Geranium thunbergii
Japanese cranesbill
A vigorous semi-evergreen perennial, to around 30cm high, with trailing to ascending stems and light green, lobed leaves with bronze markings in the notches. Loose sprays of small pink , purple or white flowers, often with purple veining, are produced in late summer and sometimes into early autumn
Synonyms
Geranium yoshinoi misappliedGeranium wilfordii misapplied
see moreGeranium nepalense subsp. thunbergii
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink Purple | Green Bronze | ||
| Autumn | White Pink Purple | Green Bronze | ||
| Winter | Green Bronze |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- 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
- Japan, Korea
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in sun in well-drained soil, but will tolerate a range of soils and positions, except waterlogging
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by division, trailing stems will sometimes root at the nodes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh growth
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
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