Geranium x cant. 'St Ola' (Hardy Geranium) — Clump-forming, Mat-forming, Trailing, Prostrate

Overview

Geranium x cant. 'St Ola' is a plant with a clump-forming, mat-forming, trailing, prostrate habit in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with light green, bright green, silvery, dissected, patterned foliage. Geranium x cant. 'St Ola' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, groundcover, rock gardens and woodland gardens.

About

Geranium x cant. 'St Ola' is a clump-forming, mat-forming hardy geranium that trails and can grow prostrate, producing low, dissected leaves with a silvery, patterned appearance. It flowers from June to September. It performs in full sun to partial shade on a wide range of soils so long as they drain freely. Use it where a trailing ground cover or rock-shelf planting is needed and the foliage can be seen close to the ground.

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 x cant. 'St Ola' sits in the family Geraniaceae as a mat-forming cultivar of Geranium that spreads low by trailing stems and prostrate growth. The foliage is dissected and patterned with light to bright green tones and a silvery cast, which gives the plant a clear presence at ground level while it also produces summer flowers from June to September. Plant it in full sun or partial shade; it tolerates north-, south-, east- and west-facing positions and will take exposed or sheltered sites. Soil may be chalk, clay, loam or sand and can range from acid to alkaline or neutral, provided it is moist but well-drained to well-drained. Hardiness is H4 (average), so it will survive typical UK seasonal conditions associated with that rating. Where it works: let stems spill over the front of borders, fill gaps in rock gardens, form a low ground cover between paving, or sit beneath taller woodland planting. The combination of trailing habit and patterned, silvery leaves makes it particularly effective where foliage colour and texture are needed after the June–September flowering period finishes.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: North, South, East, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Geranium x cant. 'St Ola' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump-forming, Mat-forming, Trailing, Prostrate
Foliage: Light green, Bright green, Silvery, Dissected, Patterned
Suggested uses: Borders, Groundcover, Rock gardens, Woodland gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium x cant. 'St Ola'

Propagation: Seed, Division, Cuttings
Pest resistance: Generally pest-resistant
Disease resistance: Generally disease-resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Geranium x cant. 'St Ola'?

Geranium x cant. 'St Ola' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium x cant. 'St Ola' need?

Geranium x cant. 'St Ola' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.