Geranium maculatum 'Spring Purple'

RHS Plant Profile
spotted cranesbill 'Spring Purple'
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

'Spring Purple' is a herbaceous perennial, 35cm high, with deciduous, deeply lobed leaves, which emerge flushed with dark red-purple in spring before becoming glossy green, and upward-facing, shallowly bowl-shaped deep pink-purple flowers with white centres, from late spring to midsummer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in partial shade or sun in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required, but cutting back flowered stems and old leaves may encourage the growth of fresh leaves and flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to capsid bug, geranium sawfly, vine weevil, slugs and snails but generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust, downy mildews, leafy gall, and virus diseases; may also be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions. Generally disease-free