Geranium sylvaticum (wood cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium sylvaticum 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. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Geranium sylvaticum 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, woodland gardens and ground cover. It is native to Europe.

About

A mound-forming perennial, Geranium sylvaticum (wood cranesbill) bears rounded, palmately lobed leaves and flowers from June to September. It reaches about 1.0 m and can be deciduous or semi-evergreen, with often aromatic foliage. Grow it in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil that is well drained but not parched.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium sylvaticum

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 sylvaticum, commonly called wood cranesbill, is a mound-forming perennial native to Europe. It produces a carpet of rounded, palmately lobed leaves and carries its summer display between June and September, making it a long-flowering option where seasonal continuity is wanted. Plants typically reach around 1.0 m in height and may be deciduous or retain some foliage through milder winters. Site choice is straightforward when you match its basic preferences: full sun to partial shade, any aspect and either exposed or sheltered positions will suit it. Soil may be loam, chalk, sand or clay and can range from acid to alkaline; the key is that it is well drained but not parched. In UK hardiness terms it ranges from hardy to fully hardy (H5–H7), and it also fits USDA zones 4–9. Use Geranium sylvaticum in mixed borders, as a ground cover or in woodland garden schemes where its mound-forming habit can knit gaps between larger perennials or shrubs. Expect summer flowering from June to September that provides seasonal structure while the rounded, lobed leaves form a lasting mound between bloom cycles.

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 sylvaticum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Borders, woodland gardens, ground cover
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium sylvaticum

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 sylvaticum?

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 sylvaticum?

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

What soil does Geranium sylvaticum need?

Geranium sylvaticum 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 sylvaticum?

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.