“So many Geraniums, so little time.” If this is your motto, we completely understand. There are so many fantastic varieties to choose from, but Geranium ‘Biokovo’ is extraordinary. Allow us to tell you why.
First, a little clarification regarding geraniums. Unlike our tender summer annual, commonly called “geranium” (genus: Pelargonium), true Geraniums are hardy, low growing, groundcover perennials commonly known as Cranesbill. I know, this is confusing, but when you see these two “geraniums”, they look nothing alike and they certainly do not behave similarly.
G. ‘Biokovo’, originally found growing in the mountains of Croatia, is cold hardy and semi-evergreen in hardiness zones 5 – 8. Growing up to a foot tall, this Cranesbill blooms in late spring, May to June, with five-petaled, ¾ inch, white flowers tinged pink. The leaves are slightly hairy, lobed, medium green turning orange-red in the fall and are highly aromatic with a pungent, orange-like scent when bruised.
Produced on spreading rhizomes, G. ‘Biokovo’ is easily grown in well-drained soil with average fertility. It is relatively drought tolerant once established and will thrive planted in either full sun or part shade. Fertilize in early spring. Plant divisions may be done in either spring or fall.
Use ‘Biokova’ in the front of the perennial border and in rock gardens. It will steal the show as a long blooming ground cover or edging plant. There are no serious pest or disease problems associate with this or any of the many other hardy Geraniums. It attracts butterflies and resists deer and rabbits.
No wonder Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’ was the 2015 choice for Perennial Plant of the Year!
