Geranium ‘Bill Wallis’ is a popular perennial known for its easy care, prolonged flowering, and enduring charm. It is a favored choice among gardeners for its unique characteristics and cultivation needs.
Understanding Geranium ‘Bill Wallis’
Geranium ‘Bill Wallis’ is a cultivar of Geranium pyrenaicum, also known as Mountain Cranesbill or Hedgerow Cranesbill. This herbaceous perennial produces a profusion of vivid purple-blue flowers with distinctive deeply notched petals. These blooms appear above semi-evergreen foliage of small, rounded, lobed green leaves.
The plant has a sprawling, groundcover habit, reaching 15-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and spreading 20-24 inches (50-60 cm). It has a long flowering period, typically from late spring through late autumn. This hardy geranium attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, and is resistant to deer and rabbits. It is suitable for ground cover, rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Planting and Care Guide
Geranium ‘Bill Wallis’ thrives in full sun to partial shade, tolerating shadier conditions. It performs well in average to rich, well-drained soil, adapting to various types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. The plant prefers consistent, moderate moisture, especially when establishing.
Once established, Geranium ‘Bill Wallis’ is drought and heat tolerant. It typically matures to full size within two to five years. This plant is hardy in USDA Zones 5a through 11. In colder areas, it may be borderline hardy and could benefit from winter protection, such as mulch or fleece.
Ongoing Maintenance and Propagation
Geranium ‘Bill Wallis’ is a low-maintenance plant. Deadheading spent flower stems encourages more blooms by redirecting energy from seed production. This practice also helps manage its tendency to self-seed freely. Cutting back old leaves and flowered stems can encourage fresh foliage and a renewed flush of flowers, particularly in late June.
Propagation of Geranium ‘Bill Wallis’ can be achieved through division, ideally performed between autumn and early spring. This method involves carefully separating a portion of the plant’s root ball and replanting it. The plant also readily self-seeds, allowing for natural spread. Seedlings in unwanted locations can be easily removed when young.
Common Challenges
While generally robust, Geranium ‘Bill Wallis’ can occasionally encounter issues. It may be susceptible to pests such as vine weevils and sawflies. Less common but possible concerns include capsid bugs, slugs, and snails.
In terms of diseases, the plant might experience powdery mildew or downy mildew. Regular garden inspections can help in early detection, allowing for timely and appropriate management of any emerging pest or disease problems.