Wild geranium
Geranium maculatum · Geraniaceae
📷 Eric in SF · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant wild geranium: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Geranium maculatum
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to June
- Mature height
- About 60 cm
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zone 3-8)
- Origin
- North America
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Geranium maculatum prefers humus-rich soil, dappled shade is ideal, with regular moisture but no waterlogging. After flowering, divide clumps every 3–4 years to rejuvenate them.
The common mistake
Letting it dry out too much during growth or planting it in poor, compacted soil: it'll struggle and flower poorly.
The pro's trick
Work in some well-rotted compost at the end of winter.
Care
Light Exposure
Spotted geranium thrives in partial shade to dappled shade, ideal in a woodland garden or under tree cover. It also tolerates soft sun in temperate climates. Avoid full southern exposure in warm regions, where afternoon shade is beneficial.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during spring growth and flowering. Moderate watering once or twice a week depending on climatic conditions is generally sufficient. Gradually reduce watering after flowering and as the plant enters dormancy.
Soil
Prefer rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Adding organic matter (compost, fallen leaves) improves moisture retention and root development. This plant adapts well to natural woodland soils.
Fertilizing
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring encourages beautiful flowering. A mulch of well-decomposed compost around the base at the start of the season is often sufficient to nourish the plant. No excess feeding is necessary for this undemanding species.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove spent flowers to extend the blooming period. In autumn, after dormancy, cut stems down to ground level. No strict pruning is necessary; the plant self-regulates naturally and produces attractive ephemeral foliage.
Diseases and Pests
Spotted geranium is very resistant to common garden diseases. Watch for slugs and snails in spring, which enjoy its young foliage. Well-aerated and draining soil prevents root rot.
Did you know?
Spotted geranium lives up to its name: its leaves display distinctive reddish or marbled spots, particularly visible in spring. Native Americans traditionally used this plant for medicinal purposes. Today, it's a reliable choice for shaded gardens in North America and Europe, valued for its subtle charm and dependability.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Meadow geraniumGeranium pratense
- Bloody Crane's-billGeranium sanguineum
- Rock crane's-billGeranium macrorrhizum
- French crane's-billGeranium endressii
- Purple-vein geraniumGeranium wallichianum
- Himalayan crane's-billGeranium himalayense
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.