Geranium lambertii (Crane's Bill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium lambertii 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 lambertii 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.

About

Geranium lambertii is a perennial geranium in the family Geraniaceae, notable for rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are often aromatic. It forms a mound-forming or spreading habit and flowers from June to September. The plant tolerates full sun to partial shade and will grow in almost any reasonable soil so long as it is well drained but not parched. It is hardy across much of the UK (H5–H7).

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 lambertii is a perennial member of the Geraniaceae with the compact, mound-forming or spreading habit typical of many hardy geraniums. Its rounded, palmately lobed foliage can be deciduous or semi-evergreen and is often aromatic; flowering occurs from June to September. The combination of lasting leaves and a summer flowering period makes it a useful structural component in planting schemes. Plant it in full sun to partial shade in almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay — provided the site is well drained rather than waterlogged or parched. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline soils, and suits exposed as well as sheltered positions. Hardiness H5–H7 means it is hardy through most UK gardens; it is also suitable for USDA zones 4–9. Use Geranium lambertii to fill gaps at the front of a mixed border, as a low ground cover between taller perennials, or in containers where a spreading mound is desirable. Its ability to tolerate a wide range of soils and exposure makes it adaptable to gravel pockets or stony soils as well as richer beds, and semi-evergreen forms will retain useful foliage after the main flush of flowers.

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 lambertii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium lambertii

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 lambertii?

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 lambertii?

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

What soil does Geranium lambertii need?

Geranium lambertii 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 lambertii?

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.