Overview

Geranium renardii is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Geranium renardii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens and coastal. It is native to Caucasus.

About

Geranium renardii is a clump-forming perennial that typically reaches a height of 30 cm. It features distinctive grey-green leaves that are lobed and exhibit a fine wrinkled texture. In the summer, this plant produces flowers measuring around 3 cm across, displaying white or pale mauve petals with noticeable violet veins.

About the genus

Geraniums encompass a variety of growth forms, including annuals, biennials, and perennials. These plants can be herbaceous or evergreen and feature rounded leaves that are typically palmately lobed or divided. Their flowers are characterized by a loose arrangement and consist of five petals.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Geranium renardii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native to
Caucasus

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium renardii

Cultivation
Best in poor soil but any soil apart from waterlogged soils will do. Full sun or partial shade is best but shade is tolerated
Pruning
Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
Pest resistance
May be susceptble to vine weevil, capsid bug and sawflies
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium renardii?

Best in poor soil but any soil apart from waterlogged soils will do. Full sun or partial shade is best but shade is tolerated.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium renardii?

Geranium renardii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium renardii need?

Geranium renardii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

How do I prune Geranium renardii?

Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers.

How big does Geranium renardii grow?

Geranium renardii reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Geranium renardii hardy in the UK?

Geranium renardii has a UK hardiness rating of H6.

How do I propagate Geranium renardii?

Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat.

Is Geranium renardii good for pollinators?

Yes — Geranium renardii attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.