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.
‘Sweet Heidy’ is a hardy geranium that is noted for its unusual tri-colored flowers and long bloom period. It typically grows to 12-14” tall, but creeps to as much as 18-20” wide with a slightly trailing habit. Five-petaled blue-purple flowers with white center areas surrounded by pink bloom from late May to September (sometimes to frost) on stems clad with deeply cut green leaves. Distinctive dark stamens and dark petal veining further accent the unusual flower colors. Reduced flowering may occur in hot summer weather in the St. Louis area. Foliage forms an attractive ground cover throughout the growing season. ‘Sweet Heidy’ was introduced by Marco van Noort who named the cultivar after his wife.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to leaf spots and rusts.
Uses
Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or wild gardens. Trailing habit is good for hanging baskets, containers, terrace gardens or on the edges of stone walls. Small area ground cover.