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Russell Stafford
Geraniaceae
Geranium maculatum
Spotted Cranesbill
Dainty light to deep pink blossoms cover spotted cranesbill from spring to early summer. This eastern North American perennial grows from rhizomes (underground rooting stems)and will colonize an area, although not aggressively. In the wild, plants exist in moist soils and dappled meadows, open woodlands and wooded edges. In southern areas with mild winters it may remain semi-evergreen through the cold season.
The dappled light to medium green leaves of spotted cranesbill are rounded with five to seven deeply incised lobes and have a ferny appearance. Plants form attractive upright clumps. In early spring to summer, variable pink blossoms appear above the leaves. The centers of the five-petaled flowers are usually white. Dry, brown fruits shaped like bird's beaks follow pollination by bees and other insects. When the seeds fall to the ground they readily germinate.
Grow spotted geranium in locations with partial shade and evenly moist fertile soil with average drainage and a slightly acid to neutral pH. This species will tolerate heat and drier soils but performs better if watered regularly during dry periods. Cut plants back after the first spring flowering to renew fresh foliage and encourage reblooming in early fall. Grow this pretty perennial wildflower in informal woodland gardens and shady mixed borders. Plants will self-sow with proficiency. This can be managed by cutting developing fruits back before they mature and release seed.
There are several garden grown selections with particularly desirable features. The dark foliage and pink flowers of 'Elizabeth Ann' are stunning and the white flowers of 'Helen Gallagher' will brighten any shaded garden. The natural form albiflorum also offers white flowers but is not a vigorous grower.
8 - 1
3 - 8
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
20"-30" / 50.8cm - 76.2cm
20"-24" / 50.8cm - 61.0cm
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, Canada
Acidic, Neutral
Average
Clay, Loam, Sand
Medium
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
White, Light Pink, Hot Pink, Lavender
Bicolor
Tan, Sandy Brown
Green, Light Green
Green
Green, Pink, Copper
Gray Green, Copper
No
Single
Yes
Semi-Evergreen
Mixed Border, Wildflower
Birds, Butterflies
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