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Marsh Crane’s-Bill (Geranium palustre)

Marsh Crane's-Bill (Geranium palustre) is a clump-forming perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, featuring deeply lobed leaves and bright pink to purple flowers.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist.

Soil

Tolerates a range of soils but prefers moist, fertile, well-drained loam.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding in spring.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Tolerates a range of light conditions.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist.

Water when top inch of soil is dry, ensure drainage.

Soil

Tolerates a range of soils but prefers moist, fertile, well-drained loam.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures.

Ideal growing range is 15-25 °C.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding in spring.

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.5-1 m

Spread

0.5-1 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Palmate

Flower Size

2.5-3.5 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths87
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88
Synonyms
Geranium duplicatum Kit.
Geranium furcatum Kit.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderGeraniales
  • familyGeraniaceae
  • genusGeranium
  • speciesGeranium palustre
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant thrives in damp conditions. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the plant in late autumn or early spring to remove dead foliage and promote new growth.

Easily propagated by division of clumps in spring or autumn. Seeds can be sown in autumn or stratified and sown in spring. Softwood cuttings can also be taken in early summer.

Established plants in the ground rarely need repotting. Container-grown plants can be repotted every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and prevent root-bound conditions.

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Marsh Crane's-Bill?

Marsh Crane's-Bill thrives in moist soil, full sun to partial shade, and prefers a fertile, well-drained loam. It tolerates a range of conditions but performs best with consistent moisture.

How often should I water Geranium palustre?

Keep the soil consistently moist. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot or dry periods, but ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.

When is the best time to prune Marsh Crane's-Bill?

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut back the plant in late autumn or early spring to remove dead foliage and tidy its appearance, promoting vigorous new growth.

Can Geranium palustre be grown in containers?

Yes, it can be grown in containers, provided the pot is large enough and has good drainage. Ensure consistent watering and repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.

What is the meaning of the common name 'Crane's-Bill'?

The name 'Crane's-Bill' refers to the distinctive beak-like shape of the fruit capsule that develops after the flowers fade, resembling a crane's bill.