Carolina geranium
Geranium carolinianum · Geraniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant carolina geranium: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely cut and aromatic
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -15 °C
- Origin
- Eastern and central United States
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, tolerant of poor soils
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Watering
Water moderately during the growing period, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce considerably after flowering and in winter. Avoid stagnant water which promotes fungal diseases.
Exposure
Place Carolina geranium in full sun or partial shade. A sunny exposure promotes generous flowering. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Soil Preparation
Prepare well-drained, light and moderately fertile soil. This geranium tolerates poor and chalky soils. Adding organic matter improves structure without overloading the substrate.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young plants to encourage denser branching. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend flowering. Remove dead or damaged stems in spring.
Fertilizer
A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. No fertilizer needed in winter.
Pests and diseases
Watch for powdery mildew in conditions of excessive humidity. Spider mites can colonize plants in dry environments. Improve air circulation and avoid foliar watering to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Carolina geranium is a North American wild species that long went unnoticed by horticulturists. Unlike its African cousins cultivated intensively, this herbaceous plant is gradually regaining favor with gardeners seeking hardy and sustainable varieties, rediscovering a forgotten local floral wealth.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Bloody Crane's-billGeranium sanguineum
- Rock crane's-billGeranium macrorrhizum
- French crane's-billGeranium endressii
- Purple-vein geraniumGeranium wallichianum
- Himalayan crane's-billGeranium himalayense
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.