Geraniums

Vigor, longevity, hardiness, lo-o-ong flowering period and lush attractive deeply cut leaves make this hardy perennial useful for borders, edging, rock gardens or as an orchard companion. After bloom, distinctive long narrow “cranesbill” seed pods flutter jauntily above the spreading foliage, which quickly forms dense clumps and turns a rich red in fall. Name confusion may be a big reason why this attractive easy-to-grow genus is not more well known: the popular bedding and indoor plant with big red flowers widely called geranium is actually Pelargonium. For best results plant in the lightly shaded areas of wild open woodland gardens or in the orchard underneath your ancient apple trees. Plant 12–18" apart in average garden soil.