About
A loosely clump-forming herbaceous perennial, 45cm high, with five-lobed leaves, 3-8cm across, which emerge pale green edged with creamy white and mature to mid green, and funnel-shaped flowers, 3cm across, of notched, deep pink petals with dark purple veins, and dark blue-black stamens and stigmas, from midsummer to autumn or even early winter; the leaves are deciduous but may be evergreen in mild winters.
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
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil
PruningNo pruning required, but cutting back flowered stems and old leaves may encourage the growth of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free, but may be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to a rust, downy mildews, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions