Geranium Brookside

Geranium Brookside

Why Buy Me?

• Hugely popular hardy perennial
• Attractive to wildlife
• Low growing
• Masses of flowers

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers full sun to partial shade. It performs best with at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade may help prevent the foliage from scorching.

Soil:
Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as poor drainage can lead to root rot.

Exposure:
Tolerates some exposure to wind once established. It is hardy and can withstand typical garden conditions, but it benefits from a sheltered position, especially in areas with heavy frost or extreme weather.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderately drought-tolerant once established, but it benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. While it can tolerate some drought, consistent moisture will encourage better growth and more abundant flowering.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring or early autumn to allow the roots to establish before extreme weather. Spring is ideal for starting new plants, while autumn planting ensures the roots have time to settle before winter.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart to allow for air circulation and room for the plant to spread. It typically grows to about 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) in height and width.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, Geranium 'Brookside' is fairly drought-tolerant but will benefit from watering during long dry periods. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring with a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period. Cut back the plant in late autumn or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead foliage. Pruning back after flowering encourages a tidy, healthy plant.

Propagation:
Can be propagated by division in spring or autumn, or by taking cuttings from non-flowering stems in early summer. This helps maintain a compact, vigorous plant and allows you to propagate new plants for other areas of the garden.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Geranium 'Brookside' begins to put on new growth in early spring, producing vibrant green foliage. Flower buds start to form, and by mid to late spring, the plant begins to bloom with vibrant blue flowers.

Summer:
The plant is in full bloom during the summer, with its deep blue, saucer-shaped flowers making a significant impact. It continues to produce blooms through the summer months as long as spent flowers are deadheaded regularly.

Autumn:
As temperatures cool, Geranium 'Brookside' may continue to bloom into early autumn. The foliage can take on shades of red or purple, adding seasonal interest.

Winter:
The plant dies back in winter, but its roots remain hardy in the soil. In colder climates, it may die back to the ground, but new growth will emerge in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, Geranium 'Brookside' provides an important nectar source over its long flowering period. It’s a great choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.

Garden Use:
Geranium 'Brookside' is perfect for mixed borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens. It can also be used as ground cover, in containers, or in rock gardens. Its long flowering period and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for adding colour and texture to the landscape.

Companion Plants:
Combines well with other perennials such as Achillea, Echinacea, Sedum, and Nepeta. It pairs beautifully with other geranium varieties or plants with contrasting foliage such as Lavender or Salvia. Its blue flowers provide a striking contrast when combined with warm-toned plants like Coreopsis or Helenium

Transform your home and garden with the Geranium Brookside , a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.