Geranium reflexum (reflexed cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium reflexum 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 reflexum 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. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders, ground cover and naturalized areas.. It is native to S Europe.

About

Geranium reflexum is a mound-forming or spreading perennial cranesbill with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are often aromatic. It flowers from June to September. It tolerates full sun to partial shade and will grow in almost any reasonable soil so long as it is well drained but not parched. Classed H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy), it suits rock gardens, borders, ground cover and naturalised areas.

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 reflexum is a perennial cranesbill native to southern Europe that forms a low, spreading mound of rounded, palmately lobed leaves. The foliage can be deciduous or semi-evergreen and is often aromatic, which makes the plant useful near paths or seating where the scent is appreciated. Flowering occurs June to September. For cultivation place it in full sun to partial shade; it tolerates any aspect and will occupy both exposed and sheltered positions. Soil type is flexible — loam, chalk, sand or clay are all acceptable — but keep roots in a free-draining medium that is not bone dry. It is rated H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy) in the UK and also covers USDA zones 4–9, so it will overwinter outdoors across much of Britain. Use Geranium reflexum in rock gardens and gravel beds, at the front of mixed borders, as a low ground cover between shrubs, or in naturalised drifts. Its habit fills gaps at a low level without becoming tall, and the often-aromatic leaves provide a discreet sensory note when planted alongside paths or seating.

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 reflexum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Suggested uses: Rock gardens, borders, ground cover, naturalized areas.
Native to: S Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium reflexum

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 reflexum?

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 reflexum?

Geranium reflexum prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium reflexum need?

Geranium reflexum 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 reflexum?

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.