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Geranium sylvaticum ‘Birch Lilac’ (Wood Cranesbill)

Wood Cranesbill 'Birch Lilac'

Geranium sylvaticum 'Birch Lilac', Wood Cranesbill 'Birch Lilac', Woodland Geranium, Best geraniums, Best groundcovers, Purple Geranium, Purple Cranesbill, Lilac Geranium, Lilac Cranesbill

Ideal for the woodland garden, Geranium sylvaticum ‘Birch Lilac’ (Wood Cranesbill) is an erect herbaceous perennial forming a dense mound of deeply divided green leaves, topped with abundant, saucer-shaped, lilac blossoms adorned with a small white center from late spring to early summer. Flowering best in damp conditions, let it ramble and tumble in with its neighbors beside a pool, stream or in a bog garden!

  • Clump-forming and vigorous, this deciduous perennial reaches 24 in. in height (60 cm) and 20 in. in spread (50 cm). This sturdy performer is not only easy to grow, but it also requires very little maintenance
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Full shade is tolerated but not preferred. Best in moist soil.
  • A perfect border plant, it is a spectacular addition to beds, borders, cottage gardens, underplanting roses and shrubs and is an excellent choice for the woodland garden.
  • Watch for vine weevil, capsid bug, sawflies, and powdery mildew
  • Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid-spring and root with bottom heat.

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 9
Heat Zones 8 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Geraniaceae
Genus Geranium
Common names Cranesbill
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 20" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Geranium pratense ‘Boom Chocolatta’ (Cranesbill)
Geranium carolinianum (Carolina Geranium)
Geranium viscosissimum (Sticky Purple Geranium)
Geranium clarkei ‘Kashmir White’ (Cranesbill)
Geranium sanguineum ‘Max Frei’ (Bloody Cranesbill)
Geranium x oxonianum ‘Miss Heidi’ (Cranesbill)

Recommended Companion Plants

Geum ‘Mrs J. Bradshaw’ (Avens)
Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ (Coral Bells)
Lupinus ‘Noble Maiden’ (Lupine)
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)
Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Catmint)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 9
Heat Zones 8 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Geraniaceae
Genus Geranium
Common names Cranesbill
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 20" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Geranium (Cranesbill)
Not sure which Geranium (Cranesbill) to pick?
Compare Now

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