Evergreen geraniums and cold-resistant varieties: are there really geranium plants capable of surviving the winter? A journey through lesser-known varieties, curious habits and little secrets for those who don’t want to give up flowers even in the frost.
It is often thought that i geraniums they are summer plants, perfect for sunny balconies or for a kitchen window. Those who have grown them for years know this: in autumn the leaves begin to lose their shine, some give up and eliminate them, others try to overwinter indoors. But do all varieties really suffer from the cold? In reality, that’s not really the case.
In nurseries, especially at the beginning of October, you see people choosing geraniums with their eyes closed, convinced that they will only last a few months. Then, around November, the survivors are counted. The question remains: do they exist evergreen geraniums? Or is it just a legend from online forums? The answers often surprise even those who have had a lifelong green thumb. Some little-known varieties, in fact, manage to keep a good part of the green foliage even below zero, without too many strange precautions. Sometimes all you need is a location sheltered from the wind or a slightly larger than usual planter. But not all stories are the same: there are those who swear they see their geranium still green in February, while those who tell of dry plants already in mid-November. A question of species, but also of small habits.
Evergreen geraniums: do they really exist?
Talking about it almost seems like a myth, yet among the variety of geraniums more rustic species are hiding, capable of facing the cold without losing leaves. Not the classic zonal Pelargonium found everywhere, but rather some selected botanical species and crossbreeds. The difference is especially noticeable between the so-called “true geraniums” (Geranium) and the more common Pelargoniums in nurseries.
Some practical examples: the Geranium macrorrhizum it is among the most reliable when it comes to frost resistance. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, with aromatic leaves, which remains green even under the snow, especially in the regions of Northern Italy. It is not uncommon to see it appearing among the rocks in old mountain gardens. Then there’s the Blood geraniumless widespread, but equally tenacious: it grows spontaneously in some areas of the Apennines and resists even very low temperatures, especially if the soil remains well drained.
A little trick? Avoid stagnant water, especially in winter. It’s one of those details that can make the difference between a plant that survives and one that gives up with the first frost.
The most resistant varieties and how to recognize them
Not all plants called geraniums are the same. In practice, those who really look for variety evergreen it must orient itself towards botanical species rather than classic balcony hybrids. In addition to the macrorrhizum, there are other robust Geraniums, such as Geranium pratense (which tolerates humid winters well) and the Pyrenean geranium. They are plants that are difficult to find in large-scale distribution and often require targeted research in specialized nurseries.
Here are some clues to recognize them:
- Smaller leaves, often scented.
- Low stems, which spread to form small cushions.
- Flowering less showy than Pelargoniums, but more prolonged.
- Leaf colors that remain vibrant even in December, with shades between green and bronze.
A curiosity: some rustic geraniums are also used as ground cover in city gardens, precisely because they require very little care in winter. A detail that escapes many, but which can change the appearance of a flowerbed without effort.
Practical tips for evergreen geraniums in winter
Finding the right strain is just the first step. The way you grow geraniums also makes a difference in the cold months. A little extra attention can really help:
- Choose a location sheltered from strong winds, perhaps near a south-facing wall.
- Use terracotta pots or other materials that insulate the soil well.
- Avoid frequent watering: in winter humidity is often more dangerous than cold.
- Add a layer of dry leaves or straw at the base, especially in areas where frost is felt.
- Check that the soil is well drained and, if necessary, lighten it with a little sand.
There are details that are often underestimated: a window left open by accident, a sudden downpour in January, or simply a colder night than expected. Small incidents that sometimes make the difference.
After all, a little attention and a pinch of luck are enough to see a green tuft even in February, when the rest of the garden seems to stand still and watch the winter pass.
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