Geranium incisum of gardens (Crane's Bill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium incisum of gardens 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 incisum of gardens 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 rock gardens, borders, ground cover and alpine gardens. It is native to Southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

About

Geranium incisum of gardens is a mound-forming or spreading perennial with rounded, palmately lobed foliage that is deciduous or semi-evergreen and often aromatic. It flowers from June to September. It tolerates almost any reasonable soil and suits full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable across sites and aspects.

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 incisum of gardens is a perennial in the Geraniaceae native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It forms a mound-forming or spreading habit with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that may be deciduous or persist semi-evergreen in milder winters. The foliage is often aromatic, which gives the plant presence even when not in bloom. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay — provided the soil is well drained but not parched. It tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH and will grow in exposed or sheltered sites and any aspect. In UK terms its hardiness rating of H5–H7 means it is hardy to fully hardy across most gardens; it also corresponds to USDA zones 4–9. Use Geranium incisum of gardens where a low mound or spreading ground cover is required: rock gardens, alpine beds, edging to borders or as a ground cover between shrubs. The long flowering run from June to September offers seasonal interest, and where leaves remain semi-evergreen they can give winter structure that complements spring-flowering neighbours.

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 incisum of gardens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Suggested uses: Rock gardens, borders, ground cover, alpine gardens
Native to: Southwestern United States and northern Mexico

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium incisum of gardens

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 incisum of gardens?

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 incisum of gardens?

Geranium incisum of gardens prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium incisum of gardens need?

Geranium incisum of gardens 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 incisum of gardens?

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.