What are the best growing conditions for Geranium pratense?
Geranium pratense prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil. It thrives in moist conditions but can tolerate drier spells once established.
Meadow Crane's-Bill (Geranium pratense)
Meadow Crane's-bill (Geranium pratense) is a vigorous perennial with attractive, deeply lobed leaves and bright, saucer-shaped blue-violet flowers, blooming throughout su
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Watering
Consistent Moisture
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil
Temperature
Hardy
Fertilizer
Low Feed
Care Requirements
Light
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Thrives in full sun, but will also grow well in partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Water
Consistent Moisture
Prefers moist soil but can tolerate drier periods once established.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil
Temperature
Hardy
Performs well in temperate climates and is very cold-hardy.
Fertilizer
Low Feed
Requires minimal fertilization; an annual application of compost or balanced fertilizer is usually enough.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Place Type
Garden
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Height
0.5-1.2 m
Spread
0.5-1.0 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
Yes
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Palmate
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
60000
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · SepPeak fruit · Oct
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Geranium acknerianum Schur
Geranium batrachioides Cav.
Geranium coelestinum Schur
Geranium kemulariae Kharadze
Geranium mariae Sennen
Geranium napellifolium Schur
Geranium neapolitanum Nyman
Geranium pinetophilum R.Knuth
Geranium rovirae Sennen
Geranium valde-pilosum Schur ex Nyman
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderGeraniales
- familyGeraniaceae
- genusGeranium
- speciesGeranium pratense
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.
Additional Care Tips
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn as the plant enters dormancy.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Cut back the plant by about one-third after its first flush of flowers to promote a second bloom and maintain a tidy shape. Remove any dead or damaged foliage at any time.
Meadow Crane's-bill can be propagated by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn. It can also be grown from seed, sown in autumn or early spring. Seedlings may take a year or two to reach flowering size.
Established plants are best left undisturbed. If repotting is necessary, typically for container-grown plants, do so in early spring before new growth begins. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the new container is only slightly larger.
FAQs
How tall does Meadow Crane's-bill grow?
Typically, Geranium pratense reaches a height of 30 to 70 centimeters, with a similar spread, depending on growing conditions.
When does Geranium pratense bloom?
Meadow Crane's-bill usually blooms from June to August, providing a long period of color in the garden.
Is Geranium pratense invasive?
While Geranium pratense can spread enthusiastically, it is generally not considered aggressively invasive in most garden settings, especially when managed.
How do I propagate Geranium pratense?
It can be easily propagated by seed, sown in autumn or spring, or by division of established clumps in early spring or autumn.