Geranium himalayense 'Baby Blue'
baby blue geranium
W Himalayas (Afghanistan to Nepal/Tibet; alpine meadows, 5,000-12,000 ft)
Overview
Geranium himalayense 'Baby Blue' is a compact, mounding to spreading, deciduous perennial reaching 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). This cultivar is a compact selection of the Himalayan geranium, roughly half the size of the typical species (which reaches 12–18 inches / 30–45 cm tall). The flowers are saucer-shaped, 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, violet-blue with a reddish-purple center and reddish veining, borne profusely from May through July with sporadic rebloom in fall. The foliage is deeply palmately 7-lobed, medium green, developing red-orange tints in fall. The compact size makes this suited to smaller spaces and containers where the standard species would be too large. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 4.
Native Range
Geranium himalayense is native to the western Himalayas (Afghanistan, Pakistan, northern India, Nepal, Tibet), in alpine meadows and open woodlands at 5,000–12,000 feet (1,500–3,600 m).Suggested Uses
Planted at the front of borders, in rock gardens, and in containers of at least 2 gallons (7.5 L) at 12–15 inch (30–38 cm) spacing. The compact size fills the niche between the tiny alpine G. cinereum and the mid-sized 'Brookside.' The large violet-blue flowers are the primary feature. Functions as edging and in mixed plantings. Not suitable for deep shade or waterlogged soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Violet-blue with reddish-purple center and reddish veining; saucer-shapedFoliage Description
Medium green, deeply palmately 7-lobed; red-orange fall tintsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in average, well-drained soil. Hardy to zone 4. Tolerates a range of soils. The compact habit requires no staking. Cut back after the first flush for tidier foliage and possible rebloom.Pruning
Cut back after the main bloom flush (July) to refresh foliage and encourage fall rebloom. Cut to the ground in late fall or early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons