Overview
Geranium columbinum is a clump-forming, mat-forming, trailing, carpet-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with light green, bright green, silvery, dissected, patterned foliage. Geranium columbinum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland beds and containers.
About
Geranium columbinum, commonly known as long-stalked cranesbill, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Geranium genus. This clump-forming and mat-forming plant features light green, dissected foliage and thrives in full sun with a sheltered exposure. It prefers moist but well-drained, neutral soils such as sandy, loamy, or clay types. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland beds, and containers. Geranium columbinum is adaptable and undemanding, growing well in moderately fertile soil and can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Geranium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Geranium columbinum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Mat-forming, Trailing, Carpet-forming
- Foliage
- Light green, Bright green, Silvery, Dissected, Patterned
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cottage gardens, Rock gardens, Woodland beds, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geranium columbinum
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Vine weevil, Caterpillars, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Geranium columbinum?
Geranium columbinum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Geranium columbinum need?
Geranium columbinum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Geranium columbinum hardy in the UK?
Geranium columbinum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Geranium columbinum?
Seed, Division, Cuttings.
More in the Geranium genus
- Geranium 'Brookside'Geranium
- Geranium 'Copper Tiger'Hardy Geranium
- Geranium 'Nimbus'Geranium
- Geranium 'Orion'
- Geranium 'Patricia'
- Geranium 'Purple Rain'cranesbill 'Purple Rain'
- Geranium 'Red Dwarf'
- Geranium 'Rozanne'
