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Herbaceous Perennial

Geranium versicolor
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

pencilled geranium

A semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial to 45cm tall, with deeply-lobed pale green leaves. The funnel-shaped, white flowers, netted with dark pink, are produced in late spring and intermittently through to autumn

Other common names
striped geranium
Synonyms
Geranium striatum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
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
Italy Balkan Pen.

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in any moderately fertile, non-waterlogged soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil, sawflies, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be subject to powdery mildews, a downy mildew and a virus

Get involved

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