Geranium wallichianum: complete guide

Overview

Geranium wallichianum, commonly called Buxton's Blue or Himalayan crane's-bill, is a charming, low-growing groundcover from the Geraniaceae family. Hailing from mountain regions spanning Afghanistan to the Himalaya and Tibet, this hardy geranium offers elegance, extended bloom and effortless maintenance. With its blue flowers and silky texture, it brings alpine charm to any garden corner.

Geranium wallichianum spreads generously and densely, creating beautiful mounds of finely divided foliage crowned with flowers for months. This makes it ideal for borders, rock gardens, hanging baskets and as underplanting for taller specimens.

Appearance and Bloom

Geranium wallichianum reaches just 30 to 40 centimetres in height but spreads to about 60 centimetres wide, creating perfectly defined groundcover. Leaves are dense, deeply cut and typically five-lobed with serrated edges. During the growing season they are vibrant green; in autumn they turn golden with occasional red tints.

The flowers are the true showstopper. They appear from June to October in remarkable abundance. Each flower is about 2 centimetres across, in stunning shades of blue to purple-blue with a white eye and fine pink or red veining. They're borne in pairs on slender, elegant flower stems, creating a cloud of colour.

Ideal Location

Geranium wallichianum thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering, at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. This plant also flowers in half-shaded situations, though bloom may be somewhat less prolific.

Give it room to spread and use it as:

Groundcover in borders Even partner in rock gardens Spilling plant over walls and stone banks As underplanting beneath taller specimens In containers, troughs and hanging baskets

Soil

Geranium wallichianum is not particular about soil type but thrives best in well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Heavy, waterlogged soils can cause root rot. Work in sand, grit and compost for better drainage. A neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.5) is ideal.

Avoid overfertilizing as this can promote excess foliage at the expense of flowers. A simple spring feeding is usually sufficient.

Watering

Being a hardy alpine species, Geranium wallichianum is drought-tolerant once established. During the first growing season (April to September), water regularly, especially in dry spells, until the plant develops a strong root system.

Once established (after year one), this plant tolerates significant drought. Water only during prolonged dry periods or when grown in containers. When in doubt, err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.

In winter, water almost not at all; the plant enters dormancy.

Pruning

Geranium wallichianum requires minimal pruning thanks to its naturally compact growth habit. However:

Remove dead foliage and damaged stems in spring After the first frost, stems can be cut back to about 10 centimetres above ground To prevent self-seeding, you can deadhead spent flowers, though this is not essential In late autumn (November) you can lightly tidy the plant

Maintenance Calendar

March-April: Spring growth begins. Remove old foliage. Give a balanced fertiliser application. May-October: Growth and flowering period. Water in dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers. November-February: Dormancy period. Minimal maintenance needed. Plant dies back partially.

Winter Hardiness

Geranium wallichianum is very winter-hardy, USDA zones 4 to 8 (-30 to -15 degrees Celsius). The plant easily survives most European winters. In zones 3 and colder, protective mulch can be beneficial. In very cold years, above-ground growth may die but the plant will resprout from the root stock.

In temperate climates (zones 8-9) the plant can often be semi-evergreen.

Companion Plants

Geranium wallichianum combines beautifully with:

Salvia nemorosa - for vertical contrast Stachys byzantina - for textural contrast Heuchera - for interesting foliage variation Alliums - for structure and colour Hypericums - for late season colour Iris reticulata - for early spring bloom

This unassuming herbaceous geranium fits well in virtually any planting scheme.

Conclusion

Geranium wallichianum Buxton's Blue is an essential plant for every garden. Its generous, extended flowering, mountain hardiness and effortless maintenance make it unbeatable for groundcover work. Plant it in clusters of three to five for maximum impact, and enjoy months of stunning blue flowers. Available at quality garden centres everywhere.