Perennials - Geranium / Cranesbill

Geraniums make wonderful container plants and look amazing in hanging baskets. Their blooms are big and bold as well as aromatic.

They are easy to care for and love sun and well-drained soil.

There are two types of Geraniums, Hardy and Tender. Hardy Geraniums are often called Cranesbill. Tender Geraniums are often called Pelargoniums. Many gardeners bring these tender Geraniums in as houseplants for the winter. 

This chart may be helpful.

Feature Geranium Pelargonium
Botanical Genus Geranium Pelargonium
Common names Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium Geranium Pelargonium, Tender Geranium
Plant Family Geraniaceae Geraniaceae
Climate Tolerance Frost-hardy Not frost-hardy
Growth Habit Spreading, ground cover Bushy, semi-trailing, trailing, climbing
Flower Colors Blue, pink, purple, white and purple Red, pink, white, orange, purple, and bi-color
Leaf Shape Delicate, deeply lobed, sometimes scented Varied, often decorative, and scented
Perennial/Annual Perennial Tender perennial
Usage Borders, ground cover, naturalized areas Containers, bedding plants, hanging baskets, flower borders

Be aware geraniums are toxic to pets.