About
Geranium aristatum, the bearded cranesbill, is a herbaceous perennial to around 60 cm with upright stems and deeply lobed, light-green, silvery-hairy leaves. In summer, clusters of nodding, white or pale-lilac-pink flowers with strongly reflexed petals and lilac-pink veins create a delicate, airy display. An elegant and unusual cranesbill for a partly shaded border.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toBalkans
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring. Plants may self-seed but seedlings may not be true to the parent
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil larvae, geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and virus diseases, and to powdery mildews in dry conditions