Geranium pratense 'Boom Chocolatta'
cranesbill
Deep bronze foliage gives this hardy geranium plenty of impact, even before its flowers appear. Upright, branching stems rise from a neat, vigorous clump, carrying deeply divided leaves with a rich chocolate-bronze flush that makes an excellent contrast for greener planting.
From early to mid summer, masses of open blue-purple flowers are held clearly above the foliage, creating a colourful display without losing the plant’s refined shape.
Geranium pratense 'Boom Chocolatta' is a useful choice for sunny borders, mixed perennial planting and naturalistic schemes, where its dark foliage helps brighter flowers stand out. Its vigorous growth makes it a particularly effective filler plant, while the open flowers provide a useful source of nectar for pollinating insects.
From early to mid summer, masses of open blue-purple flowers are held clearly above the foliage, creating a colourful display without losing the plant’s refined shape.
Geranium pratense 'Boom Chocolatta' is a useful choice for sunny borders, mixed perennial planting and naturalistic schemes, where its dark foliage helps brighter flowers stand out. Its vigorous growth makes it a particularly effective filler plant, while the open flowers provide a useful source of nectar for pollinating insects.
How to care for Geranium pratense Boom Chocolatta:
Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil, where it will settle in and flower reliably each summer. Once established it becomes lower maintenance, though watering in prolonged dry spells helps maintain growth.
Cut back faded flower stems after the first flush to encourage fresh foliage and sometimes a second, lighter wave of blooms. In autumn, remove old growth to keep the clump tidy, and divide mature plants every few years to reinvigorate them and maintain strong flowering.
Cut back faded flower stems after the first flush to encourage fresh foliage and sometimes a second, lighter wave of blooms. In autumn, remove old growth to keep the clump tidy, and divide mature plants every few years to reinvigorate them and maintain strong flowering.
Sowing instructions:
Sow in trays or pots from late winter to early spring (February–April), using a free-draining seed compost. Lightly cover the seed and keep it in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, as a period of cold helps break dormancy.
Germination can be slow and erratic, so be patient and keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings can be pricked out and grown on until large enough to plant into borders in late spring or early summer.
Germination can be slow and erratic, so be patient and keep the compost moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings can be pricked out and grown on until large enough to plant into borders in late spring or early summer.
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
