Meadow Crane's-bill
Geranium pratense
Also listed as Geranium finitimum, Geranium kemulariae
Also known as Meadow Geranium
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A hardy herbaceous perennial with delicate blue or violet flowers and deeply lobed foliage that forms a bushy mound. It blooms prolifically over many weeks and is excellent for cottage gardens and meadow plantings.
Why grow it
Meadow crane's-bill offers reliable, long-season color in naturalistic plantings where many ornamental geraniums might struggle or require deadheading. Unlike some hybrid geraniums bred for compact form, this species produces abundant self-seeding, making it useful for establishing color in meadows and rough grassland without repeated annual plantings. Its preference for moist soils distinguishes it from drought-tolerant relatives, opening opportunities in areas that cannot support Mediterranean geraniums.
Watch out for
Self-seeding can be vigorous in favorable conditions, so cutting spent flower heads before they mature fully helps manage spread if containment is desired. The plant performs best with consistent moisture and may decline noticeably during extended dry periods, requiring supplemental watering in drier climates or seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Geraniaceae
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A hardy herbaceous perennial with delicate blue or violet flowers and deeply lobed foliage that forms a bushy mound. It blooms prolifically over many weeks and is excellent for cottage gardens and meadow plantings.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Meadow Crane's-bill grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Meadow crane's-bill offers reliable, long-season color in naturalistic plantings where many ornamental geraniums might struggle or require deadheading. Unlike some hybrid geraniums bred for compact form, this species produces abundant self-seeding, making it useful for establishing color in meadows and rough grassland without repeated annual plantings. Its preference for moist soils distinguishes it from drought-tolerant relatives, opening opportunities in areas that cannot support Mediterranean geraniums.
Watch out for
Self-seeding can be vigorous in favorable conditions, so cutting spent flower heads before they mature fully helps manage spread if containment is desired. The plant performs best with consistent moisture and may decline noticeably during extended dry periods, requiring supplemental watering in drier climates or seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Geraniaceae
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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