About
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, 30-60cm high, with deciduous, seven-lobed, velvety leaves, 5-15cm across, which are dark green flushed with brown and which turn red and orange in autumn, and broadly funnel-shaped flowers, 3cm across, of dark bluish-purple with darker violet-purple veins, from early summer to late summer.
About the genus
Geranium can be annuals, biennials and perennials, herbaceous or evergreen, with rounded, usually palmately lobed or divided leaves, and lax inflorescences of rounded, 5-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun or light shade in moist but well-drained soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free, but may be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free, but may be susceptible to a rust, downy mildews, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions