About
Geranium erianthum, the woolly cranesbill, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial 45�60 cm high with seven- to nine-lobed, pale-green leaves to 20 cm across that colour well in autumn. Saucer-shaped, light- to deep-violet-blue flowers 2.5�4 cm across with darker veins are produced from late spring to midsummer, often again in early autumn. A beautiful and robust cranesbill for a sunny or partly shaded border.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toWest N America, N Asia
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 seed, sown in containers outdoors as soon as seed is ripe or in spring, or 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