Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' (meadow cranesbill 'Mrs Kendall Clark') — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and wildflower meadows. It is native to Belgium.

About

Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' is a perennial meadow cranesbill that forms a mound-forming or spreading clump to about 1.2 m. It carries rounded, palmately lobed leaves which are deciduous or semi-evergreen and often aromatic. Flowering runs from June to September. Plant in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil that is well drained but not parched.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium pratense

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 'Mrs Kendall Clark' is a perennial in the Geraniaceae, native to Belgium, that produces a substantial clump to roughly 1.2 m. The foliage is rounded and palmately lobed, and the cultivar is valued for a long flowering run from June to September. It suits both exposed and sheltered sites in the UK. Position it in full sun to partial shade. Soil can be loam, chalk, sand or clay and may be acid, neutral or alkaline; the key requirement is that the ground drains well without becoming bone-dry. It is winter-hardy to H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy in UK terms), so plants will tolerate a range of winter conditions across most of the country. Aspect does not need to be restricted, so you can site it in north- or south-facing borders. Use this cranesbill in mixed herbaceous borders, cottage garden schemes or wildflower meadows where a spreading, mound-forming habit is useful. Allow clumps space to spread so they can form drifts; in a back border or meadow setting a stand of Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' will provide sustained interest through the summer months from June to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained but not parched
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Height: 1.2 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cottage gardens, wildflower meadows
Native to: Belgium

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark'

Cultivation: Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.
Pruning: Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn. Many species self-seed freely, and basal cuttings suit cultivars that resent disturbance.
Pest resistance: Largely untroubled, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants and sawfly larvae occasionally strip leaves.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and rust may appear on congested plants in a dry summer; shearing back usually resolves both.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark'?

Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark'?

Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' need?

Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk and sand or clay. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained but not parched.

How do I prune Geranium pratense 'Mrs Kendall Clark'?

Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.