Purple geranium
Geranium purpureum · Geraniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant purple geranium: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-persistent depending on climate
- Flowering
- April to September, pink to purple flowers
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate, down to around -5°C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-draining, poor to average soil
Care
Watering
Water moderately during active growth, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce significantly in winter, especially in cold climates. Avoid excessive moisture which promotes fungal diseases.
Exposure
Place the purple geranium in full sun for generous flowering and compact growth. Partial shade is acceptable in very hot climates, but will reduce flower density.
Soil and drainage
Light, well-draining and rather poor soil suits it perfectly. Improve drainage with sand or pumice if your soil retains water. This balance limits excessive growth and prevents root moisture issues.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young plants to encourage bushy growth. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend blooming. In late winter or before first frosts, prune lightly to rejuvenate the plant.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer once or twice monthly during flowering. On naturally poor soil, light feeding is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions and root rot if overwatered. Treat preventively by improving air circulation. Spider mites may appear in dry conditions; discreet foliar misting helps limit them.
Did you know?
The purple geranium is a robust perennial of Mediterranean scrublands, which botanists long confused with other Geranium species. Unlike pelargoniums (often called "geraniums" in horticulture), true geraniums like this one withstand temperate winters well and reliably reflower each spring in European gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Meadow geraniumGeranium pratense
- Bloody Crane's-billGeranium sanguineum
- Rock crane's-billGeranium macrorrhizum
- French crane's-billGeranium endressii
- Purple-vein geraniumGeranium wallichianum
- Himalayan crane's-billGeranium himalayense
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.