How to Grow and Care for Geraniums

Herb robert (Geranium robertianum) is a plant species that can be found growing naturally worldwide, including in Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. The common name references Robert of Molesme, a Christian saint and herbalist from the 11th century. The herb robert gets one of its nicknames, "Stinking Bob," from the scent that the leaves emit when crushed; it's said to be similar to the smell of burning rubber!

Carolina geranium is a wildflower with tall stems covered in distinctive, spiky growths that resemble hair. Each pink or white flower has a five-petal shape and grows clustered together with others. One of the most unusual features of the plant is its fruit, which has an elongated, beak-like shape, leading to its common Southern nickname: "Cranesbill."

Dove's-foot crane's-bill (Geranium molle) is an annual with soft gray-green leaves. Pretty pink flowers appear summer through fall followed by the fruit which features a long neck that looks like a crane's bill. It will grow in sunny locations but prefers shade and will reach 8 to 41 cm tall.

Wood crane's-bill (Geranium sylvaticum) is a deciduous perennial that will grow to 61 cm tall and 76 cm wide. It blooms in late spring to early summer with gorgeous bright violet-blue flowers. Blossoms are cup-shaped with contrasting white centers. Thrives in full sun or partial shade and makes a great addition to cottage gardens, beds and borders. Cut back dead leaves and faded flowers to encourage new growth and more blooms.

Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) is a flowering perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The bloody cranesbill often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens which is prized for its starry flower in spring and blood-red leaves in fall. Its Latin name 'sanguineum' is to describe their red leaves.