Overview
Geranium fremontii 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 fremontii 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 caespitosum, the purple cluster geranium or pineywoods geranium, is a perennial herb native to the western United States and northern Mexico. It has a purple to red flower with 5 stamens, and the sepals are acuminate, tapering with a long point. It has palmately lobed leaves. The fruit is a schizocarp made up of 5 mericarps. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland beds and containers. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Most are undemanding and adaptable. See geranium cultivation.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium caespitosum
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 fremontii 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 fremontii
- 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 fremontii?
Geranium fremontii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Geranium fremontii need?
Geranium fremontii 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 fremontii hardy in the UK?
Geranium fremontii 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 fremontii?
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'