Overview
Geranium palustre is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Geranium palustre grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe.
About
Geranium palustre is a compact, clump-forming perennial that produces dense mounds of finely dissected, vibrant green foliage. Its flowers emerge on slender stems originating from a central root system. Initially, the blooms are trumpet-shaped in bright pink, but as they open fully, the petals take on a nearly star-like appearance with their broad, wedge-like shape. This plant boasts an extended blooming period while maintaining a lively look throughout.
About the genus
Geraniums encompass a variety of growth forms, including annuals, biennials, and perennials. These plants can be herbaceous or evergreen and feature rounded leaves that are typically palmately lobed or divided. Their flowers are characterized by a loose arrangement and consist of five petals.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Geranium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Geranium palustre size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geranium palustre
- Cultivation
- Grow in any, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade; tolerant of both wet and dry soils and can be established in grass
- Pruning
- Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and geranium sawfly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Geranium palustre?
Grow in any, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade; tolerant of both wet and dry soils and can be established in grass.
Where is the best place to plant Geranium palustre?
Geranium palustre prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Geranium palustre need?
Geranium palustre is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Geranium palustre?
Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers.
How big does Geranium palustre grow?
Geranium palustre reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Geranium palustre hardy in the UK?
Geranium palustre has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Geranium palustre?
Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat.
Is Geranium palustre good for pollinators?
Yes — Geranium palustre attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.