Geranium erianthum
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 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H7Botanical 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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