About
A large evergreen biennial or short-lived perennial, up to 1.2m high, with rosettes of delicately cut, fernlike glossy green leaves up to 60cm long. Masses of flat white flowers, with dark pink central eyes, are produced on tall, branching stems in early summer.
About the genus
Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationIn milder areas, grow outdoors in well-drained soil; may benefit from afternoon shade in hot summers. In areas prone to frosts, grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand in bright filtered light. Flowers are produced in the second or third year; after flowering the plant sets seed and dies
PruningNo pruning required. Avoid cutting older leaf stems as they bend downwards; these often serve to support the plant when in flower
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in late winter or early spring at 21-23°C
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, geranium sawfly, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews, rust diseases and virus diseases