If you're familiar with Geraniums, you know that there are many different varieties. One of the most common types is the Geranium Biokovo.
This type of geranium is a dwarf variety that grows relatively low to the ground. Its fragrant dark green foliage has a rounded, deep lobed leaf shape which turns into a rusty red color in the fall. Blushing inch wide white blooms are present from early spring and into late summer. The plant grows in a mound shape, reaching about 10 inches in height and spreading up to 1.5 feet in width when fully mature.
What is Geranium Biokovo?
The botanical name of the Geranium Biokovo is Geranium x Cantabrigiense. This specific variety is a hybrid that was created from crossing the Geranium Maculatum with the Geranium Cinereum. This hybrid variety is known for its origins in the English countryside.
There are 2 different genuses of Geranium, Pelargonium, and Cranesbill. This particular variety falls under the Cranesbill genus. The term Cranesbill alludes to the fact that its seed pod is shaped like a crane's long beak. These perennial plants are actually much different than the more common, sensitive Geraniums found in many gardens. Cranesbill Geraniums are also a lot more hardy, and they're able to withstand colder temperatures.
Its species name of "Biokovo" references the Biokovo Mountains in Europe, a region that is closely intertwined with this particular variety's history and origins. What's more, the plant and the Biokovo mountains share a unique aesthetic intrigue.
The Geranium Biokovo won the Perennial of the Year award in 2015.
How to grow Geranium Biokovo
Geraniums are a family of gorgeous flower plants. For general care instructions, you can always refer to our complete guide to growing geraniums. But we also have specific articles for specific types of geranium, as there can be differences between varieties.
Where It Grows
This geranium is best grown in an outdoor garden, but it is also known to perform well in outdoor containers and pots. Since it has a low growing, dense habit of growth, it does well as a "spiller" in the spiller-thriller-filler combination of outdoor pot arrangements. If it grows in a container, it may need more frequent watering.
It grows at a medium pace, serving as an excellent choice for ground covers, edge pieces, rock gardens, and mass plantings. It is low maintenance and easy to control, making it a garden favorite.
Plant Size
The Geranium Biokovo grows between 6 and 12 inches in height since it's a low growing variety. Its width can reach between 12 and 18 inches. When planting this variety, you must space each plant 12-18 inches apart. It slowly spreads by way of underground stems and root systems. It can be expected to live for about 10 years.
In order to promote more new growth each season and year, deadhead the blooms and spent stems. If you want to propagate the plant (though it isn't necessary), divide it in the fall or spring, replant it, then water it well.
Growing Zones
It grows best in the hardiness zones of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Choosing plants for your garden that grow best in your climate zone is one of the most important pieces to keep in mind. Each zone is characterized by different ranges of temperature and rainfall.
The Geranium Biokovo performs best in cooler summer climates. This ensures the longevity of the plant and that it produces the blooms and foliage of which it is capable. The foliage may lessen after it flowers in a hot climate, but you can use this time to trim the plant back to revitalize it.
Type of Soil
This variety grows best in moist, organic, well-draining soil. Sandy, loamy, chalky, slightly acidic, and rich in humus soils all helps this plant grow well and thrive. Once its roots have been established, it can withstand periods of drought. In general, it adapts well to different growing conditions.
Light, Fertilization, and Watering
The Geranium Biokovo grows best in either full sun or partial shade. If it is too shaded, it will not produce as many blooms and will spread more in its habit of growth. Weekly watering is necessary in order to maintain evenly moist soil. It's relatively pest and disease-free, but keep an eye out for leaf spots and rust.
Growing Geranium Biokovo Step by Step
- Decide if you are going to plant this geranium in a container or in the garden
- Pick a spot that receives full sun or is partially shaded
- Make sure the soil is moist, well-draining, and fertile
- If planting more than one, space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart
- Maintain a temperature around 65 degrees until it's established, then it can grow with temperatures ranging from 55 degrees to 70 degrees
- Enjoy the blooms!
Plant Inspiration
Edge Walkways
Lining walkways with this ground cover plant adds simple contrast to the walkway. Planting these geraniums alongside taller edging plants creates a greater dimension to the area.
Add Texture and Color
This variety of geranium looks stunning in a garden when it is mixed in with different plant varieties. It helps add texture and color, creating an eye-catching scene.
Geranium Biokovo Enhances Bouquets
Enjoy the beautiful blooms and foliage outside in your garden, then liven up any bouquet with the blushing white blooms and deep green foliage of this geranium.
Attract Pollinators
Attracting pollinators into the garden will help with the reproduction and health of the plant and garden as a whole. This variety of flower attracts both butterflies and bees.
Winter Interest
Even though the blooms' lifespan is from the summer until the fall, this geranium shows off beautiful, fiery red foliage through the fall and winter months. It helps maintain color in your winter garden.
Blooming Bed of Flowers
Since the Geranium Biokovo grows near the ground, it easily takes up space and can make any area look luscious and full. It enhances a garden with its full appearance of blooms and foliage.
Add Color with Geranium Biokovo
The blushing white blooms of this geranium can add color and depth to a rock garden. Since it grows well in those conditions, why not plant them here?
Show off the Beautiful Blooms
These hardy and abundant blooms show off for months. It creates a carpet of color for any garden in the summer.
Line Rock Gardens
The Geranium Biokovo looks charming when helping to line a pathway through a rock garden. Pairing it with different colors, sizes, and shapes is sure to provide an exquisite landscape.
Garden Humor
Putting a sign like the one above adds humor to your garden since the Geranium Biokovo is resistant to rabbits. This plant's resistance to critters like rabbits only adds to its appeal.
Filler Plant
It works as a great filler plant around trees and other tall plants, bringing additional color and vibrancy. The use of a filler complements the plant around it while adding mass.
Love the concept? Make sure to read our guide on creeping geraniums too.
Outdoor Pots
Though favored to grow in the garden, the Geranium Biokovo looks great in outdoor pots and containers. Since it is a ground cover plant, it can spill over the edge of a container creating a beautiful cascade look.
Where to Purchase
There is a multitude of places where you can order seeds or plants to kickstart geranium growth in your garden. Before buying, check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to verify that this plant can survive and thrive in the zone in which you live.
Perennial Farm Marketplace
This container size #1 has dimensions of 6 x 6 x 12 and weighs 4 pounds. The plant is shipped in season condition; if it is ordered between November 1st and March 1st, the plant will be trimmed and dormant. Once received, it is ready for immediate planting.
Casavidas Seeds Package
This packet of seeds is just what you need to start your Geranium Biokovo plant from seed to sprout.
Fragrant Fields Herbs and Perennials
This starter plant comes packed in a 3.5-inch square pot. Order a few of these hardy perennials to place in your garden or in a container.
For more online stores, make sure to check out this list of top 40 online stores for buying geranium plants and seeds.
Geraniums are addictive!
Their sheer visual, as well as the intoxicating smell, make geraniums a popular choice for many. There's a lot you can do with this plant too - just check out this list of uses for geraniums too.
If you liked the Biokovo, check out this list of 15 varieties of pink geraniums too, or try our next type: Geranium Endressii.