Geranium 'Purple Rain' (cranesbill 'Purple Rain') — Clump-forming, Mat-forming, Trailing, Carpet-forming

Overview

Geranium 'Purple Rain' is a clump-forming, mat-forming, trailing, carpet-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with light green, bright green, silvery, dissected, patterned foliage. Geranium 'Purple Rain' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland beds and containers.

About

Geranium 'Purple Rain' is a herbaceous perennial cranesbill that makes low, mat-forming clumps with trailing, carpet-forming stems. Its leaves are finely dissected with a silvery, patterned appearance that holds interest through the growing season. It produces a succession of flowers from June to September. Use it where a sheltered, sun-exposed ground cover is needed.

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 'Purple Rain' belongs to the family Geraniaceae and is a clump-forming, mat-forming perennial valued for its finely dissected, silvery-patterned foliage and trailing habit. It performs best in full sun on a neutral loam that drains freely; avoid waterlogged spots. The cultivar is rated H5, meaning it is hardy in most UK gardens and will survive typical winter conditions without the need for indoor protection. Plant into a south-, west- or east-facing position that offers some shelter from strong winds so the low stems are not desiccated. Work a neutral, loamy, well-drained soil before planting and keep soil moisture moderate rather than waterlogged. Its carpet-forming habit lets it spread to cover bare earth or soften the edges of paths, and the foliage texture contrasts well with coarser-leaved perennials. Flowers appear from June to September, providing a summer display while the leaves continue to form a dense mat. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland beds and containers where a trailing or ground cover effect is wanted. The trailing stems will quickly weave between paving joints, helping to mask bare soil as the season progresses.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Geranium 'Purple Rain' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, Mat-forming, Trailing, Carpet-forming
Foliage: Light green, Bright green, Silvery, Dissected, Patterned
Suggested uses: Borders, Cottage gardens, Rock gardens, Woodland beds, Containers