About
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial 50cm high with deciduous lobed leaves, which emerge marbled with white and cream then mature to green marked near the base of the lobes with dark red, and reflexed, deep maroon-purple flowers, from late spring to midsummer.
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
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 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; propagation for resale is prohibited without a licence
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