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Geranium incanum (Carpet Geranium) - A tender perennial that forms fine textured 10-inch-tall mats of delicate divided wiry leaves that are green above and gray on their undersides. The pale inch wide mauve flowers appear from spring to fall and often longer in mild years. Trim plants after bloom flush for rebloom and prevent reseeding or let it naturalize about as it is not particularly pesty. Cut to the ground every other year to tidy up the clumps.
Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil for best results, though can be grown part shade, and irrigate occasionally to infrequently. It is cold hardy to about 25° F. This is a very tough plant in the coastal garden, tolerating drought and neglect and makes a good small-scale groundcover with a soft texture that can hang over the edge of rocks or walls or be used in a hanging basket - a most beautiful somewhat weedy plant.
Geranium incanum is native to southwestern and eastern South Africa where it is found scrambling about through other plants. The etymology of the genus name Geranium, and the family Geraniaceae, is derived from the Greek word, 'geranos' which means "crane" from the seed capsule's resemblance to beak of this bird. The specific epithet is from the Latin word ' meaning grayish or hoary in reference to a pale grayish-white color of the underside of the leaves. We have grown this attractive plant on and off since first listing it in our 1983 catalog.
The information about Geranium incanum displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
