Meadow Cranesbill

geranium pratense

Also known as: ["Meadow Geranium","Common Cranesbill"]

Family: Geraniaceae Genus: Geranium Category: Flowers

Overview

A hardy perennial with vibrant blue-purple flowers and deeply lobed leaves, native to meadows and grasslands across Europe and Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Geraniales
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Geranium
Botanical Name: Geranium pratense

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed in open areas with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly trim throughout the growing season as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-drained, moderately fertile soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; use mulch to retain moisture.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); can tolerate cooler nights.

Avoid placing near heat sources; protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize in spring/summer only; water before feeding to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be used but may not retain parent traits.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F/18–24°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, rooting medium, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead by cutting just above a leaf node; trim stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Check for dead/damaged growth, sterilize tools, prune after flowering, dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation.

Checklist

Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid sudden temperature drops; ensure good air circulation.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, or leaf drop in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Geranium pratense can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a sign of water stress, either from overwatering or drought conditions.

Wilting in Geranium pratense is typically caused by water stress, either due to insufficient watering leading to dehydration or overwatering leading to root rot, which impairs water uptake.

Leaf spots on Geranium pratense are usually caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to discolored, necrotic areas on the leaves, which can affect photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Rotting in Geranium pratense is often a result of fungal infections or bacterial pathogens, commonly associated with excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to root or stem decay.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Geranium pratense. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort in sensitive individuals.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Geranium pratense can lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in large amounts.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from chewing or ingesting the plant. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Geranium pratense contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingesting any parts of the plant. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Geranium pratense attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Is Geranium pratense toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How often should Geranium pratense be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is drought-tolerant once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Geraniaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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