The cranesbill as a carpet plant

Geraniums and pelargoniums - the difference

By name Geraniums you usually think of immediately Window boxes(€ 7.99 at Amazon *) traditional half-timbered houses - however, this is based on a widespread, folk mix of genres. Because the lush, red to pink blooming balcony classics are rightly pelargoniums. Although this genus is closely related to that of geraniums, it is no longer included in 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 incorrectly referred to as geraniums
• other Geranium varieties are better known as cranesbills

Ground-covering geraniums

Among the geraniums that cover the ground, resp. the cranesbills, there are several different species, which differ in appearance and also in the location conditions. What all ground cover geraniums have in common is, of course, the attractive, flat, star-shaped foliage and the delicate flowers in pink, purple to whitish tones. In addition, unlike pelargoniums, they are all hardy perennials and can be cultivated outdoors without hesitation. They are ideal for simple, decorative planting of open areas and

Embankments, as an accompanying ornament in flower borders or as underplanting of roses.

Characteristics of the ground cover geraniums:

• typically flat, star-shaped and neat foliage
• delicate, rose-red, violet to whitish flowers
• hardy perennials
• very versatile

The different varieties

Many cranesbills prefer partially shaded locations - in nature they therefore like to greet in contemplative herds under light bushes or slightly shaded cleared 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 bottom. Here are a few varieties at a glance, arranged according to partially shaded and sunny locations:

For the Penumbra:

• Balkans-Cranesbill: very common with us, therefore offers a homely sight, also thrives in full shade
• Himalayan cranesbill: flowers pointing upwards, spreads strongly
• Ground cover cranesbill: abundant flowering, good ground cover, very robust, almost evergreen

For sunny locations:

• Blood cranesbill: large-flowered, tolerates drought
• Pyrenean cranesbill: extremely beautiful flowers, together well with themselves