Geranium palmatum
geranium
Valued for both its impressive, often evergreen foliage (which can develop a red flush in winter), as well as its showy clusters of magenta-pink summer flowers, this cranesbill will often self-seed in the right setting.
Native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, Geranium palmatum can be perennial if grown in milder regions or sheltered gardens, provided the soil is not too heavy and wet.
Native to Madeira and the Canary Islands, Geranium palmatum can be perennial if grown in milder regions or sheltered gardens, provided the soil is not too heavy and wet.
How to care for Geranium palmatum:
Protect from frosts if grown outside, or move container-grown plants to a cool, sheltered site such as a coldframe or unheated greenhouse when the temperatures start to drop. In spring, remove any tatty looking foliage that has past its best, and then in midsummer, rejuvenate plants that are starting to look jaded, by trimming them back to encourage a fresh flush of new growth. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.
Sowing instructions:
Sow seeds in spring or early summer in trays or pots of good-quality seed compost, covering them lightly and keeping them moist but not waterlogged. Place in a bright position out of direct sunlight, and germination should occur within a few weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow on until well rooted.
Plant out into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded spot, sheltering from cold winds. Water regularly during dry weather, and remove spent flower stems to encourage more blooms. Protect young plants from severe frost, as this species is only borderline hardy in colder UK areas.
Sow: March to June
Plant out into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded spot, sheltering from cold winds. Water regularly during dry weather, and remove spent flower stems to encourage more blooms. Protect young plants from severe frost, as this species is only borderline hardy in colder UK areas.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.2m
Eventual spread:
0.9m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
£9.99
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
3 × 9cm pots
£22.99
£7.66 each
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
6 × 9cm pots
£42.99
£7.17 each
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
approx 60 seeds
was £2.99
now £2.24
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
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