About
Geranium wallichianum, Wallich's cranesbill, is a low-growing perennial to 30 cm with trailing, branching stems bearing pairs of lobed and toothed, mid-green leaves. Loose clusters of saucer-shaped, lilac or purple-pink flowers are produced freely from midsummer to early autumn. One of the finest and longest-flowering of all late-season cranesbills for a sunny or partly shaded border front.
About the genus
Geranium, the cranesbills, are annuals, biennials and herbaceous or evergreen perennials with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves and loose clusters of rounded, five-petalled flowers in white, pink, purple or blue. Among the most versatile and garden-worthy of all perennial genera.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTrailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toHimalaya
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, but will tolerate most soils unless waterlogged
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil larvae, geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and virus diseases, and to powdery mildews in dry conditions