Geranium cinereum 'Ballerina'
perennial

Geranium Ballerina

Geranium cinereum 'Ballerina'

The Story

Plant Bio

Geranium cinereum 'Ballerina' is a compact, mound-forming perennial with deeply-lobed, grey-green leaves. It produces showy, cup-shaped, lilac-pink flowers with prominent dark purple veins and centers.

This cultivar is prized for its low-maintenance nature and its ability to form a dense, attractive ground cover, making it ideal for rock gardens and border edging.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides attractive gray foliage and vibrant pink flowers, ideal for borders and containers.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant and deer resistant, reducing maintenance needs.
Ecological BenefitsSupports insect diversity with nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

6 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Pyrenees

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
  3. Place in full sun for best flowering.
  4. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
  5. Divide every 2-3 years in early spring.
  6. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming
  • Divide every 2-3 years for healthy growth

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t fertilize in late fall
  • Never leave in standing water after rain

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silvery foliage borderPink flowering groundcover

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Geranium Ballerina questions

What zones can Geranium Ballerina grow in?

Geranium Ballerina is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Geranium Ballerina deer resistant?

Yes β€” Geranium Ballerina is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Geranium Ballerina bloom?

Geranium Ballerina typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone β€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Geranium Ballerina need full sun?

Geranium Ballerina does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Geranium Ballerina drought tolerant?

Yes β€” once established (usually after the first full season), Geranium Ballerina handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Geranium Ballerina with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.