Geranium ‘Orion’ (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well drained soil
Flowering period: Summer
Eventual Height: 80cm
Eventual Spread: 80cm
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Geraniaceae
Geranium ‘Orion’ is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are deeply lobed with up to seven divisions, up to 12cm across and 12cm long. Its leaves turn red during autumn before dying. Its dark blue flowers have small white centres, are saucer-shaped borne singly and up to 5cm across.
Geranium ‘Orion’ Flower (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Geranium ‘Orion’, commonly known as Geranium Orion, is a seedling of Geranium ‘Brookside’.
The etymological root of the binomial name Geranium is derived from the Greek geranos, meaning ‘crane’; referring to the beak-like fruit.
The landscape architect may find Geranium ‘Orion’ useful as a free flowering low maintenance ground cover suitable for full sun to partial shade.
Geranium ‘Orion’ Leaf (02/07/2016, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Geranium ‘Orion’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society gave Geranium ‘Orion’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2004.
Geranium ‘Orion’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Geranium ‘Orion’ requires little to no maintenance. Flowered stems and old foliage may be removed mid summer to encourage new growth. Large clumps may be divided in spring.
Landscape Architecture
