did you know?

The cranesbill, or perennial geranium, is so named because its long seedpod resembles a crane's beak. Although its flowers are unlike those of common geraniums, which belong to the genus the two are often confused. The name "geranium" is derived from the Greek word for crane.

general maintenance:

Deadhead spent flowers, or shear plants a few inches to quickly deadhead numerous blossoms. If foliage becomes tattered, cut back plants to produce a new flush of growth. After frost or before new growth resumes in spring, cut foliage to the ground.

pests/diseases:

Leaf miners, slugs, and powdery mildew may occur.

controls:

Remove leaves damaged by leaf miners. Handpick slugs from foliage, or spread diatomaceous earth around plants. To discourage powdery mildew, space plants for adequate air circulation, and avoid wetting foliage directly. Remove and destroy severely infected plants, and pick off diseased leaves where practical.

how to sow/plant:

Set out young plants in spring or fall. Choose a sunny to partly shady site with moist, well-drained soil, and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Set plants at same depth they were in pot, spacing 2 feet apart. Water upon planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. In early spring, feed with an all-purpose fertilizer during active growth, following label directions. Do not overfertilize because this can result in excess foliage production and fewer blossoms.

garden hint:

Some cranesbills, such as this cultivar, can spread rapidly or are rampant self-sowers. To minimize spreading, deadhead all spent blossoms by shearing, which increases plant vigor and may produce a new flush of flowers.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Drought Tolerant
• Fall Foliage
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders
• Ground Cover

other uses:

combine with:

pincushion flower catmint lamb's ears and wormwood