Geranium pratense 'Striatum' ('Bicolor') (Crane's Bill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium pratense 'Striatum' ('Bicolor') 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 'Striatum' ('Bicolor') 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. It is native to Belgium.

About

Geranium pratense 'Striatum' ('Bicolor') is a mound-forming or spreading perennial crane's-bill that reaches about 1.2 m. It bears rounded, palmately lobed foliage that can be deciduous or semi-evergreen and is often aromatic. Flowering in the UK runs from June to September. It tolerates full sun to partial shade and a wide range of soils provided they are 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 'Striatum' ('Bicolor') sits in the Geraniaceae and is a perennial native to Belgium. Its habit is mound-forming or spreading and it attains roughly 1.2 m in height; the rounded, palmately lobed leaves are frequently aromatic and may be retained through milder seasons. Plant where it will get full sun to partial shade and in any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay are all acceptable. It tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline conditions; keep soil well drained but avoid planting in parched, baked ground. Hardiness is H5–H7, which means it is hardy to fully hardy across most of the UK, and corresponds with USDA zones 4–9 for broader reference. Aspect and exposure are not limiting factors, so this geranium can be used across many garden positions. Allow room for its mound-forming spread and incorporate it where a medium-height perennial is needed. The long UK flowering season from June to September gives several months of bloom, and the aromatic foliage provides summer interest beyond flowering. Those planting close to paths or seating will notice the leaf scent on warm days.

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 'Striatum' ('Bicolor') 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
Native to: Belgium

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium pratense 'Striatum' ('Bicolor')

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 'Striatum' ('Bicolor')?

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 'Striatum' ('Bicolor')?

Geranium pratense 'Striatum' ('Bicolor') prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium pratense 'Striatum' ('Bicolor') need?

Geranium pratense 'Striatum' ('Bicolor') 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 'Striatum' ('Bicolor')?

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.