Hardy geranium (cranesbill)

Geranium · Geraniaceae

Easy, long-flowering ground cover

Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sun: Sun or shade depending on species; most thrive in light shade, alpines in full sun
Soil: Most garden soils that are not waterlogged in winter
Soil pH: Not pH-fussy: acid, neutral or alkaline
Water: Water during establishment
Hardiness: Mostly fully hardy
Height and spread: Typically 30-50cm

Guv's tipCut hardy geraniums back after flowering and you'll get lovely fresh foliage. Division in spring or autumn is the main way to make more.

Through the year

When to plant

Container plants any time if the soil is not waterlogged; spring is best

Harvest or flowering

Flowers late spring through summer (Apr-Sep)

Pruning

Cut back after flowering for fresh foliage

Making more plants

Division (main method, spring or autumn), stem or rhizome cuttings, seed for species

Watch out for

Pest

Vine weevil

Look for: Notched leaf edges (adults); C-shaped grubs eat roots, plants wilt and collapse

What to do: Nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer/autumn, pick off adults at night

Always read and follow the label on any treatment, and check it is approved for use where you live.

Safety and spread

Pets and people: Low. Gardeners' World reports no toxic effects for Geranium 'Rozanne'; Cats Protection lists cranesbill as 'caution advised' (possible skin irritation). Neither reports serious poisoning. Not to be confused with Pelargonium (listed as 'geranium' by the ASPCA, and toxic)

Weed risk: Not listed as an invasive plant in Great Britain or on the GB invasive alien species list

Checked against two or more reputable gardening sources. How we check our facts

Keep it by the back door

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