Geranium pratense
meadow Crane's-bill
Overview
Geranium pratense is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the Geraniaceae growing 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and 1.5-2 feet (45-60 cm) wide, with deeply divided, lobed leaves that form a mound of foliage. Saucer-shaped flowers about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across open in shades of violet-blue to lavender, with darker veins threading the five rounded petals, carried on branching stalks above the leaves. It flowers mainly in early to mid summer, with a lighter second flush possible after shearing. The beaked seed capsules that follow give the plant its common name, cranesbill, and split to fling seeds some distance, so it self-seeds around the garden. Stems can flop in rich soil or shade and may need support or cutting back. The foliage often takes on red and orange tints in autumn before dying down. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, it grows in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Native to Europe and Asia, Geranium pratense grows in meadows, grassland, and along roadsides and is widely grown in borders and cottage gardens.
Native Range
Geranium pratense is native to Europe and temperate Asia, from Britain and France east across Russia to China. It grows in damp meadows, grassland, and along roadsides and riverbanks.Suggested Uses
Grown in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and meadow or prairie-style plantings, and among shrubs as a filler. The mounding habit suits the middle of borders and the front of taller plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Violet-blue flowers open mainly in early to mid summer, typically June to July, on branching upright stalks. The main flush lasts three to four weeks. Cutting the plant back after flowering can prompt a lighter second show of bloom in late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
violet-blue to lavenderFoliage Description
green, with red and orange tints in fallGrowing 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
Geranium pratense grows in full sun to partial shade and tolerates most moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It needs steady moisture during dry spells but tolerates short drought once established. In rich soil or shade the stems can flop and may need support or cutting back. Shearing the whole plant after the first flush removes spent flowers and tired foliage and brings fresh growth. It self-seeds, so seedlings appear nearby. It needs little fertilizer in average soil.Pruning
Cut the whole plant back close to the ground after the main flowering to remove spent stems and prompt fresh foliage and a second flush. Removing seed heads before they ripen limits self-seeding. Clear dead growth in late autumn or early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons