Geranium ibericum (crested Caucasian cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium ibericum 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 ibericum 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 Western Asia, Turkey and Caucasus.

About

Geranium ibericum is a perennial cranesbill with a mound-forming or spreading habit. Leaves are rounded and palmately lobed, typically deciduous or semi-evergreen and often aromatic. It suits full sun to partial shade and tolerates almost any reasonable soil as long as it is well drained but not parched. Flowering in the UK runs from June to September.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium ibericum

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 ibericum is a perennial cranesbill native to western Asia, including Turkey and the Caucasus, that forms a neat mound or spreading ground cover. The plant produces rounded, palmately lobed foliage that may remain semi‑evergreen in milder sites and gives a textured base for its summer display. Flowering in the UK occurs from June to September. Position it in full sun to partial shade on virtually any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay — provided drainage prevents waterlogging while avoiding parched conditions. It tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline soils and will grow in exposed as well as sheltered sites. Hardiness is H5–H7, meaning it ranges from hardy through very hardy to fully hardy and is suitable for outdoor cultivation across most of the UK. Use Geranium ibericum in mixed borders at the front or between larger perennials, in rock gardens where a spreading habit is welcome, or as a ground cover to soften paths and edging. Its aromatic, palmately lobed leaves provide interest beyond the flowering season and help form a tidy, long‑lasting mound of foliage.

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 ibericum 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: Western Asia, Turkey, Caucasus

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium ibericum

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 ibericum?

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 ibericum?

Geranium ibericum prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium ibericum need?

Geranium ibericum 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 ibericum?

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.