Geranium nodosum
knotted cranesbill
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Fast
- Flowering period: May to September
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Garden care:Plant in well-drained, moderately fertile soils (that are not subject to water-logging). In midsummer rejuvenate well-established plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves. Lift and divide large clumps in spring.
An incredibly adaptable and undemanding plant, which makes excellent groundcover for borders and slopes. It is also one of the best geraniums for dry shade, so is ideal for underplanting established trees and shrubs. The flowers are slightly variable in colour, being a mixture of purple and pink, and they often appear over several months from early summer.