Wild Geranium
geranium maculatum
Also known as: ["Cranesbill","Spotted Geranium"]
Overview
A native North American perennial herb with showy pinkish-purple flowers and deeply lobed leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Geraniales |
| Family: | Geraniaceae |
| Genus: | Geranium |
| Botanical Name: | Geranium maculatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning in early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; provide dappled shade in hot afternoons; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light patterns.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic to neutral soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid compacted soil; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.
Keep away from drafty windows; use a fan for air circulation in heat; monitor temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize less in winter; apply in early morning or evening; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone (optional), plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may take an additional month.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers or damaged foliage.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors; disinfect tools before use.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape the plant, remove spent flowers, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, position plant correctly, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing leaves in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; mulch around roots to insulate.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow in temperatures above 85°F (29°C).
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Geranium maculatum. The plant's essential oils can irritate the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Geranium maculatum can lead to mild gastrointestinal distress due to the presence of geraniol and other volatile compounds. While not typically life-threatening, it can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicGeranium maculatum contains geraniol and other essential oils that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested in significant quantities. The plant does not typically pose a serious health risk to humans but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Wild Geranium attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Is Wild Geranium toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How should Wild Geranium be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it prefers consistent moisture but is somewhat drought tolerant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Geraniaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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