Geranium subcaulescens 'Splendens'

RHS Plant Profile
grey cranesbill 'Splendens'
grey cranesbill 'Splendens' RHS

Synonyms

Geranium cinereum var. subcaulescens 'Splendens'
Geranium cinereum subsp. subcaulescens var. subcaulescens 'Splendens'
Geranium cinereum 'Splendens'

Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

'Splendens' forms a compact evergreen clump of rounded, dark grey-green leaves and vivid reddish-purple flowers 2.5cm wide in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or 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
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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 moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Most soils, unless waterlogged, in either sun or shade are tolerated

Propagation

Propagate by division between early autumn and early spring or cut back plants after flowering in summer then divide, replant and water well

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Ground cover
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

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

Pests

May be damaged by vine weevil larvae, Geranium sawfly larvae, capsid bug or slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews