cranesbill
Geranium macrorrhizum
RHS Plants for Pollinators; MBG Plant of Merit 2006
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Purple pink
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum) is a perennial for borders, ground cover, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. Purple pink flowers open in spring, summer, and autumn, and bees and butterflies visit them. It also tolerates drought and can show fall color.
Pairs well with Siebold's hosta, Lenten rose, Lady fern, and Coralbells.
Native range
Europe, NW. Balkan Pen., and Türkiye.