Geranium maculatum (spotted cranesbill) — Mound-forming or spreading

Overview

Geranium maculatum is a mound-forming or spreading perennial in the genus Geranium, part of the Geraniaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Geranium maculatum grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, borders and naturalized areas. It is native to E N America.

About

Geranium maculatum is a mound-forming or spreading perennial with rounded, palmately lobed leaves that are often aromatic. It reaches about 0.6 m and flowers from June to September. It tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows in almost any reasonable soil provided it is well drained but not parched. Use it where a relaxed, naturalised look is wanted, particularly in woodland-style borders and under light canopy.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium maculatum

About the genus

Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums, hardy geraniums, or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, with the greatest diversity in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Geranium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Geranium

In the garden

Geranium maculatum originates from eastern North America and forms a low mound of deeply divided, rounded leaves. The foliage is described as deciduous or semi-evergreen and often carries a perceptible aroma when handled, which makes it useful for adding foliage character through the season. Flowering runs from June to September, giving a steady display through summer. Plant into full sun to partial shade in soil that ranges from loam and chalk to sand or clay, so long as it drains reasonably well and does not remain waterlogged. Soil pH is not critical; this geranium tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline ground. It is rated H5–H7 for UK hardiness (H5 = hardy, H6 = very hardy, H7 = fully hardy), so it will survive typical winter conditions across most of the UK; the USDA range is 4–9 for those using that scale. Place Geranium maculatum in woodland gardens, mixed borders or naturalised areas where a mound-forming perennial can sit beneath taller plants or shrubs. Its height and spreading habit make it suitable for edging and filling gaps, while the aromatic, palmately lobed leaves provide a distinct textural contrast beneath trees and larger perennials.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Geranium

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk, sand or clay
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained but not parched
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Geranium maculatum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mound-forming or spreading
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; rounded, palmately lobed, often aromatic
Height: 0.6 m
Suggested uses: woodland gardens, borders, naturalized areas
Native to: E N America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Geranium maculatum

Cultivation: Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.
Pruning: Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn. Many species self-seed freely, and basal cuttings suit cultivars that resent disturbance.
Pest resistance: Largely untroubled, though vine weevil grubs attack the roots of container plants and sawfly larvae occasionally strip leaves.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and rust may appear on congested plants in a dry summer; shearing back usually resolves both.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Geranium maculatum?

Among the least demanding of perennials, asking only for reasonable drainage and an open position. Shear the whole plant back hard after the first flush and water it in; most kinds then produce fresh foliage and a second showing by late summer.

Where is the best place to plant Geranium maculatum?

Geranium maculatum prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Geranium maculatum need?

Geranium maculatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including almost any reasonable soil — loam, chalk and sand or clay. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained but not parched.

How do I prune Geranium maculatum?

Cut back to a low framework after the first flowering to renew the foliage and prompt repeat bloom. Tidy any remaining growth in late autumn or early spring.