About
Geranium palustre, the marsh cranesbill, is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial forming bushy hummocks of fresh-green, deeply divided leaves. Bright-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers that open almost star-like are produced freely over a long flowering season on thin stems rising from a central rootstock. A reliable and ornamental cranesbill for a moist border.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade; tolerant of both wet and dry soils and can be established in grass
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and geranium sawfly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews