Geranium wallichianum (Wallich‚Äôs cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium wallichianum 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 0.3 m tall. Geranium wallichianum 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 and ground cover. It is native to Himalaya.

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

Native to the Himalaya, Geranium wallichianum produces low mounds of palmately lobed, often aromatic leaves and a profusion of blue flowers through the summer months (June to September). Plants remain compact at about 0.3 m in height but can spread to form a useful ground cover or cluster of mounds in mixed plantings. Grow it in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay will do — provided the site is well drained but not bone dry. It will tolerate acid, neutral or alkaline pH and suits any aspect; exposure can be either sheltered or open. Hardiness is H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy), so it survives typical UK winter conditions across most garden situations. Use Geranium wallichianum at the front of borders, in rock gardens or as a low ground cover where its rounded, lobed leaves can be seen at close range. Position plants so the summer flower display sits just above the foliage; the combination of low mounds and extended flowering period makes it particularly useful where a long-lasting, low-scale flowering carpet is required.

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 wallichianum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Height: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, ground cover
Native to: Himalaya

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium wallichianum

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 wallichianum?

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 wallichianum?

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

What soil does Geranium wallichianum need?

Geranium wallichianum 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 wallichianum?

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.