Overview
Geranium himalayense 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 himalayense 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. It is native to Himalaya.
About
Geranium himalayense is a mound-forming or spreading perennial with rounded, palmately lobed foliage that may be deciduous or semi-evergreen. It flowers from June to September. Suitable for full sun to partial shade, it tolerates almost any reasonable soil—loam, chalk, sand or clay—so long as the planting is well drained but not parched. Handle with care: harmful if eaten and wear gloves when handling.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium himalayense
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 native to the Himalaya, Geranium himalayense forms spreading or mound-forming clumps of rounded, deeply lobed leaves. The foliage can be deciduous or remain semi-evergreen in milder spots. It is classed H5–H7, meaning it will be hardy to fully hardy through typical UK winters. Plant where it receives full sun to partial shade; it tolerates any aspect and can be set in exposed or sheltered positions. Soil pH is not critical—acid, neutral or alkaline soils are all acceptable—and it will grow in loam, chalk, sand or clay provided the soil drains well but does not become parched. These site tolerances make it straightforward to place among mixed perennials or to use where a spreading geranium is needed to fill gaps. Flowering runs from June to September, providing a run of summer colour. Take basic precautions when handling: the plant is harmful if eaten, so wear gloves and other protective equipment; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Expect reliable summer flowering through to early autumn.
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 himalayense size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Mound-forming or spreading
- Foliage
- Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
- Native to
- Himalaya
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geranium himalayense
- 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 himalayense?
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 himalayense?
Geranium himalayense prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Geranium himalayense need?
Geranium himalayense 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 himalayense?
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.
Is Geranium himalayense hardy in the UK?
Geranium himalayense has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Geranium himalayense?
Divide in spring or autumn. Many species self-seed freely, and basal cuttings suit cultivars that resent disturbance.
Is Geranium himalayense toxic?
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
More in the Geranium genus
- Geranium 'Blue Cloud'
- Geranium 'Brookside'Geranium
- Geranium 'Claridge Druce'Crane's Bill
- Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'Johnson's Blue Cranesbill
- Geranium 'Nimbus'Geranium
- Geranium 'Orion'
- Geranium 'Patricia'
- Geranium 'Purple Rain'cranesbill 'Purple Rain'
