PL. —Geranium wallichianumBotanical illustration — drop image
Geranium wallichianum

Himalayan Cranesbill

SummerFall
5a8bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Peak bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

Native to the Himalayas, this sprawling hardy geranium carries masses of blue, saucer-shaped flowers with contrasting white centers over hairy, toothed leaves from midsummer well into fall — one of the longest bloom seasons in the genus. Its trailing habit makes it as useful spilling over a wall or path edge as it is threaded through a border.

It wants consistently moist soil and doesn't like to dry out for long, but otherwise adapts to a range of soil types from sandy to clay. Light shearing after the first flush encourages the continued rebloom that makes this species such a long performer.

Good companions
Care guide
SunFull sun to part shade
WaterModerate
SoilAverage to rich, moist, well-drained
Spacing18–24 in
Height12–18 in
Zone5a – 8b
Seasonal tasks
summer
watchKeep soil consistently moist through summer; extended dry spells slow rebloom.
cutShear lightly after the first flush of bloom fades to encourage continued flowering into fall.
fall
watchEnjoy blue, white-centered flowers continuing into fall.
Common problems

Fungal leaf spot

Symptoms

Brown or purplish spots on the leaves, often ringed with a yellow halo, that spread and merge in warm, humid, or wet weather; heavily spotted leaves yellow and drop early.

Treatment

Pick off spotted leaves and clear fallen debris to remove overwintering spores. Improve air circulation by thinning, and water at the base so foliage dries quickly. If it persists, apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign.