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Herbaceous Perennial

Geranium erianthum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

woolly cranesbill

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, 45-60cm high, with 7 to 9-lobed pale green leaves, 5-20cm across, colouring well in autumn, and saucer-shaped light to deep violet-blue flowers, 2.5-4cm across, with darker veins, from late spring to midsummer, and often again in summer or early autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Purple Green
Summer Blue Purple Green
Autumn Blue Purple Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
West N America, N Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in containers outdoors as soon as seed is ripe or in spring, or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required, but cutting back flowered stems and old leaves may encourage the growth of fresh leaves and flowers

Pests

Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be affected by a rust, a downy mildew, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be affected by powdery mildews in dry conditions

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