Also known as Cranesbill · 2.8k saves
Geranium
Geranium, the genus most gardeners know as cranesbill. We track 66 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Geranium varieties
See all 66 Geranium varieties →Search this genus →
14 species of Geranium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Geranium in Sow
Save the Geranium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Geranium
Whats common across all Geranium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Geranium year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March88% of varieties
Remove old, dead foliage before new growth begins
- PruneJune and July85% of varieties
Cut back spent flowering stems and foliage by 1/3 to encourage rebloom
- MulchMarch33% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer in spring to conserve moisture
- FertilizeMarch30% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring
Do
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from heavy fertilization late in the season
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize in late fall
What goes wrong with Geranium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Whiteflies | White flying insects on undersides of leaves | Use yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and spray with neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply miticide if needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply neem oil or sulfur-based fungicide |
| Botrytis (Gray Mold) | Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and stems | Improve air circulation and remove affected parts |
Making more Geranium
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall.
- Separate into smaller sections with roots attached.
- Replant immediately at same depth and water well.
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone
- Insert into moist potting mix
- Maintain humidity with plastic cover
- Roots develop in 3–4 weeks
Geranium questions
How many types of Geranium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 66 distinct Geranium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.8k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Geranium grow in?
Across its varieties, Geranium covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Geranium bloom?
Most Geranium varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, late spring to summer, mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Geranium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.