Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)
Geranium sanguineum
True Geraniums ARE NOT the 'geraniums' (Pelargonium) sold at every garden center — the two genera split 80 million years ago, and the common-name confusion has caused 200 years of buyer disappointment when 'hardy geranium' fails to look like the bedding-plant photos.
How to care for hardy geranium (cranesbill)
Shear back hard after first bloom flush for fresh foliage and a rebloom. Tolerates drought once established. 'Rozanne' won Perennial Plant of the Year 2008 for blooming June through October — the longest of any hardy geranium.
Garden uses & design ideas
Best garden use
Place it in repeatable drifts through borders so the color and texture carry the eye instead of appearing as a one-off plant.
Pair it with
Roses, Iris, Catmint make easy companion choices because they share similar light, water, or visual texture needs.
Layout tip
Match it with part sun exposure, place it in a moderate-water bed where soil can stay evenly damp but not soggy, and check USDA zones 3-8 before planting. Use the garden planner to test spacing around its mature size: 8-18 in tall, 18-24 in wide.
Gardener note — Double-check local invasive, edible, and toxicity guidance with your county extension office before planting around pets, children, or natural areas.
Companion plants
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) grows well alongside these — similar light, water, and texture needs.
Common pests & problems
Where it grows best
Native to Europe and Western Asia; thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Frequently asked about hardy geranium (cranesbill)
What USDA zones does Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) grow in?+
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Outside these zones, it can usually be grown indoors or as a seasonal annual.
How much sun does Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) need?+
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) prefers part sun. Place it where it gets that light most of the day for best growth and flowering.
How often should I water Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)?+
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) has moderate water needs. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Shear back hard after first bloom flush for fresh foliage and a rebloom. Tolerates drought once established. 'Rozanne' won Perennial Plant of the Year 2008 for blooming June through October — the longest of any hardy geranium.
How big does Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) get?+
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) reaches a mature size of 8-18 in tall, 18-24 in wide. Growth rate is moderate, so plan spacing accordingly when planting.
What plants grow well with Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)?+
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) pairs well with Roses, Iris, Catmint, Peony. These companions share similar care requirements and don't compete aggressively for resources.
What pests affect Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill)?+
Common Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) problems include essentially pest-free; deer-resistant. Catching early signs in routine inspection prevents most damage.
When does Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) bloom?+
Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill) blooms in late spring to early summer (rebloomer) in pink, magenta, blue, white, purple. Deadheading spent flowers (where applicable) often encourages a longer bloom window.
Design a garden with hardy geranium (cranesbill) in minutes
Drag plants into a 3D space, walk through it, or upload a photo and let AI redesign it. Test spacing around its mature size before you plant.
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