About

A vigorous, semi-evergreen perennial, to around 70cm high, with large, lobed green leaves with scalloped edges. Slender stems bear lilac pink flowers, with paler centres and darker veins, 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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationThrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, but will tolerate most soils and positions unless waterlogged
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring. Plants may self-seed but seedlings may not be true to the parent
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil larvae, geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and virus diseases, and to powdery mildews in dry conditions