Geranium maculatum
Attract pollinators and add colour to your shady space by planting Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). Also known as Spotted Geranium or Cranesbill, this clump-forming woodland plant stands 30-60 cm tall with deeply lobed dark green leaves that make an excellent ground cover. In late spring, enjoy Wild Geranium’s pinkish-mauve flowers, which can grow 2.5-4 cm across.
Pollinator-Friendly
Delicate lines along the petals guide pollinators to the nectar and pollen found within each blossom. Capture fantastic photos of visitors like Mourning Cloak butterflies or the White-marked Tussock Moth caterpillars that use Wild Geranium as a host plant. Keep an eye out for native bees like bumblebees, mason bees, cuckoo bees and Andrenid bees, too.
Wild Geranium in Your Garden
To grow, select a moist, shady location or plant in part shade for best flowering. Water during extended hot, dry conditions to keep foliage green. No need to deadhead because the plant only blooms once each season. When seeds are ripe, watch for exploding seed capsules that propel seeds up to 9 m (30 ft) away.
Pair with Wild Columbine, Foamflower and Large-leaved Aster. For plentiful spring blooms, plant in front of Viburnum or Serviceberry shrubs.