Geranium himalayense 'Birch Double' (Crane's Bill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium himalayense 'Birch Double' 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 'Birch Double' 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 borders, rock gardens and ground cover. It is native to West Himalaya.

About

Geranium himalayense 'Birch Double' is a mound-forming or spreading perennial with rounded, palmately lobed foliage that is often aromatic. It flowers from June to September. It grows in full sun to partial shade and tolerates almost any reasonable soil, provided it is well drained but not parched. Use it in borders, rock gardens or as a ground-covering mat.

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

Geranium himalayense 'Birch Double' is a perennial crane's-bill originating from the West Himalaya. It forms a spreading or mound-like habit of rounded, palmately lobed leaves which are frequently aromatic, and it produces its flowers from June to September. Plant where it receives full sun to partial shade; the cultivar tolerates any aspect and will perform in both exposed and sheltered positions. Soil may be loam, chalk, sand or clay and can range from acid through neutral to alkaline, but avoid waterlogged conditions — the soil should be well drained without becoming parched. The hardiness range H5–H7 (USDA 4–9) means it is hardy to fully hardy across most UK gardens. It suits mixed borders, rock gardens and areas where a low spreading ground cover is required. Position plants so their aromatic leaves can be appreciated from paths or seating areas, as the foliage often releases scent when brushed, adding an olfactory element as well as texture to the planting.

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 'Birch Double' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, ground cover
Native to: West Himalaya

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium himalayense 'Birch Double'

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 'Birch Double'?

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 'Birch Double'?

Geranium himalayense 'Birch Double' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium himalayense 'Birch Double' need?

Geranium himalayense 'Birch Double' 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 'Birch Double'?

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.