Geranium malviflorum (mallow-flowered cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium malviflorum 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 malviflorum 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, rock gardens, ground cover and cottage gardens. It is native to S Spain, S Portugal and N Africa.

About

Geranium malviflorum is a mound-forming perennial cranesbill with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are often aromatic. It grows as a spreading or compact mound and may be deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on winter severity. Flowering occurs from June to September, with the blooms carried above the foliage. It is suited to edging, ground cover and rock garden positions where a low, textured layer is required.

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 malviflorum is a perennial species of Geranium native to southern Spain, southern Portugal and north Africa. It forms a low mound or spreads to cover ground, bearing rounded, palmately lobed leaves that give the plant a distinct textured carpet. Flowering takes place from June to September, when the blooms sit above the foliage. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay — provided it is well drained rather than waterlogged. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline soils and prefers conditions that are neither parched nor waterlogged. Aspect need not be critical and the species copes with both exposed and sheltered sites. In UK hardiness terms it ranges from H5 to H7, that is from hardy to fully hardy across most British gardens. Use Geranium malviflorum in mixed borders, rock gardens, as a ground cover or in cottage-style plantings where its mound-forming habit fills gaps between larger perennials. The aromatic, palmately lobed leaves persist into the season and the flowering display from June to September sits neatly above the foliage, making it straightforward to place beneath taller perennials or alongside paths.

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 malviflorum 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, rock gardens, ground cover, cottage gardens
Native to: S Spain, S Portugal, N Africa

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium malviflorum

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 malviflorum?

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 malviflorum?

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

What soil does Geranium malviflorum need?

Geranium malviflorum 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 malviflorum?

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.