Meadow cranesbill (Geranium pratense)
Care, watering, light and tips for Meadow cranesbill on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Geraniaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Meadow cranesbill
Geranium pratense, commonly known as meadow cranesbill, is a deciduous perennial that forms attractive mounds of deeply lobed foliage and produces abundant cup-shaped, blue-violet flowers, sometimes white or pink. It's an excellent choice for garden borders, rockeries, or as ground cover in sunny or partially shaded areas. Its delicate flowers and vigorous growth make it ideal for cottage or naturalistic gardens, attracting pollinators.
Native range
Europe and temperate Asia
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade, where it will flower most profusely. It requires well-drained, moist but not waterlogged soil, and is quite tolerant of different soil types, though it prefers those rich in organic matter. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in its first year, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. A common mistake is planting it in very heavy or clay soils without improving drainage, which can be fatal for the plant.
How to save a dying Meadow cranesbill
- Warning signs
- Yellow or reddish leaves, soft stems, poor flowering, stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Ensure good ventilation and filtered light.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and lack of light, leading to root rot and fungal diseases.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotten. Act quickly to correct conditions.