Oregon Geranium (Geranium oreganum), commonly known as Cranesbill, is a native perennial flower that blooms with stunning purple flowers. This attractive plant is perfect for adding color and natural beauty to your garden while supporting local pollinators. It thrives in well-drained soil and is well-suited for rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and shaded areas. With 10 seeds in this packet, you can grow your own Oregon Geranium and enjoy its unique purple flowers, fragrant foliage, and eco-friendly appeal.

Key Features:

• Native Flower: As a native plant to North America, Oregon Geranium provides ecological value by supporting local pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Purple Flowers: The plant produces beautiful purple to lavender-colored flowers, adding a splash of vibrant color to your garden during the blooming season.
• Fragrant Foliage: The aromatic foliage of Oregon Geranium adds a pleasant scent to your garden, enhancing the sensory experience.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Oregon Geranium requires little care, making it a great addition for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty.
• Versatile Growing Conditions: This plant is adaptable to various soil types, including those that are slightly acidic, and can thrive in both sun and partial shade, making it suitable for diverse garden settings.

Growing Information:

• Light: Oregon Geranium grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates where afternoon shade may help protect the plant from excess heat.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). It can adapt to a variety of soil types but performs best in soils with good organic matter content.
• Planting Tips:
  • Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, or sow directly outdoors in early spring after the danger of frost has passed.
  • Lightly press seeds into the soil but avoid covering them completely, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination process.
  • Germination typically takes 14-28 days, depending on temperature and moisture.
  • Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are large enough to handle, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart to allow for their natural spread.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but once established, Oregon Geranium is somewhat drought-tolerant. Be sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure the plant has well-drained soil to prevent standing water.

Benefits:

• Pollinator-Friendly: Oregon Geranium is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden. Its colorful flowers and nectar-rich blooms offer valuable resources for these important insects.
• Low-Maintenance Perennial: Once established, this perennial requires little attention. It’s a great option for gardeners looking for an attractive, hassle-free plant to enhance their garden.
• Eco-Friendly Landscaping: As a native plant, Oregon Geranium supports local ecosystems and wildlife. It’s well-suited for eco-conscious gardeners who want to promote biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices.
• Attractive Foliage and Flowers: In addition to its beautiful purple flowers, Oregon Geranium has charming, aromatic foliage, which adds visual and sensory appeal to your garden or landscape.
• Groundcover Potential: With its spreading habit, Oregon Geranium makes a great low-growing groundcover option that can fill in areas between other plants or along garden borders.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 4-9. Oregon Geranium is hardy and can tolerate a range of climates, from cooler northern regions to milder southern zones.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Wildflower Gardens: Oregon Geranium is an excellent addition to wildflower meadows or naturalistic gardens. It blends well with other native plants and attracts beneficial pollinators.
• Rock Gardens: The low-growing habit and vibrant purple flowers of Oregon Geranium make it an ideal choice for rock gardens or xeriscaping, where drought-tolerant plants are needed.
• Shaded Areas: Oregon Geranium is perfect for areas that receive partial shade. Plant it under trees, along shaded borders, or in woodland gardens to provide color and texture.
• Borders & Edging: Use Oregon Geranium as a flowering border or edging plant in garden beds. Its spreading habit and attractive flowers add charm to garden layouts.
• Container Gardening: This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, offering a versatile way to add vibrant purple flowers to patios, balconies, or porches.

Conclusion: Oregon Geranium (Geranium oreganum) is a beautiful and versatile native perennial that adds color, fragrance, and ecological value to your garden. With its stunning purple flowers, aromatic foliage, and low-maintenance growth habits, it’s perfect for a wide variety of garden settings, including wildflower meadows, shaded areas, rock gardens, and garden borders. The 10 seeds in this packet will allow you to grow this attractive herbaceous plant and enjoy its many benefits, including its ability to support pollinators and its adaptability to a range of soil and light conditions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, Oregon Geranium is a great choice for enhancing your garden with natural beauty and ecological appeal.