Geranium endressii
French Crane's-bill
Western Pyrenees (southwestern France and northern Spain)
Overview
Geranium endressii is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial reaching 15-18 inches (38-45 cm) tall and spreading 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. The palmately lobed leaves measure 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, divided into five toothed segments, and stay semi-evergreen in winters above USDA zone 6. From late spring into summer it carries saucer-shaped flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across in clear pink, each with five notched petals and faint darker veining. The foliage forms a dense low mound that suppresses weeds and knits into a continuous cover when plants are spaced 18 inches (45 cm) apart. Flowering slows during midsummer heat, and shearing after the first flush produces a second, lighter bloom in late summer. In hot, humid regions the leaves can develop powdery mildew, and dense clumps may open or flop at the centre by late season. Roots spread by short rhizomes, so established plantings widen steadily and can be divided every three to four years. G. endressii crosses readily with G. versicolor to form the hybrid G. × oxonianum, which is similar but often taller. Plants grow in soils from sand to clay where drainage is free, and they regrow quickly from the crown after cutting back.
Native Range
Geranium endressii is native to the western Pyrenees of southwestern France and northern Spain, where it grows in damp meadows, woodland margins, and along streambanks. Its range centres on cool, moist mountain slopes at mid elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown as a groundcover and edging perennial in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and along paths, spaced 18 inches (45 cm) apart. Suits underplanting roses and shrubs and filling gaps between larger perennials. Grows in containers of at least 2 gallons (7.5 L) where the spread can be contained.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'3" - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering begins in late spring, usually May, and continues through July where summers stay cool. Bloom thins during the hottest weeks, then resumes more lightly into September if the plant is sheared after the first flush. Individual flowers last a few days, with the clump opening successive waves over six to eight weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing 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
Grow in full sun to part shade in any moderately fertile soil with free drainage; afternoon shade lowers heat stress in warm climates. Water regularly through the first season to establish, then keep the soil moderately moist, as the roots tolerate neither prolonged drought nor waterlogging. Shear the whole plant to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) after the first bloom to remove tired foliage and renew growth. Divide congested clumps in spring or autumn every three to four years to maintain vigour. In humid summers, thinning the centre improves airflow and limits powdery mildew. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, the crown overwinters without protection across most of that range.Pruning
Cut the entire plant to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) after the main flush of bloom to refresh foliage and prompt rebloom. Remove spent flower stems through the season to tidy the clump. No structural pruning is needed, as growth renews from the crown.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons