Geranium subcaulescens

Cranesbill is a genus comprising of about 300 species. It is commonly used as a ground-covering perennial which can quickly form a respectable carpet. When in full bloom it offers a solid, one-colour show which in mass plantings looks stunning. Thanks to low growth it mostly finds its place under trees and shrubs, as well as in mixed borders along with other perennials.

Subcaulescens is an ashy cranesbill subspecies whose Latin name says that is has short stems. They are only some 10-15 cm tall and hold intensely coloured, rich purple pink flowers, single flowers from late May until late July, and sparsely throughout the summer. If you look up close you will see handsome veins - burgundy red near the centre and purple pink heading outwards. The leaves are small, semi-evergreen, palmate, mid green, and deeply lobed. It differs from the species which is rather dwarf by slow spreading to low carpets that remain compact and dense. Owing to slow growth we recommend planting 5-7 plants together per square meter.

Ashy cranesbill is a sun-loving species that needs free-draining soil and does not tolerate wet ground. Grow it in full sun or just light shade in sandy, loam-based soil. It is hardy to min. -29°C (USDA zone 5), possibly a few degrees lower, and it is suitable for outdoor pots.

Last update 20-12-2019