Do I need to deadhead my geraniums?

Deadheading helps encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season.

Are they deer resistant?

Yes, they are generally avoided by deer and rabbits.

Plant guide

Geranium.

Geranium

Pronounced peh-lar-GO-nee-um

Also known as Crane's-bill, Geranium, Cranebills, Cranes'-bills, Geranium, crane's-bill, crane's-bills, geraniums and cranesbills

Geranium sanguineum — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

These cheerful plants are absolute classics for sunny windowsills and outdoor containers. They are known for their vibrant blooms and distinctively scented foliage. You will love how easily they brighten up any space with just a little bit of attention.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

Care

Give them plenty of sunshine and let the soil dry out significantly between waterings to keep them happy. Watch for yellowing leaves or soft stems, which often signal that the plant is getting too much water. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage the plant to keep blooming throughout the season.

Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Remove faded flowers and leggy stems to promote bushier growth.
Repotting: Repot when the roots begin to crowd the container.
Soil: Well draining potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: -10 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface instead of soaking in.
The plant looks stunted despite regular care.

Safety

People: These plants are generally considered non toxic to humans, though ingestion of large quantities can cause mild stomach irritation.
Pets: These plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: The plant is not considered dangerous, but it is always best to discourage children from eating garden plants.
Contact allergens: Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the glandular hairs on the stems.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is generally not considered a significant allergen.
Edibility: While some species are used in herbal traditions, many garden varieties are not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

rounded leaves with scalloped edges
vibrant clusters of five petaled flowers
stems often covered in fine hairs
distinctive spicy or citrus leaf scent

Height: 0.2 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: pink, purple, white, blue, 2 to 4cm

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Powdery MildewCommon
Botrytis BlightUncommon
EdemaUncommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Root RotUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Cut back the foliage to the ground in late autumn once it begins to yellow. A light layer of mulch can help protect the crown in colder climates.
In containers: They grow well in containers, provided the pot has good drainage and is at least 30 cm wide.

Division

1. Dig up the plant in spring or autumn.
2. Gently pull the root clump apart into smaller sections.
3. Ensure each section has healthy roots and foliage.
4. Replant immediately and water well.

Plant them under roses to act as a living mulch that keeps the soil cool and suppresses weeds.

Grows well with

Hosta — They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Lady's Mantle — Their foliage textures contrast beautifully.

Similar species

Bloody Cranesbill — A very popular and hardy species with vibrant magenta flowers.

Science

Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Geranium
Order: Geraniales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Conservation: Most common garden varieties are not of conservation concern.

They thrive in woodland edges and meadows where they use their spreading habit to compete with grasses.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: groundcover, border plant, rock garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Salinity: 1/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need to deadhead my geraniums?: Deadheading helps encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season.
Are they deer resistant?: Yes, they are generally avoided by deer and rabbits.

Where the name comes from

The name comes from the Greek word geranos, meaning crane, referring to the shape of the seed capsule. The scientific name Geranium was assigned by Linnaeus.

Good to know

They are distinct from Pelargoniums, which are often called geraniums but are not frost hardy.
They are excellent at suppressing weeds due to their dense growth habit.
Many varieties have attractive foliage that turns red or bronze in autumn.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.