Geranium 'Russell Prichard' (Crane's Bill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium 'Russell Prichard' 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 'Russell Prichard' 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 borders, rock gardens, ground cover and cottage gardens.

About

Geranium 'Russell Prichard' is a mound-forming or spreading perennial crane's bill with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are often aromatic. It flowers from June to September. It suits full sun to partial shade and tolerates almost any reasonable soil so long as it drains well. It is classed H5–H7, making it winter-hardy across most UK gardens.

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 'Russell Prichard' belongs to the family Geraniaceae and is grown as a perennial ground cover or border plant. Its habit is mound-forming or spreading, carrying rounded, palmately lobed foliage that often gives off a noticeable scent; flowering occurs from June to September. This combination of long summer bloom and aromatic leaves makes it a reliable summer presence where a low, spreading habit is required. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay are all acceptable — provided the site is well drained but not parched. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH and will grow in exposed or sheltered positions and on any aspect. It is rated H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–9, so it will survive typical UK winters without winter protection in most areas. Use Geranium 'Russell Prichard' in mixed borders, rock gardens, as a ground cover or in cottage garden schemes where its spreading habit can soften edges. The aromatic foliage remains a feature once the June–September flowers have finished, giving scent as the season moves into autumn.

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 'Russell Prichard' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, ground cover, cottage gardens
Fragrance: Aromatic foliage

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium 'Russell Prichard'

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 'Russell Prichard'?

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 'Russell Prichard'?

Geranium 'Russell Prichard' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium 'Russell Prichard' need?

Geranium 'Russell Prichard' 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 'Russell Prichard'?

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.