What kind of light does Geranium sylvaticum prefer?
Wood Crane's-bill thrives in a range from full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, it generally performs best with some afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat.
Wood Crane's-Bill (Geranium sylvaticum)
Geranium sylvaticum, Wood Crane's-bill, is a hardy perennial herb with violet-blue flowers in summer. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. T
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers partial shade in hot climates.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil
Well-drained, humus-rich, moist.
Temperature
Hardy, tolerating cold. Ideal active growth between 10-25 °C.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Low feeder; a spring top-dressing of compost is usually sufficient.
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade. Prefers partial shade in hot climates.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil
Well-drained, humus-rich, moist.
Temperature
Hardy, tolerating cold. Ideal active growth between 10-25 °C.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Low feeder; a spring top-dressing of compost is usually sufficient.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Category
Flowering, Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden, Pot, Groundcover
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
30-80 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Growth Rate
Medium
Dormancy
Winter
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Palmate, deeply lobed
Flower Size
2-4 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 · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · SepPeak fruit · Oct
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Geranium angulatum Curtis
Geranium argenteum Geners. ex Wahlenb.
Geranium caroli-principis Panţu
Geranium eglandulosum (Beck) Dalla Torre
Geranium fastigiatum Gliem. ex Bab.
Geranium lemanianum Briq.
Geranium losae Sennen
Geranium purpureocaeruleum Ledeb.
Geranium ranunculifolium Schur ex Nyman
Geranium sylvestre Olafsen & Pov. ex Bab.
Geranium transsylvanicum Schott & Kotschy ex R.Knuth
Geranium venosum Pers.
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderGeraniales
- familyGeraniaceae
- genusGeranium
- speciesGeranium sylvaticum
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
No
Additional Care Tips
Wood Crane's-bill prefers consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells and its active growing season. Water deeply when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant but perform best with regular moisture. Reduce watering significantly during its winter dormancy period.
Prune Wood Crane's-bill after its main flowering period to encourage a second flush of blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back spent flower stalks and any leggy or damaged foliage. A more substantial cut-back to near ground level can be done in late autumn or early spring to rejuvenate the plant and remove old, tired leaves.
Wood Crane's-bill can be easily propagated by division in early spring or autumn. Carefully lift the clump, separate it into smaller sections with roots attached, and replant immediately. It also readily self-seeds, so you can collect seeds after flowering and sow them directly outdoors in autumn or early spring for new plants.
While primarily a garden plant, if grown in a container, repotting may be necessary every 1-2 years. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering. Repot in early spring before new growth begins, refreshing the potting mix with a well-draining, humus-rich blend. Ensure good drainage holes are present.
FAQs
How often should I water my Wood Crane's-bill?
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods and the active growing season. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but avoid letting the plant completely dry out.
Is Geranium sylvaticum considered invasive?
No, Wood Crane's-bill is not typically considered invasive. While it can self-seed readily in favorable conditions, it is generally well-behaved and easy to manage in a garden setting.
When is the best time to prune Geranium sylvaticum?
The best time to prune is after the main flush of flowers in early to mid-summer. This encourages a potential second bloom. A more significant cut-back can be done in late autumn or early spring to remove old foliage and rejuvenate the plant.
Can Wood Crane's-bill be grown in containers?
Yes, Wood Crane's-bill can be successfully grown in containers. Ensure the container has good drainage and use a well-draining, humus-rich potting mix. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering than those in the ground.