Geranium cinereum Purple Pillow - Ashy Cranesbill

The perennial Geranium cinereum Purple Pillow should be planted during spring or autumn. This variety, like all other perennial geraniums, is undemanding in terms of location and soil quality. It can be placed in any fertile soil that is well-drained but not waterlogged. It tolerates limestone. Geranium Cinereum thrives in sunny areas that promote flowering or partial shade. To plant your young plant, prepare your soil by loosening it up to a depth of 20 cm (8in), and add a base amendment such as dried blood or dehydrated horn at the bottom of the planting hole. Position your plant, removed from its pot, and cover the top of the root ball with 3 cm (1in) of soil. Fill in the hole and water generously to eliminate air pockets. Space the plants 30 cm (12in) apart. During dry weather, it is necessary to water regularly for a few weeks to facilitate root establishment, even though it requires little moisture in the summer. However, give it little water in winter. From July to September, remove faded flowers and leaves to encourage new growth. If the foliage has not been affected by cold weather, cut back large clumps every spring to keep them compact and promote new vegetation. You can also cut back after flowering and water well to encourage the plant to form a tidy clump.