Do hardy geraniums perform well in Iowa?

Question: 

Do hardy geraniums perform well in Iowa?

Answer: 

While not widely planted in home gardens, hardy geraniums (Geranium spp.) are attractive, easy-to-grow perennials.  Numerous species and varieties are available.  Plants typically bloom in late spring/early summer.  The 1- to 2-inch-diameter flowers may be white, pink, magenta, purple, or blue.  Several double flowering varieties are also available.  Hardy geraniums commonly grow 6 to 12 inches tall.  In fall, the foliage of many varieties turns to shades of yellow, orange, or red.  Hardy geraniums prefer moist, well-drained soils and partial to full sun.  They have few insect or disease problems. 

Hardy geraniums should not be confused with common garden geraniums.  Garden geraniums are not “true” geraniums.  Garden geraniums are annual plants which belong to the genus Pelargonium

Category: 
Tags: 

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Horticulture and Home Pest News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on . The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.