Container Gardening, Growing Annuals, Hanging Baskets

How to Select the Ideal Geranium for Your Garden [+ Geranium Reference Chart]

If you’re looking for vibrant colour and reliable performance for your prairie garden in zones 3 or 4, Geraniums are an outstanding choice.

Their resilience in both chilly spring mornings and the sun-drenched afternoons of Canadian summers makes them a cherished favourite among gardeners.

Let’s delve into the diverse world of geraniums, each with its unique benefits and uses.

Discover the differences between vegetative and seed geranium varieties, learn tips for optimal placement of geraniums in your garden, and gather inspiration for your own garden oasis.

What are Vegetative Geraniums?

Definition of Vegetative Geraniums

Vegetative geraniums are propagated from cuttings, which ensures each plant remains true to its variety’s colour and shape.

These plants often feature semi-double flowers and, because of their careful cultivation, may be slightly pricier than their seed-grown counterparts.

With a wide array of colours to choose from, these Geraniums let your creativity run wild as you select the perfect shades for your garden beds and containers.

1. Zonal Geraniums

Zonal Geraniums, also known as “common geraniums,” are a staple in many Canadian gardens.

Their velvety leaves, marked with distinctive zones, add a lovely texture to your garden.

Standing upright at 30–60 cm (1–2 feet), they rarely require staking and are remarkably tolerant of summer heat and dry spells (though a bit of TLC during droughts goes a long way!).

Popular Zonal Geranium series include: Dynamo, Fantasia, Galaxy, Sunrise, and Moonlight, each offering a unique palette of colours.

Uses for Zonal Geraniums

Flexible and easygoing, zonal Geraniums thrive in hanging baskets, containers, raised beds, planters, and mass in-ground plantings.

They’re perfect for gardeners who want maximum impact with minimal fuss.

2. Ivy Geraniums

Ivy geraniums steal the show with their trailing habit, making them ideal for baskets and containers that need a cascading effect.

Their smooth, shiny leaves resemble those of ivy vines, setting them apart from other Geranium types, and give them an old-world feel.

Growing to lengths of 60 cm (2 feet), these plants are incredibly heat-tolerant and can handle occasional dry spells—just avoid prolonged stress.

Series of Ivy Geraniums like: Focus, Precision, and Royal are beloved for their robust growth and vibrant blooms.

Uses for Ivy Geraniums

If you adore lush, flowing arrangements, ivy geraniums are your go-to.

Ivy Geraniums are stunning as they cascade out of hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers, adding movement and grace to any garden display.

3. Regal or Martha Washington Geraniums

Regal Geraniums, also known as Martha Washington or Pansy Geraniums, bring a touch of elegance to your garden.

Bred initially in South Africa, these upright geranium plants (30–60 cm or 1–2 feet) are celebrated for their ruffled, bicoloured blooms.

They prefer cooler conditions, so a spot with eastern or northeastern exposure is ideal.

While they’re less drought-tolerant, their vivid spring colour is a true delight.

The Elegance Regal Geranium series (Bravo, Red Velvet, Lilac Majesty) is especially easy to find and will brighten any greenhouse or garden center visit.

Uses for Martha Washington Geraniums

Regal Geraniums shine in upright containers or hanging baskets, particularly when paired with plants that share their love of cool, comfortable conditions.

4. Scented Leaf Geraniums

Scented leaf Geraniums are a treat for the senses! Their fragrant leaves—sometimes fuzzy, sometimes smooth, and occasionally prickly—release delightful aromas whenever they are touched.

Scented Geraniums offer a large variety of fragrances including floral and sweet notes of lemon and rose, fruity and citrusy of orange, apple, and mint; and even one that has a coconut scent.

Upright and compact, they reach approximately 45 cm (18 inches) and boast small, charming flowers in shades of pink, burgundy, red, and white.

While tolerant of full sun and brief dry spells, they prefer not to go too long without a drink.

