Topic summary

Geranium subcaulescens

Geranium subcaulescens

Geranium subcaulescens (grey cranesbill) is a species of flowering plant in the geranium family Geraniaceae, that is native to Italy, Turkey and the Balkans. A low, mounded evergreenperennial, it typically grows to 8 in (20 cm) tall by more than 11 in (28 cm) broad, with grey-green orbicular and lobed leaves, and masses of bright magenta pink flowers with black centres in summer.

It requires sharp drainage, so is suitable for cultivation in a rock garden, or as an under-planting groundcover with larger plants such as roses. Numerous cultivars have been selected. The species G. subcaulescens, and the cultivars 'Giuseppii' and 'Splendens' have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

The Latin specific epithetsubcaulescens means "with a small stem".