It is incorrect to confuse this resilient garden staple with pelargonium. Many people believe that pelargoinium, a near relative in the Geraniaceae family, is the bedding plant we commonly refer to as geranium; nevertheless, cranesbills are the actual species in the geranium genus.
They originated in woodlands and now live in gardens all over the world. They like an atmosphere that is close to their natural habitat.
They are therefore the perfect choice for any place that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as well as for areas that have open shadow provided by large trees.
From spring to autumn, these garden veterans will put on a quiet show of endearing pastel beauty under the appropriate circumstances. Additionally, many provide a second season of interest with foliage that is burnished in bright autumnal hues including red, yellow, brown, and bronze.
These aren’t the most eye-catching plants, so you won’t likely utilize them as the centerpiece of a bedding area. But very few other plants can equally well perform the role of “best supporting perennial.”
Cranesbill is a natural flanker for larger shrubs and has the height to fill the second layer behind smaller border plants. Additionally, it works well as an edging plant, to fill in gloomy areas, to underplant trees and rhododendrons, and as a mainstay in naturalized settings with a variety of wildflowers.
Geranium pratense, a meadow species, and Geranium maculatum, a woodland geranium native to eastern North America, are both suitable for use in natural environments. The double-flowered cultivar ‘Plenum violaceum’ of G. pratense won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society (AGM).
Cranesbill geraniums are a fantastic plant to use as a camouflage for any low-lying eyesores. Their wide growth can be slightly trained to conceal offensive items, but their delicate structure won’t harm anything or make it difficult to get to the area.
Low-growing G. sanguineum cultivars, like “Ankum’s Pride,” grow incredibly vigorously and can be used as a ground cover and to fill up trouble spots.
They are typically pest and disease free and a welcome plant for pollinators, but occasionally they will get powdery mildew, leaf spot, or flare-ups of rust.
In the event that these issues develop, make sure the growing space has enough drainage—roots don’t like to sit in moist soil. And make sure there is enough airflow because they enjoy having a breeze on their cheeks!