Geranium Summer Skies ('Gernic') (PBR)
cranesbill
Soft, double blooms bring a romantic feel to summer borders, adding gentle colour and graceful movement wherever they're planted. Forming a tidy, clump-forming perennial with a lightly trailing habit, Geranium Summer Skies sends up slender stems carrying masses of beautifully double flowers from June to August. Each bloom resembles a miniature rose, opening in soft lilac-mauve before fading to lavender-pink, with delicate magenta veining and a creamy yellow eye that creates an attractive two-tone effect.
Finely divided green foliage provides an elegant backdrop, while the gently arching stems allow the flowers to weave naturally through neighbouring perennials or spill over the edges of raised beds and walls. Ideal for cottage gardens, informal borders and wildlife-friendly planting, this hardy geranium adds a long season of interest and attracts pollinating insects throughout summer.
Finely divided green foliage provides an elegant backdrop, while the gently arching stems allow the flowers to weave naturally through neighbouring perennials or spill over the edges of raised beds and walls. Ideal for cottage gardens, informal borders and wildlife-friendly planting, this hardy geranium adds a long season of interest and attracts pollinating insects throughout summer.
How to care for Geranium Summer Skies ('Gernic') (PBR):
Incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting and water well in dry weather, especially newly established plants. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the plant to help seal in moisture, feed the soil, and reduce the need for weeding.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. If the plant becomes too leggy or untidy later in the season, trim lightly to encourage fresh growth and more flowers.
During the first growing season, regular watering is crucial to establish deep roots. Once established, Geraniums show improved drought tolerance. A feeding of balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring will support blooming.
At the end of the growing season, cut it back to ground level in late autumn or early spring. Every 3-4 years, consider dividing the plant in spring to maintain its vigour.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. If the plant becomes too leggy or untidy later in the season, trim lightly to encourage fresh growth and more flowers.
During the first growing season, regular watering is crucial to establish deep roots. Once established, Geraniums show improved drought tolerance. A feeding of balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring will support blooming.
At the end of the growing season, cut it back to ground level in late autumn or early spring. Every 3-4 years, consider dividing the plant in spring to maintain its vigour.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
