Geranium endressii 'A. T. Johnson' (Crane's Bill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium endressii 'A. T. Johnson' 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 endressii 'A. T. Johnson' 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. Suggested uses include groundcover, borders and rock gardens. It is native to Pyrenees.

About

Geranium endressii 'A. T. Johnson' is a mound-forming or spreading perennial crane's-bill valued for its compact, ground-covering habit. The foliage is rounded, palmately lobed and can be deciduous or semi-evergreen, often giving off a faint aroma when handled. It flowers from June to September. It suits full sun to partial shade on most soils that are well drained but not parched.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium endressii

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

A member of the Geraniaceae, Geranium endressii 'A. T. Johnson' originates from the Pyrenees and grows as a mound-forming or spreading perennial. Its rounded, palmately lobed leaves may be retained through milder winters or drop back where colder conditions prevail, and the foliage is often aromatic when crushed, adding a sensory note in close plantings. Plant it into any aspect in full sun to partial shade; the cultivar tolerates loam, chalk, sand or clay and accepts acid, neutral or alkaline pH so long as drainage is reasonable. It prefers soil that is well drained but not parched and will cope in both exposed and sheltered positions. Rated H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy), it is suitable across much of the UK, including more exposed sites where very hardy plants are needed. Use Geranium endressii 'A. T. Johnson' as a ground cover beneath taller perennials, at the front of mixed borders or within rock gardens where a spreading habit helps knit planting together. Its summer display from June to September and aromatic, lobed leaves make it useful on pathsides or alongside seating where foliage scent can be appreciated 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 endressii 'A. T. Johnson' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Suggested uses: Groundcover, Borders, Rock gardens
Native to: Pyrenees

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium endressii 'A. T. Johnson'

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 endressii 'A. T. Johnson'?

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 endressii 'A. T. Johnson'?

Geranium endressii 'A. T. Johnson' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium endressii 'A. T. Johnson' need?

Geranium endressii 'A. T. Johnson' 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 endressii 'A. T. Johnson'?

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.