Hardy perennial geraniums shrug off cold winters, with many hardy to zone 3. Pests generally pass over hardy geraniums, so no chemical sprays are needed. Plants have a long bloom season, and the lobed foliage is attractive even out of bloom. Plus, hardy geraniums don’t demand frequent division, and, once established, they’re among the easiest of all perennials to grow. In general, hardy geraniums are tolerant of a broad range of soil, temperature, and sunlight conditions, though they prefer well-draining soil. The warmer the climate, the more the plants will appreciate some afternoon shade. Cutting back the plants often results in a second flush of flowers in the late summer or early fall. The Geranium genus is quite a large one, comprising more than 400 species. The common varieties grown by gardeners include about 18 different species and their named cultivars as well as a number of hybrid crosses derived from breeding different species. Here are 16 great varieties of hardy geranium to consider for your garden.
Native Area: HimalayasUSDA Growing Zones: 4–9Height: 12–20 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to HimalayasUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 12–18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Europe and western AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 9–14 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Madeira, PortugalUSDA Growing Zones: 9–11Height: 4–5 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Eastern North AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 18–24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Europe, AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–8Height: 16–20 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Europe, AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 3–9Height: 23–27 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Southeastern EuropeUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 12–18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parents species are native to Himalayas and southwestern AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 12–18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to western AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–9Height: 24–30 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to Pyrenees and southwestern AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 5–8Height: 12–18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: PyreneesUSDA Growing Zones: 4–9Height: 6–8 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: HimalayasUSDA Growing Zones: 2–9Height: 16–20 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Nursery hybridUSDA Growing Zones: 4–9Height: 12–16 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Southeastern Alps, BalkansUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 6–12 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Native Area: Western AsiaUSDA Growing Zones: 4–8Height: 12–24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
