Geranium palustre
marsh cranesbill
A low-growing, clump-forming perennial forming bushy hummocks of fresh green, deeply divided leaves. Flowers are borne on thin stems rising from a central rootstock and are bright pink, trumpet-shaped at first then almost starry when the wide-open, wedge-shaped petals become separated. Has a long flowering season, retaining a fresh appearance
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade; tolerant of both wet and dry soils and can be established in grass
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in early to mid spring and root with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil, capsid bug and geranium sawfly
Diseases
May be affected by a downy mildew and powdery mildews
Get involved
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