Alphabetical Plant Listing

Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' (Spotted Cranesbill)

Spotted Cranesbill 'Espresso', Hardy Geraniums


Noted for its unusual chocolate leaves, Geranium maculatum 'Espresso' (Spotted Cranesbill) is a bushy, clump-forming perennial which produces a profusion of upward-facing, saucer-shaped, pale purplish-pink flowers, adorned with a creamy-white center. The blossoms are held well above the contrasting foliage of deeply cut, chocolate leaves, which maintain their color all season. The flowers are followed by distinctive, beaked seed capsules which give rise to the common name of crane's bill and add interest. This Cranesbill is a perfect addition to rock gardens, and borders and makes a very interesting ground cover.

  • Blooming for 6-7 weeks from late spring to early summer, this hardy geranium is reliable and easy to grow.
  • Forms a loose mound up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and spreads up to 12-18 in. (30-45 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, light to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates heat, humidity, and dry soil. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Attractive to butterflies, but deer and rabbit resistant!
  • A great addition to beds and borders. Perfect for rock gardens, prairies, meadows, woodland gardens, or cottage gardens. Effective ground cover or edging plant.
  • Watch for vine weevil, sawflies, powdery mildew, or downy mildew
  • Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. Foliage may decline after flowering in hot summer climates and may be lightly sheared back to revitalize.
  • Propagate by basal softwood cuttings in early to mid-spring or division in spring. Easily divided in fall or early spring.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Geranium - Cranesbills
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Photo courtesy of flower.sqqps.com

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 8
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Geranium - Cranesbills
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Geranium - Cranesbills

Guides with Geranium - Cranesbills

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