Geranium punctatum of gardens (Crane's Bill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium punctatum of gardens 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. Geranium punctatum of gardens 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.

About

Geranium punctatum of gardens is a perennial cranesbill with a mound-forming or spreading habit. It carries rounded, palmately lobed leaves that may be deciduous or semi-evergreen and are often aromatic. Flowering runs from June to September, providing a sustained summer display. It tolerates a wide range of soils and aspects.

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 punctatum of gardens is a perennial member of the Geraniaceae, valued for its mound-forming or spreading habit and palmately lobed foliage. Plants retain foliage as either deciduous or semi-evergreen and are frequently aromatic at close range. The species flowers from June to September. Give it full sun to partial shade and any reasonable garden soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay — so long as it is well drained but not parched. It copes with acid, neutral or alkaline pH and will grow in exposed or sheltered spots; the hardiness range H5–H7 means it is classed from hardy to fully hardy across the UK. Plant with a little room for its spreading habit so neighbouring perennials are not crowded. Its adaptability makes it useful at the front of mixed herbaceous borders, as a ground cover in sun or light shade, or in gravel areas where soil is free-draining. Positioning near paths or seating rewards you with the aromatic foliage when brushed. Allowing a natural spread will highlight its mound-forming habit and keep cultivation simple; flowering from June to September ensures a reliable presence through the main summer season.

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 punctatum of gardens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium punctatum of gardens

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 punctatum of gardens?

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 punctatum of gardens?

Geranium punctatum of gardens prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium punctatum of gardens need?

Geranium punctatum of gardens 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 punctatum of gardens?

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.