About
Geranium kishtvariense, the Kishtvar cranesbill, is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial 30 cm high with deciduous, five-lobed, finely toothed, wrinkled, fresh-green leaves. Upward-facing, cup-shaped flowers 4 cm across with dark, nearly-black anthers and stigmas and rich purple or pink petals with fine veins and a V-shaped basal patch are produced over a long summer season. A beautiful and choice cranesbill for a sunny or partly shaded border.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toW Himalaya
Care notes
CultivationGrow in partial shade, or in sun if in a cool position, in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers outdoors as soon as seed is ripe or in spring, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails. Generally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rust, downy mildews, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions. Generally disease-free