Geranium 'Phillipe Vapelle' (Hardy Geranium) — perennial

Overview

Geranium 'Phillipe Vapelle' is a perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family. Geranium 'Phillipe Vapelle' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, groundcover and rock gardens.

About

Geranium 'Phillipe Vapelle' is a cultivar of hardy geranium (family Geraniaceae) that displays the genus’s characteristic five-petalled flowers, often with veining. The leaves are palmately cleft and broadly circular in outline, typical of the genus. Flowers appear from June to September. It tolerates a range of garden soils provided they are not waterlogged.

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

In the garden

Geranium 'Phillipe Vapelle' belongs to the Geranium genus within the Geraniaceae and shares the genus’s wide temperate distribution; many species occur across temperate regions and in mountain areas of the tropics, with greatest diversity in the eastern Mediterranean. The foliage is palmately divided and broadly circular, while the flowers have the genus-standard five petals and may show veining in shades recorded for the group. For cultivation, avoid waterlogged positions: geraniums will grow in most soils provided drainage is adequate. Propagation can be by semiripe cuttings in summer, by seed, or by division in autumn or spring; division is a reliable way to rejuvenate older clumps. No specialised feeding or exotic conditions are required beyond keeping the crown free of standing water. Because the genus adapts across temperate climates, Geranium 'Phillipe Vapelle' fits well into temperate UK planting. It will provide summer colour from June to September and can also contribute to wildlife value, since larvae of some Lepidoptera species feed on geraniums. To maintain flowering vigour, divide and replant crowded clumps in autumn or early spring.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moist
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Geranium 'Phillipe Vapelle' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, groundcover, rock gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium 'Phillipe Vapelle'

Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn, or from seed.