Varieties like: Citronella and Citrosa are well-known for helping keep pesky mosquitoes at bay.

Uses for Scented Leaf Geraniums

These versatile plants add fragrance and function to your garden.

Use scented Geraniums in upright containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, or mixed plantings for a touch of natural mosquito deterrence and visual interest.

5. Interspecific Hybrid Geraniums

Looking for something a little different? Interspecific Hybrid Geraniums, the result of crossing zonal and ivy types, offer robust growth, heat tolerance, and both upright and trailing forms.

Typically growing to lengths of 30–60 cm (1–2 feet), they’re vigorous, well-branched, and available in a rainbow of shades of red, pink, lavender, orange, and coral.

Calliope and Caliente are standout Interspecific Geraniums series: Calliope resembles zonal varieties while Caliente leans toward the ivy side, so you can choose whichever suits your garden’s style best.

Uses for Interspecific Hybrid Geraniums

Ideal for baskets and containers needing a “spilling” effect, these Geranium hybrids pair beautifully with other sun-loving plants and are a fantastic way to add dynamic shape and bright colour to your outdoor arrangements.

About Seed Geraniums

Planting seed geraniums — *These Seed Geranium seedlings already show leaf markings.*

Seed Geraniums have a fascinating history. They were developed to overcome viral issues and to maintain vigorous commercial production; they’ve been brightening gardens for decades.

Introduced in the 1960s, Seed Geraniums are a cost-effective gardening option, making it easy to fill your garden with colour without breaking the bank.

Characteristics of Seed Geraniums

Seed geraniums are vigorous, disease-resistant, and produce an abundance of single flowers in reds, pinks, salmons, and even vibrant oranges.

Newer varieties of geraniums retain their petals longer, so your displays remain fresh and lively.

Seed geraniums grow to 30–45 cm (about 1½ feet), a bit smaller than vegetative types, and thrive in hot, sunny spots. While they’re tolerant of short dry spells, although regular watering ensures they stay at their best.

Seed Geranium Series like Horizon, Bullseye with unique leaf markings, and Maverick are reliable choices for Canadian gardeners.

Uses for Seed Geraniums

Seed geraniums are ideal for smaller containers, window boxes, and mass plantings—especially where affordability and ease of care are top priorities.

They love the sun and offer cheerful colour all season long. For extra resilience, consider mixing them with ivy and interspecific hybrids.

Which Geranium is the One for You?

Growing geraniums — *The beauty, ease of care, and resilience to temperature fluctuations make Geraniums ideal for northern gardens.*

Geraniums are a true gift for northern gardeners, offering steadfast performance, disease resistance, and a kaleidoscope of colours from spring through fall.

Whether you choose seed or vegetative types, these plants will grace your garden with beauty and reliability.

Both types flourish in warm, sunny locations and will spoil you with dazzling displays and minimal fuss.

Need help picking the perfect geranium for your garden? Refer to the chart below or reach out with any questions—I’m always happy to share advice and help you grow your gardening confidence.

Here’s to happy gardening and a season filled with colour and inspiration!

Download the Free Geranium Reference Chart

Ready to Bloom? Take the Next Step

Ready to choose the perfect geranium and add amazing color to your garden? Here’s what to do now:

Get the Chart: Instantly download your free Geranium Reference Chart. Use it at the store to quickly pick the right plant for your sun, shade, or container needs.
Start Planning: Look at your garden or balcony. Decide exactly where you want to add a vibrant pop of geranium color this season.
Learn More: You know how to choose them, now learn how to grow them! Download our free Geranium Reference Chart for growing zones in Alberta and keep your geraniums stunning all summer.

More to Explore

📸 Some photos taken Thiels Greenhouses in Bruderheim, Alberta. Thank you, Nadine!

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Sharon Wallish Murphy

Sharon grew up in the Greenhouse at the heels of her father, Charlie, who mentored her. Sharon’s passion is to share the love for growing and to empower others to find JoY in their gardening journey.