Geranium malviflorum

RHS Plant Profile
mallow-flowered cranesbill

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Synonyms

Geranium atlanticum Hook. f.

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial
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A tuberous-rooted perennial to 30cm tall, with rounded leaves deeply divided into 7 lobes, appearing in autumn and dying away in summer; mallow-like light or deep purple flowers with dark-veined petals, open in spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

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

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Geraniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
S Spain, S Portugal, N Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best in full sun and with good drainage, but tolerates nutrient-poor soils and can be used in much the same way as spring bulbs, using annuals or neighbouring plants to occupy the space in summer

Propagation

Divide the tubers shortly after the foliage has been lost, but before autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Dies away back to ground level in summer

Pests

Generally robust and trouble-free, but can occasionally suffer from slugs, snails, aphids, vine weevil and geranium saw fly

Diseases

Problem-free generally, but rust and a virus may occasionally occur