Geranium Pratense

Geranium pratense is commonly known as meadow cranesbill. It is a wild geranium species that belongs to the genus Geranium (Cranesbills).Geraniums and pelargoniums (scented geraniums) are members of the Geraniaceae family.

Meadow cranesbill is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Europe and to Asia.

The plants grow north up to the boreal forests.

Yet, the meadow cranesbill has been introduced and naturalized in many places and has also become a popular garden plant.

Several garden hybrids have been cultivated and these are very much loved by many gardeners and flower lovers! The meadow cranesbill is very similar Geranium sylvaticum (woodland cranesbill, wood cranesbill), which is another common wild geranium species. Their different leaves can best distinguish the meadow and the wood cranesbill.

Because this is a wild species, this plants fits very well into a near-natural garden and is a superb food and nectar plant for many insects. It is a tough and all round plant that does not need much care and is very easy to grow.

This cranesbill species can grow from rather small to rather tall in height, from 20 to 80 centimetres. Sometimes, if the environmental conditions are excellent and the plant has its blooming period, the plant can grow taller than 1 meter!

The wild meadow cranesbill has blue-violet flowers that are radial symmetrical and have five petals. The blooming period is from July to August, but this can vary depending on the growing conditions.

Meadow cranesbills are shrubs that like to grow in sunny places and as the name suggests in open meadows. The plants tolerate dry soil as well as moist soil.

The plants are cold resistant and therefore winter hardy. You do not have to cover them for protection during winter season.

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