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Advice on choosing hardy geraniums

PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
in Plants
Hi all
I want to get some hardy geraniums, and have done many hours of reading to help my choice BUT I am struggling to get a good impression of the FORM of many of them and the differences between them.

Here's what I want: white, low-growing (ie not one of the tall and lanky ones), tolerant of full sun (south facing). The soil is pretty good and well-drained.

Here's my list of possibles:
Sanguineum album
Cantabrigiense Harz or one of the others
Macrorrhizum white ness

Would be very grateful for advice on how these fit the bill, and of any others that might be better.

Thanks!

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Sanguineum album stays low and quite compact for me (on fairly poor sandy free-draining soil). I haven't grown the other two.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    Tim Fuller of the Plantsman's Preference nursery specialises in hardy geraniums. He is very knowledgable and also contributes to RHS plant trials. I believe he's doing mail order.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    There is a lovely one called "White Doves", but this nursery doesn't do mail order unfortunately.
    https://www.avondalenursery.co.uk/plant.php?reference=1420210365009762
    Dove cottage nursery near Halifax is also listed as a supplier , but again no mail order. 
    "Little Ness" is a good doer l find.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Recommend Geranium x cantabrigiense, I have 'St Ola' which is white with a pink flush to the stamens; very neat and low; similar to macrorrhizum but slightly lower and denser in growth I think. I cut mine back after flowering and it is smothering the ground and looks so healthy.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    I just bought a load of hardy Geraniums from Claire Austin, they have a massive selection (and critically) they were one the only nursery that had almost everything in stock, and were dispatched within 2-3 weeks.  I am very happy with the quality of the plants that arrived.

    All of the other nurseries I looked at, including some Geranium specialists were often out of stock, or quoting 3 months to deliver.  Plantsmans Preference, if they have what you want, and the delivery time is acceptable to you, are great.  I've used them in the past for various things, but not Geraniums.  They are also excellent.
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @JennyJ @AnniD @Loxley thanks for the comments about the varieties. That's helped to finalise my list.

    @rachelQrtJHBjb @KeenOnGreen thanks for the info about suppliers. It has been frustrating that so many places are out of stock or have really long lead times. Patience is not one of my virtues!
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