Geranium pratense 'Ilja' (Meadow Crane's-Bill) — Clump-forming, Mat-forming, Trailing, Carpet-forming

Overview

Geranium pratense 'Ilja' is a clump-forming, mat-forming, trailing, carpet-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with light green, bright green, silvery, dissected, patterned foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Geranium pratense 'Ilja' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland beds and containers. It is native to Belgium.

About

Geranium pratense 'Ilja' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Geraniaceae, notable for its dissected, often silvery-tinged foliage and a spreading, mat-forming habit. It typically reaches about 1.2 m in height and flowers from June to September. The leaves are patterned and finely divided, and the plant suits sheltered, sunny spots. It works equally well in borders or as a trailing carpet in larger mixed beds.

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 pratense 'Ilja' is a herbaceous perennial in the geranium family that originates from Belgium. It produces a clump- to mat-forming spread with dissected, light to bright green foliage that can show a silvery aspect; flowering occurs from June to September. Expect plants to reach roughly 1.2 m in height where they have room to develop. Plant in full sun on a neutral soil that can be sandy, loamy or clay, provided it is kept moist but well drained; avoid waterlogged positions. A south-, west- or east-facing aspect in a sheltered spot suits this cultivar. The UK hardiness rating H7 means it is fully hardy through typical UK winters (roughly USDA zones 5–9). Use Geranium pratense 'Ilja' in mixed borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens and woodland beds, or plant into larger containers where its trailing and carpet-forming habit can be shown off. Its combination of dissected, patterned foliage and summer flowering makes it a good choice for the middle to front of a sunny, sheltered border where it can spread and flower through to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Geranium pratense 'Ilja' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, Mat-forming, Trailing, Carpet-forming
Foliage: Light green, Bright green, Silvery, Dissected, Patterned
Height: 1.2 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Cottage gardens, Rock gardens, Woodland beds, Containers
Native to: Belgium

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium pratense 'Ilja'

Propagation: Seed, Division, Cuttings
Pest resistance: Aphids, Vine weevil, Caterpillars, Thrips
Disease resistance: Grey moulds

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Geranium pratense 'Ilja'?

Geranium pratense 'Ilja' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium pratense 'Ilja' need?

Geranium pratense 'Ilja' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.