Overview
Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
This upright perennial features vibrant green leaves and flat, pale-centered, deep purple blooms measuring 3-4 cm across, appearing in late spring to early summer.
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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell'
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or deep shade. Most soils (unless waterlogged) in either sun or shade are tolerated
- Pruning
- Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
- Propagation
- Propagate by division between early autumn and early spring or cut back plants after flowering in summer then divide. replant and water well
- Pest resistance
- May be damaged by vine weevil larvae, geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug or slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews, a virus and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell'?
Grow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun, partial shade or deep shade. Most soils (unless waterlogged) in either sun or shade are tolerated.
Where is the best place to plant Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell'?
Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' need?
Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' 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 phaeum 'Lily Lovell'?
Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers.
How big does Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' grow?
Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' hardy in the UK?
Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell'?
Propagate by division between early autumn and early spring or cut back plants after flowering in summer then divide. replant and water well.
Is Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' good for pollinators?
Yes — Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.