Geranium (Cinereum Group) 'Ballerina'
cranesbill
This early-flowering, dwarf geranium has small, deep pink flowers with maroon veins and centres and pretty, deeply cut, grey-green leaves. It looks particularly good planted en masse in a rock garden, or at the edge of a raised border, where its rather shy flowers can be appreciated. Provided Geranium 'Ballerina' has good drainage, it will produce a mass of attractively veined pink flowers from late spring to early summer.
How to care for Geranium (Cinereum Group) Ballerina:
This cranesbill is a tough, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in very well-drained soil and full sun, making it ideal for rock gardens, gravel planting, borders, and wildlife-friendly schemes. Its neat, low-growing habit, deeply lobed foliage and vibrant magenta-pink flowers provide a long season of interest.
Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires little watering, although occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods will help maintain health growth and encourage flowering.
Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage further blooms. After the main flowering period, lightly trim back any untidy growth to help maintain its compact shape and encourage fresh foliage.
In autumn, avoid heavy pruning; simply remove any damaged or tired growth and leave the remaining foliage to provide winter interest and shelter for wildlife.
Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires little watering, although occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods will help maintain health growth and encourage flowering.
Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage further blooms. After the main flowering period, lightly trim back any untidy growth to help maintain its compact shape and encourage fresh foliage.
In autumn, avoid heavy pruning; simply remove any damaged or tired growth and leave the remaining foliage to provide winter interest and shelter for wildlife.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.15m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
