Overview
Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' is a trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0-0.1 metre wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators and low maintenance. Suggested uses include rock garden, wildflower meadow, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
A robust herbaceous perennial that can develop substantial clumps over time. It features mid-green foliage and produces lilac-pink blossoms.
About the genus
Geraniums encompass a variety of growth forms, including annuals, biennials, and perennials. These plants can be herbaceous or evergreen and feature rounded leaves that are typically palmately lobed or divided. Their flowers are characterized by a loose arrangement and consist of five petals.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Geranium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto'
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
- Propagation
- Propagate by basal softwood cuttings in early to mid spring or division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and geranium sawfly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto'?
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto'?
Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' need?
Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto'?
Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers.
How big does Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' grow?
Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0-0.1 metre. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' hardy in the UK?
Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto'?
Propagate by basal softwood cuttings in early to mid spring or division in spring.
Is Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' good for pollinators?
Yes — Geranium maculatum 'Beth Chatto' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.