Geranium shikokianum (Japanese marbled cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium shikokianum 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 shikokianum 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, woodland gardens and ground cover. It is native to S Japan and Korea.

About

Geranium shikokianum is a mound-forming perennial cranesbill with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are often aromatic. It flowers from June to September. The plant tolerates a wide range of soils and positions, from full sun to partial shade, and suits both exposed and sheltered sites. Its habit ranges from compact mounds to a more spreading ground cover.

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

A member of the Geraniaceae, Geranium shikokianum originates from southern Japan and Korea and establishes as a mound-forming or spreading perennial in temperate gardens. The rounded, palmately lobed foliage is often aromatic and remains a clear feature through the growing season, while flowering takes place from June to September. It performs well in full sun to partial shade and will accept almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay — provided it is well drained but not parched. Soil pH is not critical and ranges from acid through neutral to alkaline. The plant tolerates exposed or sheltered positions and carries an H5–H7 UK hardiness rating, meaning it is winter-hardy across much of the country (H5 = hardy; H7 = fully hardy). Place it where its mound-forming or gently spreading habit can be seen to advantage: along mixed borders, in rock gardens, beneath trees in woodland-style plantings or as a ground cover between larger perennials. Flowering in summer provides seasonal interest while the aromatic, palmately divided leaves offer a distinctive texture after blooms have finished.

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 shikokianum 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, woodland gardens, ground cover
Native to: S Japan, Korea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium shikokianum

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 shikokianum?

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 shikokianum?

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

What soil does Geranium shikokianum need?

Geranium shikokianum 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 shikokianum?

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.