Geranium monacense Claudine Dupont

Hardy geraniums offer a <strong>very long flowering</strong> period, which can last <strong>more than six months</strong> depending on the varieties! They bear delicate flowers and <strong>decorative foliage</strong>, <strong>sometimes evergreen</strong>. They form beautiful clumps or thick carpets of leaves. They are often confused with pelargoniums, which share the same common name, and whose vibrant flowering colours the window sills. This is unfortunate, as true geraniums have the advantage of adapting to cultivation in <strong>open ground</strong>, are completely <strong>hardy</strong>, and <strong>low-maintenance</strong>! They have a much more natural appearance than pelargoniums. Geraniums are vigorous plants and rather <strong>easy to grow</strong>. They are <strong>not very susceptible to diseases</strong> and prevent weeds from growing... They are perfect perennials for achieving a flowering garden with a <strong>minimum of maintenance</strong>! Moreover, you can find a variety for every situation: for full sun or shade, dry or moist soils... And even for dry shade! Some geraniums will thrive in a sunny rockery, while others will be perfect in the undergrowth on cool soil. They integrate well into borders, make good <strong>ground covers</strong> at the base of trees or bushes, but can also grow in <strong>containers</strong> and thus brighten up balconies and window sills.