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Wild geranium is a charming native perennial that brings delicate beauty and plenty of pollinator action to your garden.

With its pretty pinkish-purple blooms and deeply lobed leaves, wild geraniums add a soft, natural touch to shady spots and woodland gardens.

Their nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. If you want a hardy native plant that’s easy to grow and great for wildlife, wild geranium is an excellent choice.

Growing Reference

The terms “cransbill” and “wild geranium” refer to the same plant, Geranium maculatum.

The common name “cranesbill” comes from the plant’s distinctive seed capsule, which resembles a crane’s bill.

Wild geranium is also known by other names like spotted geranium, wood geranium, and alum root.

Purple wildflowers blooming in green meadow

Light Needs
Wild geranium thrives in partial shade and is happy in dappled light, making it perfect for woodland edges, under trees, or along shady borders.

Soil Needs
Wild geranium prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types. Once established, it can handle drier conditions quite well.

Size
Wild geranium typically grows about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, making it a tidy yet impactful addition to your garden.

Spacing
Plant wild geraniums about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for healthy growth and spreading. These plants will gently fill in gaps over time without becoming invasive.

Zone
Wild geranium is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it a versatile choice for many climates. Its adaptability and resilience make it a reliable performer year after year.

Nectar Quality
Wild geranium’s nectar is an excellent food source for native bees and butterflies, providing nourishment throughout its spring and early summer bloom time.

Companion Plants

Wild geranium pairs beautifully with native ferns, columbine, and foamflower in a woodland garden.

Its delicate flowers and tidy growth habit make it an excellent choice for filling in shaded spaces.

Purple wildflower amidst green grass

How to Grow from Seed

To improve germination, stratify wild geranium seeds by placing them on a damp paper towel, folding it over, and sealing it in a plastic bag. Pop the bag in the fridge for 4-6 weeks to mimic winter conditions.

After stratification, sow the seeds in well-draining soil indoors about 8-10 weeks before your last frost date. Keep the soil warm (around 70°F), and water lightly until seedlings appear.

Close-up of unique flower seed pods in nature.

Growing Tips

Keeping your plants happy and healthy

Bee pollinating vibrant purple flower in garden.
  1. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering.
  2. Once flowering has finished, leave the attractive seed pods for added texture and interest.
  3. Wild geraniums are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, making them perfect for naturalized or low-water gardens.

Pollinator Power

Wild geranium’s delicate blooms are a valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

The plant’s early-season flowers help sustain pollinators when food sources can be scarce.

By planting wild geranium, you’re giving your garden a boost of color, charm, and wildlife support!

Bumblebee on vibrant purple flowers

With its lovely blooms, easygoing nature, and pollinator appeal, wild geranium is a must-have for gardeners looking to create a thriving, natural landscape.

Add a few to your shady spots, and watch your garden come to life.

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