About

This clump-forming perennial to around 40cm high, with a spreading habit and deeply lobed and toothed green leaves. Rich lilac pink flowers, with purple veins and white centres with contrasting near-black anthers, are produced over a long period from early summer into autumn.

About the genus

Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well drained soil, may benefit from afternoon shade in hot summers. Evergreen in milder areas, may die back in colder winters
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, geranium sawfly, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews, rust diseases and virus diseases