About
A compact, deciduous, herbaceous perennial, producing deeply lobed, lime green leaves, on stems to 60cm (24in) high. Double smoky-purple flowers with multiple green stigmas in the centre appear in spring. The flowers are sterile and therefore the plant does not seed around like other Geranium phaeum cultivars. It is also able to tolerate shade, making it an useful addition to the shady border.
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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or part shade but most soils (unless waterlogged) are tolerated. Especially good in damp shade
PruningCut back after flowering to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. Remove old dead foliage in spring before growth commences
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, geranium sawfly, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews, downy mildews and a virus