Geranium versicolor (pencilled geranium) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium versicolor 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 versicolor 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. It is native to Italy Balkan Pen..

About

Geranium versicolor is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the Geranium genus, notable for its rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are often aromatic. It flowers from June to September. Plants do well in full sun to partial shade and prefer well drained but not parched soils. Suitable for exposed or sheltered positions and a wide range of soil pH and types.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium versicolor

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 versicolor originates from Italy and the Balkan Peninsula and belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It forms a low mound or spreads across the soil, carrying rounded, palmately lobed foliage that can be deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on winter severity. Flowering runs from June to September, providing a sustained bloom period through the summer. Site it in full sun to partial shade; it tolerates any aspect and will cope equally well in exposed or sheltered spots. Soil may be loam, chalk, sand or clay so long as it drains—roots must not sit in water nor be left parched during establishment. The species copes with acid, neutral and alkaline soils, giving flexibility across typical garden conditions. Hardiness is rated H5–H7 (H5 = hardy; H7 = fully hardy), so it withstands most UK winters when planted in ordinary garden soil. Use Geranium versicolor at the front of a mixed border or in drifts where a low, spreading habit is wanted, and pair it with plants that share a preference for free-draining soil. Its rounded, often aromatic leaves remain semi-evergreen in milder sites, adding foliage interest outside the main flowering months.

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 versicolor size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Native to: Italy Balkan Pen.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium versicolor

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 versicolor?

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 versicolor?

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

What soil does Geranium versicolor need?

Geranium versicolor 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 versicolor?

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.