About
Geranium wlassovianum, Wlassov's cranesbill, is a clump-forming, softly hairy, herbaceous perennial maturing to about 60 cm with loose sprays of long-lasting, purple-pink or pink flowers from midsummer to early autumn. The leaves flush purple-bronze in spring and summer, turning red in autumn, giving three-season ornamental value. An excellent border cranesbill.
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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toE Russia to China
Care notes
CultivationGenerally easy to grow but prefers a moist soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationDivide in spring or take basal, softwood cuttings in early or mid spring and root with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by vine weevil larvae, sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a virus, downy mildews or powdery mildews in dry conditions