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

Overview

Geranium pratense 'Plenum Violaceum' 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 Violaceum' 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 Violaceum' is a mound-forming perennial crane's bill reaching about 1.2 m and forming a spreading clump. The foliage is rounded and palmately lobed, deciduous or semi‑evergreen and often aromatic. It flowers from June to September. It suits full sun to partial shade and tolerates 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 'Plenum Violaceum' is a perennial in the Geraniaceae native to Belgium. It develops a mound-forming or spreading habit up to about 1.2 m and carries rounded, palmately lobed leaves that may be deciduous or semi‑evergreen and are often aromatic. Position it in full sun to partial shade; it will tolerate any aspect and both exposed and sheltered sites. Soil pH is flexible — acid, neutral or alkaline soils are all acceptable — and it will grow in loam, chalk, sand or clay provided the ground is well drained but not parched. The hardiness range H5–H7 indicates it is hardy across most of the UK and corresponds broadly to USDA zones 4–9. Use Geranium pratense 'Plenum Violaceum' in mixed borders, cottage gardens and wildflower meadows where its mound-forming habit and 1.2 m height can bridge lower and taller perennials. Its flowering season runs from June to September, giving sustained colour through the main summer months.

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 Violaceum' 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 Violaceum'

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 Violaceum'?

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 Violaceum'?

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

What soil does Geranium pratense 'Plenum Violaceum' need?

Geranium pratense 'Plenum Violaceum' 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 Violaceum'?

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.