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 H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds. It is native to Europe.
About
Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell' (dusky cranesbill) is a bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial in the Geraniaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and is suitable for all garden aspects and exposures. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils of chalk, clay, loam, or sand, across a range of pH levels. 'Lily Lovell' offers seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, and winter.
About the genus
Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums, hardy geraniums, or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, with the greatest diversity in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.
Wikipedia contributors, "Geranium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium
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
- H5
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, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for borders and woodland gardens.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Basal cuttings in early to mid spring
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Capsid bug, Sawflies
- Disease resistance
- Downy mildews, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade to full sun. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for borders and woodland gardens.
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'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Geranium phaeum 'Lily Lovell'?
Division in spring, Basal cuttings in early to mid spring.
More in the Geranium genus
- Geranium 'Blue Cloud'
- Geranium 'Brookside'Geranium
- Geranium 'Claridge Druce'Crane's Bill
- Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'Johnson's Blue Cranesbill
- Geranium 'Nimbus'Geranium
- Geranium 'Orion'
- Geranium 'Patricia'
- Geranium 'Purple Rain'cranesbill 'Purple Rain'
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