Geranium phaeum 'Waterer's Blue' (Dusky cranesbill 'Waterer's Blue') — Bushy, Clump forming

Overview

Geranium phaeum 'Waterer's Blue' is a bushy, clump forming 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 'Waterer's Blue' grows best in full sun, partial shade and full 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.

About

Geranium phaeum 'Waterer's Blue' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Geranium genus, known for its bushy, clump-forming habit. This deciduous plant typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size in 2 to 5 years. It thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and can be grown in exposed or sheltered locations. Suitable for a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, it prefers moist but well-drained soil with any pH. 'Waterer's Blue' is of interest through 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 sun, Partial shade, Full shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Geranium phaeum 'Waterer's Blue' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy, Clump forming
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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium phaeum 'Waterer's Blue'

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

Where is the best place to plant Geranium phaeum 'Waterer's Blue'?

Geranium phaeum 'Waterer's Blue' prefers full sun, partial shade and full shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium phaeum 'Waterer's Blue' need?

Geranium phaeum 'Waterer's Blue' 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.