Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' (Wood Cranesbill) — Clump-forming, Mat-forming, Trailing, Prostrate

Overview

Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' is a clump-forming, mat-forming, trailing, prostrate perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with light green, bright green, silvery, dissected, patterned foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, groundcover, rock gardens and woodland gardens. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Greenland and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

About

Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' is a clump-forming, mat-forming geranium with dissected, patterned leaves that carry a silvery cast. It flowers from June to September and performs in full sun or partial shade. The plant tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Use it as ground cover in borders, rock gardens or woodland plots where a low, trailing habit is useful.

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 sylvaticum 'Mayflower' forms low clumps and mats of finely dissected foliage with a light to silvery tone. Flowering runs from June to September and the foliage patterning gives the plant presence even when blooms are past. Position it where leaf texture can be seen at close range, for example beside paths or in the front of mixed borders. It grows in full sun to partial shade and accepts a wide range of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — so long as conditions remain moist but well-drained. Soil pH is not a limiting factor: acid, neutral or alkaline soils are all acceptable. It suits north, south, east and west-facing sites and will tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations. Hardy to H4 (average for UK gardens), it will cope with typical seasonal variations without special winter protection. Practically, plant in groups to form a spreading carpet where a low, trailing geranium is required. Recommended uses include borders, ground cover, rock gardens and woodland gardens. The dissected, patterned leaves continue to form a neat living mulch beneath taller herbaceous plants well after the flowering period ends.

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: North, South, East, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, Mat-forming, Trailing, Prostrate
Foliage: Light green, Bright green, Silvery, Dissected, Patterned
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Groundcover, Rock gardens, Woodland gardens
Native to: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Greenland, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; suitable for full sun to partial shade; low maintenance
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
Propagation: Seed, Division, Cuttings
Pest resistance: Generally pest-resistant
Disease resistance: Generally disease-resistant

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; suitable for full sun to partial shade; low maintenance.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower'?

Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' need?

Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' 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.