Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, organic soils. Established plants have some drought tolerance. Plants prefer some part afternoon shade in the St. Louis area. In hot summer climates, the primary bloom runs from late spring to early summer (June - July) with a lighter bloom continuing throughout summer into fall. If bloom interrupts in the heat of the summer, plants can be cut back to rejuvenate, shape and/or encourage a late summer/early fall rebloom. In cooler northern climates, plants usually bloom well throughout summer into fall. Side stems may be removed or trimmed at any time to control spread.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Geranium is a genus of about 300 species of annuals and herbaceous perennials from temperate regions. Many make excellent garden plants and many hybrids have been made.
Genus name comes from the Greek word geranos meaning crane in reference to the fruit which purportedly resembles the head and beak of a crane.
‘Tanya Rendall’ is a hybrid geranium that was reportedly bred in the Orkney Islands by Richard Rendall who named the plant after his daughter. This is a low-growing geranium that rises to only 6-8” tall and spreads to 12” wide. Foliage emerges bronze-red in spring, maturing to dark green by summer. Magenta flowers with a white eye cover the plant with bloom in May. In cool summer climates, flowering will usually continue throughout summer. In hot summer climates such as St. Louis, foliage will decline and flowering will usually stop in mid-summer.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spots and rusts.
Uses
Rock gardens, cottage gardens or borders. Mass for ground cover. Containers.