Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Perk up your patch with reliable Geranium psilostemon 'Ivan' and its pretty peppering of purple flowers. This garden gem can be planted in sun or shade, it can act as a ground cover or be contained. In fact, whatever you need it to do, this chameleon of a plant will happily adapt to its surroundings and settle itself into its role - what a useful plant!
Once settled in its space, the hardy perennial Geranium psilostemon 'Ivan' (or Pink Cranesbill) forms a good clump of foliage along with flowers all summer long. Resilient, tough and drought tolerant, its long-lasting colour every year provides every reason to be upbeat, rewarding minimal effort with its gung-ho approach and serge of continuous blooms. A classic choice for cottage gardens but also fitting in more contemporary or minimalistic space.
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Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Geranium 'Ivan'
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Spreading
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 10 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Dry - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Ground cover
Borders
Gravel gardens
Cottage gardens
Wildlife gardens
Large containers
Coastal gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade
Full shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Geranium 'Ivan' reviews
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.