Shiny Geranium invasion - Ask Extension
I have tried for 3 years, with some success, to conquer the shiny geranium in the formal garden of my 2 1/2 acre property (hand pulling), but the area...
Knowledgebase
Shiny Geranium invasion #925400
Asked March 04, 2026, 10:16 AM EST
I have tried for 3 years, with some success, to conquer the shiny geranium in the formal garden of my 2 1/2 acre property (hand pulling), but the areas beyond the beds are WAY too much for me to control. Is there any service I can hire and any herbicide to use that will safely eliminate these monsters without harming ornamentals, critters, and the watershed? There aren’t enough hours in a day to keep out in front of the invasion with mt own, aging hands.
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Penny,
Thank you for contacting us about shiny geranium control. All herbicides can potentially create a danger to desirable plants, insects and wildlife. Unfortunately, there are no selective herbicides that will target only this plant.
The best controls, other than hand-pulling, is to prevent seed spread through cultural methods and sanitation (clean tools, boots, and vehicles after working in infested areas.) Heavy mulching, preferably over cardboard or newsprint, will help control the seed bank but it must be maintained for several years.
This article from Columbia Gorge may be helpful, but note that shiny geranium may begin flowering as early as March in your area. Plants must be removed before they begin to set seed.
https://columbiagorgecwma.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/shinygeranium.pdf
I hope this information is useful. Please write again any time you have questions.
Thank you for contacting us about shiny geranium control. All herbicides can potentially create a danger to desirable plants, insects and wildlife. Unfortunately, there are no selective herbicides that will target only this plant.
The best controls, other than hand-pulling, is to prevent seed spread through cultural methods and sanitation (clean tools, boots, and vehicles after working in infested areas.) Heavy mulching, preferably over cardboard or newsprint, will help control the seed bank but it must be maintained for several years.
This article from Columbia Gorge may be helpful, but note that shiny geranium may begin flowering as early as March in your area. Plants must be removed before they begin to set seed.
https://columbiagorgecwma.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/shinygeranium.pdf
I hope this information is useful. Please write again any time you have questions.
