Geranium soboliferum

RHS Plant Profile
suckering cranesbill
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial, up to 70cm high, with deeply lobed and toothed green leaves. Slender stems bear pairs of deep pink flowers with reddish veins in mid to late summer and sometimes early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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
Russia, Manchuria & Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in moist but well-drained soil in light or partial shade, though will tolerate full sun in soil that does not dry out

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division or by basal softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

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

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil larvae, geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews and virus diseases, and to powdery mildews in dry conditions