About
In summer, saucer-shaped violet-blue flowers, with prominent veins on the petals, are borne in dense clusters and may be followed by a second flush. A clump-forming perennial, maturing to 60cm tall and 45cm wide. The deeply-divided, hairy, lobed, green leaves turn attractive shades of orange and red in autumn.
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, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but most soils (unless waterlogged) in either sun or shade are tolerated
PruningRemove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. New foliage quickly appears if cut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division between early autumn and early spring or cut back plants after flowering in summer, then divide, replant and water well
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by vine weevil larvae, Geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews