Geranium caespitosum
pinewoods geranium
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico mountains
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Geranium caespitosum is a bushy, sprawling perennial in the geranium family, native to mountains and high plains of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Slender, branching stems form a loose mound 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and wide, often leaning on neighboring plants for support. The leaves are deeply cut into three to five toothed lobes, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) across, on long stalks. From late spring into early autumn, the stems carry pink to magenta-purple flowers, each about 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) wide with five rounded petals marked by darker veins. After bloom, the flowers form the beaked seed capsules typical of wild geraniums, which spring open to fling seeds. The species grows in full sun to partial shade in pine and oak woodland, on rocky slopes, and in mountain meadows, on well-drained soils. It withstands drought once established but flowers more sparsely in deep shade or dry heat. The sprawling stems can root where they touch moist ground. Foliage dies back after frost.
Native Range
Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Texas. It grows in pine and oak woodland, on rocky mountain slopes, and in high meadows, mostly between 4,500 and 9,000 feet (1,400-2,700 m).Suggested Uses
Grown in native and rock gardens, woodland edges, and mountain meadow plantings. Spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart, plants weave loosely among taller perennials. Used to thread color through dry-climate borders over a long season.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to magenta-purple, five-petaled with darker veinsFoliage Description
Green, deeply 3-5 lobed, palmateGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to partial shade in well-drained loam, rocky, or sandy soil. Water occasionally in dry spells; established plants tolerate drought and need little summer water in cooler mountain climates. Deep shade and dry heat reduce flowering. No fertilizer is needed in average soil. Cut back leggy or sprawling stems after the first flush to encourage rebloom and a tidier shape. Foliage dies back after frost, and clumps can be divided in early spring.Pruning
Shear or cut back sprawling stems by about one-third after the first bloom flush to renew growth and prompt rebloom. Cut dead stems to the ground after frost. No other pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons