About
A clump-forming perennial, to around 30cm high, with a spreading habit and glossy, lobed green leaves. Loose clusters of velvety, deep purple-pink flowers are produced 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, Full shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but will tolerate most soils unless waterlogged. Useful for dry shade
PruningCut old, winter-damaged foliage back to the ground in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring. Plants may self-seed but seedlings may not be true to the parent
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil larvae, geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and virus diseases, and to powdery mildews in dry conditions