Cranesbill.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial herbaceous plant

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

medium

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Varies greatly by species; typically 0.5-1.5m tall and wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 4 to 9

Bloom time

Late spring to early fall

Care

Most geraniums prefer well-draining soil and consistent moisture, though established plants can tolerate some drought. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning back after the first flush of flowers can promote a second bloom cycle and prevent legginess.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, especially in cooler conditions.

Feeding

Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer; usually not needed if grown in rich soil.

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to encourage rebloom and maintain shape. Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed.

Repotting

Perennial types rarely need repotting unless they outgrow their container or the soil becomes depleted. Division can be done during repotting.

Soil

Well-draining loam

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

-30 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

Most common garden geraniums (Pelargonium species) are generally considered non-toxic to humans, but can cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Some species might cause skin irritation.

Children

While not highly toxic, the ingestion of geranium leaves or flowers can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in children, and some children may develop skin irritation from handling the leaves.

Contact allergens

The essential oils in the leaves can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen of some geranium varieties can be a respiratory irritant for those with allergies.

Edibility

While some geranium species are considered edible or medicinal, it's best to avoid consuming any plant without absolute certainty of its identification and safety. Many plants look alike, and some have toxic look-alikes.

How to identify it

• Palmate or deeply lobed leaves
• Five-petaled, saucer-shaped flowers
• Flower colors: pink, purple, blue, white
• Fruiting body resembles a crane's bill
• Varying growth habits, from mounding to spreading
• Often have aromatic foliage

Height

0.2 to 1.5m

Spread

0.3 to 1.2m

Leaves

Green, Variegated, deciduous

Flowers

Pink, Purple, Blue, White, Red, 2 to 5cm

Common problems

• Gray Mold (Botrytis blight) — A fuzzy gray mold that affects leaves, stems, and flowers, often in cool, damp conditions.
• Leaf Spot — Various fungi can cause spots on the leaves, leading to yellowing and leaf drop.
• Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from new growth, causing distorted leaves and stunted plants.
• Whiteflies — Tiny, white, moth-like insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves and fly up when disturbed, draining plant juices.
• Root Rot — Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to yellowing leaves and plant decline.

Growing it

Propagation

Division, Seed, Cuttings

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant geraniums with herbs like rosemary or lavender; their aromatic qualities can help deter pests that bother both plant types.

Grows well with

• Petunias — Petunias thrive in similar sunny conditions and well-drained soil, creating a colorful display together.
• Marigolds — Marigolds can help deter some common geranium pests with their strong scent, and they share similar growing needs.
• Lobelia — Lobelia provides a lovely trailing contrast and benefits from the same bright light and moderate moisture levels.
• Alyssum — Sweet alyssum offers a fragrant, low-growing carpet that complements geraniums and attracts beneficial insects.

Keep away from

• Plants requiring constantly wet soil — Geraniums are susceptible to root rot if their soil remains waterlogged, making them poor companions for moisture-loving plants.
• Overly shady conditions — Geraniums perform best in sun and may become leggy and produce fewer flowers in deep shade, hindering their aesthetic potential.

Similar species

• True Geraniums (Cranesbills) — These are true geraniums, often perennial, with different leaf shapes and flower structures compared to the more common Pelargoniums.
• Ivy Geranium — This Pelargonium has trailing, ivy-like leaves and is often used in hanging baskets, differing from upright zonal geraniums.
• Regal Geranium — Known for its large, showy flowers and ruffled petals, it's a different type of Pelargonium, often grown as a seasonal specimen.

Science

Family

Geraniaceae

Genus

Geranium

Order

Geraniales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Southern Africa

Conservation

Most common garden geraniums are cultivated varieties and not of conservation concern. Wild geraniums vary in status depending on the region.

In their native habitat, Pelargoniums often grow in well-drained soils and require ample sunlight. They have adapted to survive periods of drought.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant (some species)

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental, fragrance (leaves), medicinal (traditional, some species), insect repellent (some species)

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water geraniums?

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Do geraniums need full sun?

Most geraniums prefer full sun to partial shade. They bloom best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

How do I deadhead geraniums?

Remove spent flowers by pinching or cutting the stem just above a set of leaves to encourage more blooms.

Can geraniums be grown indoors?

Yes, many geranium varieties can be grown as houseplants, provided they receive enough light.

What is the difference between a true geranium and a garden geranium?

True geraniums are typically herbaceous perennials with palmate leaves and are often called cranesbills, while garden geraniums are usually Pelargoniums, often grown as annuals, with more rounded or lobed leaves.

Where the name comes from

The common garden geranium belongs to the genus Pelargonium, named by German botanist Hermann Boerhaave. The name 'geranium' itself comes from the Greek word 'geranos' (crane), referring to the resemblance of the fruit to a crane's bill.

Good to know

• The name 'Pelargonium' comes from the Greek word 'pelargos', meaning 'stork', because the seed pods resemble a stork's bill.
• Many varieties have aromatic leaves that release their scent when bruised.
• Geranium essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and perfumes.
• They are native to South Africa.