varieties at a glance, sorted by partially shaded and sunny locations:
For the penumbra:
- Balkan cranesbill: very common here, therefore offers a homely look, also thrives in full shade
- Himalayan Cranesbill: upward-pointing flowers, spreading profusely
- Ground cover cranesbill: rich flowering, covers the ground well, very robust, almost evergreen
For sunny locations:
- Blood cranesbill: large-flowered, tolerates drought
- Pyrenean cranesbill: extremely beautiful flowers, velvet themselves well