Geranium wlassovianum (Wlassov's cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium wlassovianum 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 wlassovianum 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 E Russia to China.

About

Geranium wlassovianum is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the Geraniaceae with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that may be deciduous or semi-evergreen. It flowers from June to September and prefers full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil, provided it is well drained but not parched. Native from eastern Russia to China, it tolerates exposed or sheltered situations and is rated H5–H7 for UK hardiness (hardy to fully hardy). Use it in borders, rock gardens or as a ground cover to fill gaps between larger perennials.

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 wlassovianum, commonly called Wlassov's cranesbill, is a mound-forming or spreading perennial from eastern Russia through to China. Its rounded, palmately lobed foliage can be deciduous or remain semi-evergreen in milder spots, and the leaves are often aromatic when handled. Flowering runs June to September. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay will all do so long as drainage is adequate and the soil is not left parched. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH and will take exposed as well as sheltered positions, making it adaptable across many UK sites. The hardiness range H5–H7 means it is hardy through to fully hardy in typical UK winters. Use Geranium wlassovianum in mixed herbaceous borders, tucked into rock garden crevices, or as a spreading ground cover to close up bare patches between perennials. Because it forms a low mound and spreads, position it where its foliage can be seen and touched; the leaves often release a mild scent when crushed, which adds a sensory note to the planting.

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 wlassovianum size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium wlassovianum

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 wlassovianum?

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 wlassovianum?

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

What soil does Geranium wlassovianum need?

Geranium wlassovianum 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 wlassovianum?

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.