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

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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

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

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

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.

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.

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.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs

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.