Geranium eriostemon (Geranium) — perennial

Overview

Geranium eriostemon is a perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family. Geranium eriostemon grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Suggested uses include borders and rock gardens. It is native to Australia.

About

Geranium eriostemon is a species in the genus Geranium (family Geraniaceae) and shares the genus' palmately cleft, broadly circular leaves. It bears the characteristic five‑petalled flowers typical of Geranium species, which may be white, pink, purple or blue. Flowering occurs June to September. Propagation can be by semi‑ripe 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 eriostemon sits within the Geranium genus (family Geraniaceae), a group found across temperate regions and in mountain tropics, with greatest diversity in the eastern Mediterranean. Members of the genus are recognised by palmately cleft, broadly circular leaves and five‑petalled flowers that often show veining and appear in shades from white to blue via pink and purple. Flowering occurs June to September. For cultivation, avoid waterlogged soils: Geranium species will grow in a wide range of soils provided drainage is good. Aim for positions where root wetness is minimal; this species can be propagated from semi‑ripe cuttings taken in summer, sown from seed, or split by division in autumn or spring to refresh older plants. In the UK context, Geranium eriostemon suits temperate gardens where free‑draining soil can be provided. Its leaf form and the five‑petalled blooms make it identifiable through the flowering months, and division after several seasons will restore vigour and ensure the characteristic foliage and bloom display continue into subsequent years.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moist
Exposure: sheltered

Plant details

Geranium eriostemon size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens
Native to: Australia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium eriostemon

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Propagation: semi-ripe cuttings in summer, seed, division in autumn or spring