Hedgerow cranesbill
Geranium pyrenaicum · Geraniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hedgerow cranesbill: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Geraniaceae
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to September
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C)
- Origin
- Pyrenees Mountains, Southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, moderately fertile
Care
Bright light exposure
Pyrenean geranium prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. In very warm climates, light afternoon shade extends flowering. It tolerates partially shaded exposures well, where it remains vigorous.
Regular and measured watering
Water regularly in spring and summer to keep the soil moist, without excess water. In autumn and winter, reduce watering; the plant tolerates moderate drought well. Avoid stagnant humidity which promotes rotting.
Well-drained soil
This plant appreciates soil rich in organic matter, well-drained and moderately fertile. Improve compacted soil with compost or potting mix. It adapts to most ordinary garden soils, provided they don't waterlog.
Rejuvenation pruning
Prune lightly after the first flush of flowers to stimulate a second flowering. In late autumn or early winter, cut back dry or diseased stems. This plant tolerates pruning well and regrows vigorously.
Moderate fertilization
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient. In enriched soil, no fertilization is necessary. Excess nitrogen promotes vegetation at the expense of flowering.
Natural robustness
Pyrenean geranium is a very healthy plant, little susceptible to disease. Watch for slugs and snails in spring. Powdery mildew can appear in cases of excessive humidity and poor ventilation; ensure air circulation and reduce humidity.
Did you know?
Pyrenean geranium's name recalls its mountain origins, but it has naturalized in many temperate regions across Europe. Its delicate pink-mauve flowers were long used in mountain areas to identify quality meadows, where the plant grows spontaneously between rocks and grassy slopes.
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.