Cranesbill

Botanical Name

:

Geranium spp.

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring or fall; blooms from late spring to early fall

Sun Level

:

Full sun to partial shade; prefers at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

55°F–75°F (13–24°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soil; tolerates a variety of soil conditions

Hardiness Zones

:

3–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

14–30 days

P.H. Level

:

Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0 to 7.0)

Water/Irrigation

:

Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established

Fertilization

:

Light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer; excessive nutrients may reduce blooms

Habit

:

Mounded, spreading habit

Propagation

:

Self-seeding and division

Final Plant Height

:

1–2 ft

Spread

:

1.5–3 ft

Flowers

:

Small, cup-shaped blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white; five-petaled with dark veining

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Uses

:

Ground cover, borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens

Companions

:

Salvia, Coreopsis, Echinacea, and Nepeta

Pruning

:

Trim back after the first bloom to encourage reblooming; cut down in late fall or early spring for fresh growth

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Generally pest-resistant but may attract aphids or slugs

Diseases

:

Susceptible to powdery mildew and rust in humid conditions

Fun Fact

:

The name “cranesbill” comes from the seed capsule’s resemblance to a crane’s bill