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Geranium pratense (Meadow Cranesbill)

Meadow Cranesbill, Common Cranesbill, Crowfoot, Meadow Geranium, Wild Geranium

Geranium Pratense, Meadow Cranesbill, Common Cranesbill, Crowfoot, Meadow Geranium, Wild Geranium,Hardy Geranium, Blue Geranium, Best geraniums, Best groundcovers, Purple geranium

Tall, with finely cut leaves forming a dramatic mound, Geranium pratense (Meadow Cranesbill) is a clump-forming perennial with abundant clusters of large, saucer-shaped, blue or violet flowers from late spring to mid-summer. This Geranium may even rebloom in late summer or fall if the plant is cut back after the first flush of blooms. The blossoms arise from the foliage of deeply-lobed leaves (7-9 lobes), with long, pointed teeth, that turn bronze in fall. Easy to grow, Geranium pratense stands out as one of the tallest and most vigorous cranesbills.

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 24-30 in. wide (60-75 cm). This species tends to self-seed freely and naturalizes very well
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils. Full shade is tolerated.
  • A spectacular addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens. Perfect for underplanting roses and shrubs or as a ground cover. Great for woodland gardens and for naturalizing in meadows.
  • Fairly pest and disease free but watch for vine weevil, capsid bug, sawflies, and powdery mildew
  • Remove flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring, or take basal cuttings in early to mid-spring and root with bottom heat
  • Native to Europe and Asia.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Geraniaceae
Genus Geranium
Common names Cranesbill
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" (80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Full Shade
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Geranium pratense ‘Boom Chocolatta’ (Cranesbill)
Geranium carolinianum (Carolina Geranium)
Geranium viscosissimum (Sticky Purple Geranium)
Geranium clarkei ‘Kashmir White’ (Cranesbill)
Geranium sanguineum ‘Max Frei’ (Bloody Cranesbill)
Geranium x oxonianum ‘Miss Heidi’ (Cranesbill)

Recommended Companion Plants

Philadelphus ‘Avalanche’ (Mock Orange)
Borago officinalis (Borage)
Digitalis purpurea (Common Foxglove)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)

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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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Geraniaceae
Genus Geranium
Common names Cranesbill
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" (80cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Full Shade
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Geranium (Cranesbill)
Not sure which Geranium (Cranesbill) to pick?
Compare Now

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