Geranium aristatum (bearded cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium aristatum is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic foliage. Geranium aristatum grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. It is native to Balkans.

About

Geranium aristatum is a mound-forming or spreading perennial with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are deciduous or semi-evergreen and often aromatic. It flowers from June to September. The plant tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows in almost any reasonable soil—loam, chalk, sand or clay—provided it is well drained but not parched. Rated H5–H7 for UK hardiness, it suits exposed or sheltered positions and any aspect.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium aristatum

About the genus

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums, hardy geraniums, or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, with the greatest diversity in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Geranium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium

In the garden

Geranium aristatum is a perennial species from the Balkans that forms a low mound or spreading clump of palmately lobed foliage. The leaves are often aromatic and may remain semi-evergreen in milder winters. Flowering occurs from June to September. Position it in full sun to partial shade. It will grow on almost any reasonable soil—loam, chalk, sand or clay—and accepts acid, neutral or alkaline pH; key is good drainage with consistent, but not bone-dry, moisture. The plant is rated H5–H7 on the UK scale (hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–9, so it tolerates a wide range of winter severities found across Britain. The mound-forming or spreading habit makes Geranium aristatum useful at the front of borders, in gravelled areas that are not drought-bound, or as a low filler among larger herbaceous perennials where it can soften edges. It will perform in exposed sites as well as sheltered corners because it accepts any aspect. Expect summer flowering and a foliage texture that can be lightly scented when rubbed, a helpful identification feature at close range.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained but not parched
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Geranium aristatum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Native to: Balkans

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium aristatum

Cultivation: Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.
Pruning: Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn. Many species self-seed freely, and basal cuttings suit cultivars that resent disturbance.
Pest resistance: Largely untroubled, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants and sawfly larvae occasionally strip leaves.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and rust may appear on congested plants in a dry summer; shearing back usually resolves both.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium aristatum?

Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium aristatum?

Geranium aristatum prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium aristatum need?

Geranium aristatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk and sand or clay. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained but not parched.

How do I prune Geranium aristatum?

Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.