Oregon Geranium
- Scientific Name: Geranium oreganum
- Garden: Natives Garden
- Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous
- Sun/Shade Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture Requirements: Wet
Plant Information
Not many gardeners are aware that we have our own native hardy Geranium. And it’s a really good garden plant. Bushy herbaceous perennial that displays very large magenta/blue flowers in late spring to mid-summer. It peaks in June and is quite a display. To 2′ x 2′ and completely deciduous in winter. Excellent in manicured borders or areas that receive a bit of extra irrigation in summer. Adapted to clay soils it improves considerably under cultivation. Mix with native Sidalceas for a bonafide native combination. Native throughout western Oregon but also native in the Rocky Mountains. One of our finest natives that should be used more often. Fall color is yellow before going cleanly away. Not bothered by slugs or snails (!) but not entirely deer resistant. Full sun to light shade to very high overhead shade (a tall tree canopy). Best in enriched soil with consistent summer moisture. Associated plants in the wild are Sidalceas, Achillea. Very good performance in rain gardens. Oregon native plant.
Biome: Western Native, Willamette Valley Natives
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn4a -25º to -30ºF
Foliage color: Light Green
Foliage season: Winter Deciduous