Geranium erianthum

Common Names

Woolly Geranium, Cranesbill, Northern Geranium

Summary

Woolly geranium is a perennial herb native to temperate regions of Asia and North America, growing from a thick rhizome with erect stems. Stems reach about 0.6 m tall, with basal and lower-stem leaves on long petioles and upper leaves that are sessile; leaves are palmately cleft three to five times with irregular incisions; flowers are five-petaled, violet to purple with dark veins, blooming May–July, followed by a crane-bill fruit.

Cultivation favors sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils with pH ranging from mildly acidic to basic; habitats include meadows, forests, and scrub; propagation is by seed or division, and spacing about 45 cm apart promotes ground-cover effects. Hardy to USDA zone 4, it is generally pest- and disease-resistant though may encounter rust or powdery mildew in dry conditions; edible leaves raw or cooked and edible flowers, with historic uses including a brown dye from flowers and tannin-rich roots and leaves; suitable for borders, beds, underplanting of roses and shrubs, wildlife and cottage gardens.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.5; rich in organic matter; tolerates Chalk, Clay, Loam and Sand; equal parts garden soil and sand/perlite.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil; avoid wet feet; ideal mix ~50:50 garden soil and sand or perlite

Soil pH

6.0-7.5

Bloom Color

Blue to violet; rarely white

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green, red-green in autumn

Fall Foliage Color

Red and Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Stem cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees