About
Prelude' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial, 45-90cm high, with deciduous, deeply seven-lobed green leaves, and flowers, up to 2cm across, of widely-spaced pale lilac petals with darker violet veins and pink stigmas, in early summer.
About the genus
Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, preferably in light shade, but will also grow in sun or full shade
PruningNo pruning required, but cutting back flowered stems and old leaves may encourage the growth of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free, but may be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to a rust, downy mildews, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions