How to plant hardy geraniums

When to plant hardy geraniums?

Plant geraniums preferably in spring, when there is no longer a risk of frost, but also in autumn, when the soil is still well warmed and rainfall becomes more frequent.

Where to plant them?

Hardy geraniums will thrive if you plant them in sun or partial shade, avoiding scorching sunlight. However, some varieties are perfectly suited to shade and can be planted, for example, in woodland. This is the case for Geranium nodosum, Geranium maculatum, and Geranium macrorrhizum.

In general, geraniums are easy plants and low-maintenance, capable of adapting to various situations. Nevertheless, the majority prefer rich, humus-bearing, cool, and well-drained soil… In short, a good garden soil that is neither too acidic nor too chalky suits them perfectly. Geraniums do not like waterlogged soil (with the exception of Geranium palustre, which is suited to wet areas!), nor do they thrive in areas that dry out too much in summer. Sanguineum geraniums and cinereum tolerate dry, poor, and stony soil a bit better. They will thrive in rockeries.

Geraniums make excellent ground cover plants, suitable for planting at the front of a flower bed, at the base of trees or bushes, or to dress the base of a rosebush. They can also cover a slope or be planted in a container on a balcony.

How to plant?

We recommend maintaining a distance of at least 40 cm between each young plant. This will provide them with the necessary space for their development. However, more compact geraniums, such as ‘Ann Folkard’, can be planted closer together than those that spread widely, like Geranium cinereum.

Planting in the ground, step by step:

1. Place the root ball in a basin filled with water to moisten it.
2. In the meantime, using a spade, dig a planting hole about twice the size of the root ball.
3. Place some potting soil or compost at the bottom of the hole.
4. Remove the plant from its pot and gently untangle the roots, especially if they are pot-bound.
5. Place the root ball in the planting hole, with the collar level with the soil.
6. Replace the soil around it, and gently firm it down.
7. Water

Continue to water regularly in the weeks following planting. Afterwards, your geranium will do well without watering, except in cases of severe drought.

Planting in pots or containers:

You can plant your geraniums in pots or containers to add colour to a balcony or terrace. Some varieties, such as geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ or ‘Rozanne’, will let their long stems cascade over the edge of the pot!

1. Choose a pot that is large enough
2. Drain the bottom with gravel or clay balls
3. Place the substrate in the pot
4. Position the root ball
5. Fill around with substrate, then firm down
6. Water generously

Also, check out our video tips – Planting perennials: