Wild Cranesbill (Geranium pratense), also known as Meadow Geranium, is a hardy perennial wildflower admired for its elegant purple to violet blooms and mounding, deeply cut foliage. Perfect for naturalized planting, cottage gardens, pollinator borders, and wildflower meadows, this classic European wild geranium provides vibrant summer color with minimal care. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies, while its durable growth performs well in sunny or lightly shaded areas.
Features
- Classic purple-violet flowers with deeply lobed foliage.
- Excellent pollinator plant attracting bees and butterflies.
- Hardy perennial that returns and expands over the years.
- Ideal for meadows, cottage gardens, borders, and naturalized areas.
- Non-GMO Geranium pratense seed variety.
- Low-maintenance, adaptable to sun and partial shade.
Specifications
- Common Name: Wild Cranesbill, Meadow Geranium
- Scientific Name: Geranium pratense
- Plant Type: Perennial flowering herb
- USDA Zones: 4–8
- Bloom Color: Purple to violet
- Bloom Season: Late spring to mid-summer
- Height: 18–36 inches
- Spread: 12–24 inches
- Growth Habit: Clumping, mounded foliage, upright blooms
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay
- Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes (bees and butterflies)
- Deer Resistance: Moderate
- Maintenance Level: Low
- Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches
- Seed Viability: 2–3 years stored cool & dry
Planting Guide
- Cold stratify seeds for 4–6 weeks for best germination (refrigerate with moist medium).
- Sow indoors or direct sow outdoors in fall or early spring.
- Plant seeds 1/8–1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil.
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged until germination.
- Germination may take 14–30 days, longer in cool soil.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after frost danger passes.
- Choose full sun to partial shade, with moderate watering.
- Remove spent blooms to encourage additional flowering.
- Allow some seedpods to mature for natural reseeding if desired.
