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Geranium sylvaticum (Wood Cranesbill)

Wood Cranesbill, Bassinet, King's Hood, Wood Geranium, Hardy Geraniums

Geranium sylvaticum, Wood Cranesbill, Bassinet, King's Hood, Wood Geranium, Hardy Geraniums, Best geraniums, Best groundcovers, Blue geranium, Purple Geranium

Native of woodland and meadows, Geranium sylvaticum (Wood Cranesbill) is a medium-sized, deciduous perennial which forms a bushy mound of deeply divided, 7-9 lobed, toothed leaves. In late spring and early summer, bright violet-blue, cup-shaped flowers, adorned with a white center are on display. A classic selection for shade gardens and shrub borders, under fruit and nut trees.

  • Grow up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 30 in. wide (75 cm). in. in height (22-45 cm) and spreads 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Easy to grow, this plant requires very little maintenance.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in moist, well-drained soils.
  • A great addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, or prairies and meadows. Perfect for underplanting roses and shrubs.
  • Cut back flowered stems and old leaves to encourage the production of fresh leaves and flowers.
  • Generally pest and disease free but watch for vine weevil, capsid bug, sawflies, downy mildew, and powdery mildews.
  • Propagate by division in spring or propagate by basal cuttings in early to mid-spring
  • Native to Europe.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Geraniaceae
Genus Geranium
Common names Cranesbill
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' (60cm)
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
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Geranium (Cranesbill)
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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)

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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 5 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Geraniaceae
Genus Geranium
Common names Cranesbill
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' (60cm)
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
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, 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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