About
A low-growing, herbaceous perennial, forming rosettes of lobed, mid-green, rounded foliage on stems 7.5-10cm (3-4in) high and 30cm (12in) across. In summer pale-pink, saucer-shaped flowers appear above the foliage. Its very low growth makes it ideal for use at the front of borders and in rockeries.
About the genus
Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toNew Zealand (Chatham Islands)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile soil apart from waterlogged soils. For best growth and flowering, plant in full sun or partial shade.
PruningRemove spent flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. Remove old, dead foliage in spring before growth commences
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, or take basal cuttings in early to mid-spring and root with bottom heat.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil, geranium sawfly, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews, downy mildews and a virus