Geranium ‘Philippe Vapelle’
(jer-AY-nee-um ren-ARD-dee-eye)

Family: Geraniaceae
Common name: cranesbill ‘Philippe Vapelle’
Zone: 5 – 8
Height: 15 – 18 in (38 – 45 cm)
Spread: 12 – 18 in (30 – 45 cm)
Aspect: full sun; partial shade
Soil: average; well-draining
Water: moderate

Description: An herbaceous perennial with a neat, mounding habit. Rounded, lobed leaves are reminiscent of Geranium renardii – soft, velvety texture with a quilted look in blue-grey-green colour. Bluish-purple, 5-petalled flowers with dark veins appear in mid-spring to early summer. Petals are flushed with rosy-pink and are notched.

Special Notes: A hybrid seedling raided by Ivan Louette of Belgium from crossing Geranium renardii and Geranium platypetalum. The same cross was developed by Alan Bremner which resulted in a plant identical to ‘Philippe Vapelle’. The Bremner hybrid is being distributed by Axeltree Nursery under this name, as permitted under the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants. Very easy care; relatively pest and disease free. Drought tolerant. Rabbit resistant but deer may nibble. Propagation by seed; division in spring or autumn.

Updated on March 19, 2022