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Geranium variety

amynewmanukamynewmanuk Posts: 5
in Problem solving
Can anyone identify this geranium. Or give some advice on cutting back. It seems to have shoot/root system above the ground. Some of these thick stems grow from underground. Up until now when I’ve trimmed them I’ve left these shoots but not sure if I can remove these aswell. Some come away very easily. 
Thanks in advance. 
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Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That looks like a Pelargonium, they are not normally hardy unless kept under cover over winter.  There are green leaves though so there's hope!  I'd remove all the thin brown twiggy bits, top the soil around it with some compost and see how it fares.  It looks as if it's in a border, if so, I would move any plants close by so that is not competing for water and nutrients. (Hardy Geraniums, also known as Cranesbills won't be emerging just yet unless you're in a warm microclimate.)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • amynewmanukamynewmanuk Posts: 5
    Thanks Plantminded. A friend thought the same re Pelargonium but this is the second winter they stayed in the ground and were vigorous last year with two sets of flowering after I trimmed them back. So that doesn’t seem to fit. 
    I think I will experiment and keep the twiggy bits on most plants (there are a few) but cut some off to the soil and see how they go. 


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2022
    Pinch the leaf and see if there's a slight scent, if so it's a Pelargonium @amynewmanuk.
    Pelargonium flowers are held around a spike rather than as individual flowers.  There are no bright red hardy Geraniums to my knowledge.  Hope this helps with your ID!

    This should help too! The Difference Between Geraniums and Pelargoniums (geraniumrozanne.com)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Can you remember what the flowers were like? Colour, and whether they were single flowers or in clusters?
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • amynewmanukamynewmanuk Posts: 5
    JennyJ I am pretty sure they were blue/purpley. Maybe I can repost once they flower! 
  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    To me it looks like a hardy geranium, I can’t think of any pelargonium that would have this growing habit. Some geraniums disappear completely and grow back from the roots, some others leave behind these stems. I would think it’s safe to cut them back, they will regrow from lower down. That’s what I would do anyway.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I'm pretty sure it's a hardy geranium as well, particularly as the colour is blue/purple. It might be worth lifting and/or dividing and replanting it. 
    https://www.barrgardens.co.uk/how-to-propagate-hardy-geraniums
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2022
    Hmm, the blue/purpley flowers would definitely confirm it's a Hardy Geranium but those thick woody stems are more typical of Pelargoniums.  Hardy Geraniums have a softer, sprawling habit and it's too early for them to be in leaf in February.  Let's see what others think!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    edited February 2022
    Whereabouts are you in the UK @amynewmanuk ? (Just a general location will do :) )
    If it's in a sheltered suburban garden it's possible that it may be in leaf.
  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    Here is a similar stem from my hardy geranium Russell Pritchard. I will experiment with taking cuttings. Thanks, @AnniD.


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