About

A sprawling perennial with glossy 3-lobed green leaves which colour up with hints of red in the autumn. Loose clusters of rich purple flowers with a pale lilac edges and strong magenta pink veining, 2.5cm wide from late spring to early autumn.

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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any, moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. Full sun or partial shade is best but shade is tolerated
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug, geranium sawfly, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMaybe susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and a virus