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.
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Geranium versicolor
pencilled geranium
Geranium versicolor is a delightfully delicate cranesbill, sometimes known as pencilled geranium or striped geranium, and its flowers explain both names rather neatly. From late spring, and then intermittently through to autumn, funnel-shaped white blooms appear, each finely veined with pink as though sketched by a very patient hand. Reaching around 45cm tall, Geranium versicolor forms a semi-evergreen herbaceous clump with deeply lobed, pale green leaves, giving it a fresh, airy presence even when not in full flower. There is something quietly antique about Geranium versicolor, yet it sits beautifully in modern naturalistic plantings too, which is a useful talent.
Plant Geranium versicolor in sun or partial shade, where it can soften path edges, mingle through cottage borders or slip elegantly beneath roses and shrubs. Its pale flowers and dark pink markings make it especially lovely with silvery foliage, soft pink perennials, lavender-blue catmint or the dusky leaves of heucheras. Once settled, Geranium versicolor is pleasingly undemanding, bringing lightness, movement and a long season of understated colour without asking for much ceremony in return. The semi-evergreen foliage helps keep borders from looking bare in milder spells, while the repeat flowers add small, charming surprises as summer drifts on. For a striped geranium with grace, stamina and beautifully pencilled detail, Geranium versicolor is a very refined choice.
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Plant profile
Plant calendar
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 versicolor
Geranium striatum - Flower colour
- White, pink
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 20-30cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Spreading
Upright - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 6 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
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Borders
Gravel gardens
Cottage gardens
Wildlife gardens
Large containers
Coastal gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
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Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
