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Description
Geranium Summer Rain (Geranium pratense ‘Summer Rain’) is a hardy perennial plant that is part of the Geraniaceae family. It is known for its delicate blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, making it a popular addition to gardens and landscapes. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has become naturalized in many parts of North America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Geranium |
Appearance
Geranium Summer Rain has a clumping growth habit and can reach a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) with a spread of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The leaves are deeply lobed and can vary in color from dark green to bronze, depending on the cultivar. The flowers are a delicate shade of blue with darker veins and can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter.
Care Guide
To care for Geranium Summer Rain, it is important to provide adequate water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and ensure you are planting in the correct hardiness zones. The following tips can help:- Water: Geranium Summer Rain prefers moist soil but can tolerate some dryness. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and again in mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and blooming.- Soil: Geranium Summer Rain prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting if necessary.- Sunlight: Geranium Summer Rain prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Geranium Summer Rain is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Geranium Summer Rain is generally resistant to pests and diseases but can sometimes be affected by the following:- Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant. Control with bait or by handpicking.- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Control by improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.- Rust: A fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves. Control by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Geranium Summer Rain is native to Europe and Asia and can be found growing in meadows, woodland edges, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate some dryness.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does Geranium Summer Rain bloom?
A: Geranium Summer Rain blooms from late spring to early summer.
Q: Can Geranium Summer Rain tolerate drought?
A: While Geranium Summer Rain prefers moist soil, it can tolerate some dryness.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Geranium Summer Rain?
A: Geranium Summer Rain is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Q: Is Geranium Summer Rain invasive?
A: Geranium Summer Rain is not considered invasive but can self-seed in favorable conditions.
Related Plants
– Geranium ‘Rozanne’- Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’- Geranium ‘Brookside’- Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’- Geranium ‘Orion’
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Geranium pratense ‘Summer Rain’. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e810- University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Geranium (Cranesbill) for Minnesota landscapes. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/geranium-cranesbill-minnesota-landscapes
