May

Plant of the Month 2017 

Hardy Geranium

Family: Geraniaceae 

Perennial 

Herbaceous 

Site: Full sun or partial shade, some will cope with shadier conditions.

Common name: cranesbill 

Notes:

*The Chelsea Chop - cut back a half - a third of the hardy Geranium at the end if May (which coincides with the Chelsea Flower Show, hence the name). This allows the plant to delay some of the flowers. 

*Alternatively cut the whole plant back after flowering to promote a fresh flush of foliage and flowers later in the summer.

*Plant with spring flowering bulbs as the emerging mound of hardy Geranium foliage helps to hide the fading bulb leaves.

*Divide in the autumn every 3 years to maintain vigour.