Geranium nodosum
knotted cranesbill
Overview
Geranium nodosum is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the cranesbill family, growing 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) tall and spreading 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. The glossy green leaves are divided into three to five toothed lobes, with the upper leaves smaller than those at the base. From late spring into autumn it carries funnel-shaped flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide in lilac-pink to purple, with faint darker veining and a notch at each petal tip. The plant spreads by short rhizomes and self-seeds, forming a loose colony over time. It grows in partial to full shade and tolerates dry shade once established, conditions where many perennials struggle. The bloom season extends across several months in cool, moist sites. It can seed into nearby beds, and the flower color is muted rather than bright. Foliage dies back in hard winters and returns in spring.
Native Range
Geranium nodosum is native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, including the Pyrenees, Alps, and Apennines. It grows in deciduous woodland and on shaded, rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Geranium nodosum is used as ground cover in shade and woodland gardens, under trees and shrubs, and along shaded paths, spaced 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart. It combines with ferns, hellebores, and other shade perennials. Its spreading and self-seeding habit make it less suited to small, tightly controlled beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'8"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring into autumn, roughly May to September, with peaks in early and late summer. The lilac-pink to purple funnel-shaped flowers are held singly or in pairs above the foliage. Beaked seed capsules follow and scatter seed nearby.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lilac-pink to purpleFoliage Description
Glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 6 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
Geranium nodosum grows in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It tolerates dry shade once established, suiting it to ground beneath trees and shrubs. Shearing the plant back after the first flush of bloom brings fresh foliage and a second wave of flowers. It spreads by rhizome and seed, so it can colonize an area and seed into adjacent beds. The foliage dies back in cold winters and resprouts from the crown in spring. Little feeding is needed in reasonable soil.Pruning
Shearing the whole plant back to near ground level after the first bloom flush removes tired foliage and brings a fresh round of leaves and flowers. Cutting off the seed heads before they ripen reduces self-seeding. No other pruning is needed.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