Geranium × magnificum (purple cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium × magnificum 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 × magnificum 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 borders, ground cover and rock gardens. It is native to Hybrid origin and not native to a specific region.

About

Geranium × magnificum is a mound-forming perennial with violet-blue flowers and deeply lobed, rounded leaves. The foliage is deciduous or semi-evergreen and is often aromatic when handled. Flowering occurs from June to September. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium × magnificum

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 × magnificum is a hybrid hardy perennial in the Geranium genus, produced by hybridisation rather than a single native origin. Its habit is mound-forming or spreading, with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are deciduous or may remain semi‑evergreen in milder sites. Flowering takes place from June to September, producing violet‑blue blooms. Plant where it receives full sun to partial shade and in almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay will all do, and it tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Soils should be well drained but not parched; avoid continuously waterlogged positions. Aspect is flexible (any) and it performs in both exposed and sheltered situations. Hardiness ranges H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–9, so it will withstand typical UK winters across most regions. Use it in mixed borders to fill gaps, as informal ground cover or on a rock garden edge where its mound-forming habit softens stones. The palmately divided leaves can be scented when crushed, which makes it useful beside paths and seating areas where the foliage can be appreciated at close range.

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 × magnificum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Suggested uses: Borders, ground cover, rock gardens
Native to: Hybrid origin, not native to a specific region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium × magnificum

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 × magnificum?

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 × magnificum?

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

What soil does Geranium × magnificum need?

Geranium × magnificum 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 × magnificum?

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.