Geranium incanum
Carpet geranium · Fine cut-leaf geranium
Care Guide
💧 Water
Native to South Africa, the carpet geranium flourishes in well-drained soils with moderate moisture and becomes drought-tolerant once established. To prevent oversaturation, it needs weekly watering and benefits from seasonal rains. This plant is perfect for outdoor settings such as rock gardens or borders.
☀️ Light Full sun
Carpet geranium flourishes with abundant sunlight, yet it can also do well in spots with partial shade. Its native habitat accounts for its preference for ample sun. Both excessive sunlight and too little light can harm its healthy growth.
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C
Carpet geranium is well-suited to a broad range of conditions, from 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 °C). This versatile species thrives in its native moderate climate but readily adapts to different temperatures. Seasonal adjustments may be necessary to accommodate extremes at either end.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
The ideal time to fertilize a Carpet geranium is early in the spring, as it comes out of dormancy and begins active growth. Fertilization supplies the essential nutrients needed for healthy development. Although Carpet geraniums have relatively low fertilizer requirements, annual feeding can improve their survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
Repot carpet geraniums every 2-3 years in the spring. Use a shallow, wide container to allow for proper root spread. Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent rot. After repotting, place the plant in bright, indirect light and water it sparingly until you see signs of new growth, indicating recovery.
✂️ Pruning
Carpet geraniums are known for their mat-forming growth and finely-cut leaves. To encourage healthy growth and continuous blooming, it's important to prune them from early to late spring. This includes cutting back leggy stems and removing faded flowers. Proper pruning not only stimulates new growth but also improves air circulation, reduces the risk of disease, and helps maintain a healthy and attractive plant.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Geranium
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-9
- Mature Height
- 40 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Gray, Silver
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn, Summer
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- South Africa, Tanzania