Geranium 'Brookside' (Geranium) — Clump-forming, Matforming, Trailing

Overview

Geranium 'Brookside' is a clump-forming, matforming, trailing perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen foliage. Geranium 'Brookside' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds, ground cover, underplanting of roses and shrubs and banks and slopes.

About

Geranium 'Brookside' is a named cultivar of the genus Geranium (family Geraniaceae) that flowers from June to September. It shows the palmately cleft leaves and five-petalled blooms characteristic of the genus. The plant will grow in a wide range of soils provided they are not waterlogged. Propagation is possible by semiripe cuttings in summer, by seed, or by division in autumn or spring.

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 'Brookside' belongs to the genus Geranium within the family Geraniaceae, a group found throughout temperate regions and in montane tropical zones; the genus produces broadly circular, palmately cleft leaves and five-petalled flowers often showing veining. As a named cultivar it follows those general patterns and brings an extended flowering season, with blooms appearing from June to September. For cultivation, the most important practical point is soil drainage: plants in this genus tolerate a wide range of soils so long as they are not waterlogged. Propagation can be undertaken by semiripe cuttings taken in summer, by raising from seed, or by dividing established clumps in autumn or spring. Regular division will refresh vigour and is the standard way to increase plants for the garden. In a UK context, Geranium 'Brookside' offers sustained summer flowering that suits temperate borders and herbaceous groups where season-long blooms are wanted. Expect the five-petalled flowers typical of Geranium to appear through the summer months on Geranium 'Brookside'.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Geranium 'Brookside' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, Matforming, Trailing
Foliage: Deciduous, Semi-evergreen, Evergreen
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Banks and slopes

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium 'Brookside'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Tolerates a range of soil types. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Can be propagated by division, basal cuttings, or seed.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division, Basal cuttings, Seed
Pest resistance: Vine weevil, Sawflies, Slugs, Snails, Capsid bug
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Virus diseases

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium 'Brookside'?

Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Tolerates a range of soil types. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Can be propagated by division, basal cuttings, or seed.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium 'Brookside'?

Geranium 'Brookside' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium 'Brookside' need?

Geranium 'Brookside' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.