Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), also known as cranesbill, is a perennial wildflower native to North America. It typically grows in woodlands and prefers moist, well-drained soil. This plant is a popular choice for gardeners due to its attractive flowers, hardiness, and ability to attract pollinators. This comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights into the unique features of wild geranium, its preferred growing conditions, and essential planting and care tips.

Description and Details Wild geranium is a long-lived and resilient plant that spreads through rhizomes to form dense clumps, creating a lush ground cover in woodland settings. It typically reaches a height of 12 to 28 inches with a similar spread.

Leaves The plant's beauty is accentuated by its deeply cut, palmately-lobed leaves, which emerge in spring on long petioles covered with fine white hairs. Each leaf, reaching up to 6 inches across, generally has five deep lobes, although some may have two lobes deeply cleft, giving the appearance of seven lobes. The edges of the leaves have irregular and coarse teeth or clefts, adding to their unique texture.

Flowers Wild geranium blooms over a period of about a month, sometimes longer in cooler weather, in late spring to early summer. The delicate flowers, with five rounded petals and five green sepals, are borne in loose clusters of 2–5 at the top of hairy stems. While the typical color range for this species is rose-pink to lavender, variations in shades of purple or, rarely, white can also be observed. Fine lines, slightly darker in color, run along the length of the petals, serving as nectar guides for pollinators.

The plant gets its common name, cranesbill, from the shape of its fruit capsules, which resemble a crane's head. These capsules consist of a long, central beak-like column and five basal cells, each containing one seed. When the fruit is ripe, the sections spring upward, flinging the seeds away from the parent plant.

Native Habitat Wild geranium is native to the deciduous woodlands of eastern North America. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil but tolerates average, well-drained soil. It prefers partial shade to full sun and is often found in moist sites such as pond borders, streamsides, and swamp forests.

Geranium pratense is a hardy geranium native to Europe and Asia. It is a robust perennial that typically grows in meadows, pastures, and along roadsides. This species is known for its striking blue to violet flowers, which bloom from June to August. The flowers are larger than those of Geranium maculatum, reaching up to 2 inches in diameter. The foliage is deeply lobed and adds ornamental value to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom.

Geranium pratense prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant once established. This species is a good choice for borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows.

Popular Cultivars of Geranium pratense

• 'Johnson's Blue': This cultivar is renowned for its intense blue flowers and long blooming season. It forms a dense mound of foliage and is a popular choice for ground cover.
• 'Orion': This cultivar boasts large, lavender-blue flowers with purple veins and a white center. It is a vigorous grower and is well-suited for borders and ground cover.
• 'Summer Skies': This cultivar features light blue flowers with a hint of lavender and dark veining. It has a compact habit and is a good choice for smaller gardens or containers.

Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill) Geranium sanguineum is a hardy geranium native to Europe. It is a low-growing, spreading perennial that typically forms mats of foliage. This species is named for its magenta-pink flowers, which bloom profusely from early summer to late autumn. The flowers are smaller than those of Geranium pratense, reaching up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The foliage is deeply divided and turns a vibrant red in the fall.

Geranium sanguineum prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in a variety of soil types. This species is a good choice for rock gardens, borders, and ground cover.

Popular Cultivars of Geranium sanguineum

• 'Maxfrei': This cultivar is a dwarf form of Geranium sanguineum, reaching only 6 inches tall. It is a prolific bloomer and is well-suited for rock gardens and containers.
• 'Elke': This cultivar features striking bi-colored flowers in magenta and white. It has a compact habit and is a good choice for borders and edging.
• 'Striatum': This cultivar has delicate white flowers with pink veining. It is a low-growing, spreading plant that is ideal for ground cover.

Other Popular Geranium Cultivars

• 'Ann Folkard': This hybrid geranium is known for its vigorous growth and long blooming season. It features magenta-purple flowers with black centers and golden-green foliage.
• 'Mavis Simpson': This cultivar is a spreading, semi-evergreen perennial with soft, shell-pink flowers. It is a good choice for ground cover and underplanting shrubs and roses.

The world of geraniums offers a diverse array of choices for gardeners. From the vibrant blue flowers of Geranium pratense to the delicate pink blooms of Geranium sanguineum, there is a geranium to suit every taste and garden style. By exploring the different species and cultivars available, gardeners can create stunning displays of color and texture in their landscapes.