About
This clump-forming herbaceous perennial, 70cm high, with deciduous, lobed, green leaves with dark brown markings, and bluish-purple flowers with a ring of darker violet veins around lilac centres, from mid-spring to early summer.
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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sun or shade in moist but well-drained soil; good in damp shade
PruningNo pruning required, but cutting back flowered stems and old leaves may encourage the growth of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings taken in spring and rooted with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails but generally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust, a downy mildew, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions but generally disease-free