Geranium pratense 'Plenum Album' (Crane's Bill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium pratense 'Plenum Album' 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 'Plenum Album' 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 'Plenum Album' is a mound-forming perennial geranium that develops a spreading clump to about 1.2 m. It flowers from June to September. The foliage is rounded and palmately lobed and may be deciduous or semi-evergreen, often with a noticeable aroma. It suits full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils.

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 'Plenum Album' is a perennial member of the Geraniaceae, native to Belgium, that forms a mound-forming or spreading clump up to around 1.2 m. Its growth habit gives structure through the season, while the palmately lobed leaves add texture; the foliage can be deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on winter conditions. Position it in full sun to partial shade on any aspect; it will tolerate exposed sites as well as sheltered ones. Soil is not critical — loam, chalk, sand or clay are all acceptable provided the ground is well drained but not parched. It suits acid, neutral or alkaline soils. Hardiness ranges H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy) and broadly corresponds to USDA zones 4–9, so it will survive typical UK winters where soil drainage prevents waterlogging. Use Geranium pratense 'Plenum Album' in mixed borders, cottage gardens or wildflower meadows where a 1.2 m tall clump can be accommodated. Flowering runs June to September, offering an extended display through summer. The rounded, often aromatic leaves continue to contribute scent and shape in the border outside the main flowering period.

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 'Plenum Album' 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 'Plenum Album'

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 'Plenum Album'?

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 'Plenum Album'?

Geranium pratense 'Plenum Album' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium pratense 'Plenum Album' need?

Geranium pratense 'Plenum Album' 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 'Plenum Album'?

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.