The short answer

Quick Answer

Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) thrives in partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 5.5-7.5), well-drained soil. Reaches 30 to 60cm depending on variety. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: After first flowering, usually late June. Cut back hard for a fresh flush

How: Shear to the ground. New foliage appears within 3 weeks

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Worldwide, mostly temperate northern hemisphere

Native or exotic: Several UK native species including Geranium pratense (meadow cranesbill) and G. robertianum (herb robert)

History: Cultivated in British gardens since the 1500s

Folklore: In folklore, geraniums were planted around homes to ward off snakes

Fun fact: The seed heads look like a crane or heron bill, which gives the common name cranesbill

Historical medicinal uses: Some species used traditionally for wound healing and as astringents. Not for self-use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Excellent for bees and hoverflies [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 9 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 8 out of 10 High. Long flowering and native species support many insects[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowering May to August, often with a second flush after shearing[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with roses, salvias, nepeta and alliums

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Generally trouble-free. Occasional powdery mildew in dry conditions

Invasive note: Not invasive. Some species self-seed mildly

CGM care note

Geranium Rozanne is our most-planted variety. It flowers from May to October with no deadheading. A single plant covers a square metre.

CGM guides mentioning Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)

How Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) (Geranium species and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Geranium species and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Geraniaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Fiz O, Vargas P, Alarcon M, Aedo C (2008). Phylogeny of Geraniaceae. Systematic Botany, 33(4), 715-726.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Geraniaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, seasonal_highlight, pruning.

  4. 4
    Hicks DM, Ouvrard P, Baldock KCR, et al. (2016). Food for pollinators: quantifying the nectar and pollen resources of urban flower meadows. PLOS ONE, 11(6), e0158117.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 9/10 for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). The pollinator description above ("Excellent for bees and hoverflies") is consistent with this study's finding that plants in the high-nectar-yield category attract exceptional numbers of bees, butterflies, and moths. The Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Long flowering and native species support many insects") is supported by the study's quantification of nectar resources during the mid-summer flowering period (Seasonal highlight: "Flowering May to August, often with a second flush after shearing"). Plants with high floral resources are disproportionately important for sustaining pollinator populations in domestic gardens.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 9/10 and the Pollinators description ("Excellent for bees and hoverflies"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Long flowering and native species support many insects") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Geraniaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) performs well locally

Towns where Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

Possible with extra care

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